If you’re searching for a show-stopping side that wows both at family holidays and cozy Sunday dinners, Candied Yams are your ticket to irresistible comfort and nostalgia. This dish is everything you love about classic, homey recipes: tender sweet potato chunks wrapped in a glossy, buttery brown sugar sauce, crowned with golden marshmallows (if you like). Every bite captures the sweet-spice balance that makes the Southern tradition of Candied Yams so beloved. Whether for Thanksgiving or just to treat yourself, it’s a colorful, delectable treat nobody can resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on tried-and-true basics that work together in pure harmony. Each ingredient adds a little something magical—sweetness, warmth, silkiness, or crunch—to the final result. Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Candied Yams:
- Yams or Sweet Potatoes: Choose large, vibrant tubers for a rich, orange color and a naturally sweet base.
- Unsalted Butter, melted: Butter pulls everything together, giving each bite a creamy, rich finish.
- Brown Sugar, packed: This brings unmistakable caramel notes and deep sweetness to the glaze.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Adds complexity, subtle floral flavors, and a beautiful gloss to the sauce.
- Cinnamon: Essential for warmth and that classic cozy aroma everyone loves.
- Nutmeg: A small amount goes a long way, adding character to the mix.
- Ground Ginger: For subtle spice and a delightful zing to cut through the sweetness.
- Salt: Just a pinch amplifies all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with aromatic depth and makes everything taste homemade.
- Mini Marshmallows (optional): For that traditional, gooey, toasted topping that kids (and adults) go crazy for.
How to Make Candied Yams
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by peeling your yams or sweet potatoes and cutting them into 1-inch chunks—the perfect size for even cooking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent any glorious caramelization from sticking.
Step 2: Arrange the Yams
Scatter the yam pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. This ensures every chunk gets coated in the luscious glaze and bakes up evenly tender without crowding or overlap.
Step 3: Mix the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup or honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract. This caramel-like mixture will infuse the yams with all its warmth and sweetness as it bakes.
Step 4: Coat and Toss
Pour the glaze evenly over the yams, then toss them gently using a spatula or your hands. Make sure every piece is liberally coated so the flavor soaks in and the top caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This gentle, steamy start helps the yams soften and soak up that spiced syrupy goodness from the start.
Step 6: Uncover and Caramelize
After the first bake, carefully remove the foil, give the yams a gentle stir, and return the dish to the oven. Bake another 20 minutes uncovered to let the glaze thicken and the edges caramelize for extra flavor and gorgeous color.
Step 7: Add Marshmallows (optional)
If using marshmallows, sprinkle them generously on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. Pop the dish back in the oven and let the marshmallows melt and turn golden for that classic gooey finish everyone loves.
How to Serve Candied Yams
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, try showering your Candied Yams with chopped toasted pecans, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a little extra cinnamon right before serving. These additions add crunch, visual flair, and a nuanced flavor that takes each bite to another level.
Side Dishes
Candied Yams pair divinely with pretty much any centerpiece: think roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a plant-based main. On the side, offer something green and bright—like garlicky sautéed green beans, a crisp salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts—to balance out the sweetness and round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop portions into individual ramekins and top with a few mini marshmallows, then broil until golden. Or, serve in a rustic casserole and let guests dig in family-style! You can even mix in dried cranberries or a splash of orange juice for a festive, fruity upgrade—Candied Yams are endlessly adaptable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, your Candied Yams will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers just as tempting as the day you made them.
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, Candied Yams freeze surprisingly well. Just let the dish cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, hold off on adding marshmallows until after reheating—this preserves their signature texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop your yams back into a 350°F oven, covered with foil, and bake until warmed through—usually about 20 to 25 minutes. If you want the marshmallow topping freshly toasted, add it partway through reheating and broil for just a couple minutes to finish.
FAQs
Can I use canned yams instead of fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh yams or sweet potatoes give the best texture and flavor, canned ones save time. Just be sure to drain them well and reduce the initial bake time, since they’re already soft.
What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?
In most American grocery stores, “yams” are actually orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. True yams are starchier and less sweet, but either will work here—just look for sweet, vibrantly colored tubers for the classic Candied Yams experience.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey. There are also vegan marshmallows out there that melt just as beautifully for your finishing touch.
How do I prevent the glaze from getting too runny?
If your glaze is on the thin side, make sure to bake uncovered at the end and stir the yams. This lets extra liquid evaporate and the sugars thicken, so you end up with that dreamy caramelized finish.
Are Candied Yams gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is completely gluten-free—none of the ingredients contain wheat or gluten. Just double-check your marshmallows and vanilla extract if you’re serving someone with a severe allergy.
Final Thoughts
This Candied Yams recipe brings warmth, nostalgia, and pure joy to any table. If you’ve never made them from scratch before, you’re in for an easy, sweet, and utterly crowd-pleasing treat. Give them a try at your next gathering and get ready for rave reviews—you may just find yourself making Candied Yams for more than just the holidays!
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Candied Yams Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of these classic Candied Yams. A perfect side dish for any holiday gathering or cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Yams:
- 4 large yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Yams: Place yam chunks in the dish.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla. Pour over yams and toss to coat.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, stir yams, and bake an additional 20 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Optional Topping: If using marshmallows, sprinkle on top during the last 10 minutes of baking until golden and melted.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of orange juice or sprinkle with chopped pecans before baking.
- Candied yams can be prepared a day in advance—just reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
