Best Candied Yams Recipe: Perfect for Holidays and Special Occasions

Nothing says “holiday season” like the rich, caramelized flavor of candied yams. This classic Southern dish is a staple on Thanksgiving and Christmas tables. It’s loved for its sweet taste and comforting texture.

Whether you’re adding nostalgia to your holiday feast or looking for a new side dish, this best candied yams recipe will impress. It’s sure to be a hit with your guests.

Key Takeaways

• This candied yams recipe features sweet potatoes tossed in a delicious brown sugar, butter, and spice mixture, then baked until caramelized.
• The addition of marshmallows on top makes it the perfect holiday side dish with minimal effort.
• Candied yams are a quintessential Thanksgiving and Christmas staple, beloved for their sweet, decadent flavor and comforting texture.
• The recipe can be customized with a variety of spices and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
• This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday gatherings.

Introduction

Candied yams are a beloved holiday side dish for many families. They are made with sweet potatoes and topped with a caramelized brown sugar glaze and fluffy marshmallows. This dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special event.

In the United States, candied yams are often made from sweet potatoes. This started in the 1930s when Louisiana farmers called their sweet potatoes “yams.” Yams are starchy and hard, needing longer cooking times. Sweet potatoes, however, are naturally sweet and golden orange, often used in pies and candied yams.

The use of marshmallows on candied yams began in the 1900s. Angelus Marshmallow’s brochure taught cooks how to use marshmallows in recipes. Today, there are many candied yam recipes, including ones with walnuts and maple-glazed sweet potatoes and apples.

The Easy Candied Yams recipe needs just four ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes, 1 cup light brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of vegan butter (optional), and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require boiling. The recipe includes butter, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger for the syrup.

Why This is the Best Candied Yams Recipe

This candied yams recipe offers a perfect mix of sweet and creamy texture. The yams are baked until tender and caramelized, giving a rich flavor. It’s a holiday tradition for a reason – it’s loved at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plus, it only needs a few simple ingredients for amazing flavor.

The Sweetness and Texture of Perfect Candied Yams

The secret to this best candied yams recipe is baking the yams right. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness, making the flavor rich and decadent. The creamy yams and the candied glaze together make a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

A Holiday Favorite: Why Candied Yams Are So Popular

Candied yams are a favorite on holiday tables. Their sweet flavor and vibrant color complement roasted turkey and stuffing. This best candied yams recipe is a hit at any gathering.

Simple Ingredients, Amazing Flavor

This best candied yams recipe stands out for its simplicity. With just a few easy-to-find ingredients, it’s packed with flavor. The brown sugar, spices, butter, and vanilla all enhance the yams’ natural sweetness, making it a standout side dish.

Ingredients for the Best Candied Yams Recipe

This classic candied yams recipe uses sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These ingredients mix to create a sweet, textured, and flavorful dish. It’s a favorite during the holidays.

Key Ingredients: Yams, Brown Sugar, and Spices

The recipe needs 3 to 4 pounds of sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. It uses 1 cup of brown sugar for sweetness and 1/2 cup of butter for richness. Vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg add to the flavor.

Choosing the Right Sweetener: Brown Sugar vs. Maple Syrup

Brown sugar is traditional for candied yams, but maple syrup is an alternative. Maple syrup gives a caramel-like flavor that matches the spices. The choice depends on your taste preference.

Adding Extras: Marshmallows, Pecans, and Spices

Some recipes add marshmallows, pecans, and spices to enhance the dish. These extras can include:

• Marshmallows: 2 cups of miniature marshmallows add a gooey, toasted sweetness.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Extra spices: Cinnamon, allspice, clove, or cayenne pepper can amplify the warm, comforting notes.

These optional ingredients let you customize the recipe to your liking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Candied Yams Recipe

Get ready to make the perfect candied yams recipe. It’s great for holidays, special occasions, or when you want a comforting side dish. Let’s go through the steps to make this sweet and caramelized treat.

Step 1: Preparing and Peeling the Yams

First, pick the best sweet potatoes, also called “yams” in many recipes. Peel them and cut into even chunks. This ensures they cook evenly in the oven.

Step 2: Creating the Sweet, Spiced Syrup

In a saucepan, mix the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and spices like allspice and ginger. Add a pinch of salt too. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens a bit.

Step 3: Baking the Yams to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Put the sweet potato chunks in a baking dish and pour the syrup over them. Gently toss to coat them evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Take off the foil, stir the yams, and bake for another 15-20 minutes. They should be tender and caramelized. For the classic look, add marshmallows in the last 5-10 minutes.

“The key to the best candied yams is to create a thick, glossy syrup that coats the sweet potatoes without becoming overly greasy or breaking down in the oven.”

By following these steps, you’ll have delicious how to make candied yams. They’ll have tender, caramelized sweet potatoes and a rich syrup. Your guests will love them.

Variations of the Best Candied Yams Recipe

The classic candied yams with marshmallows is a favorite. But, you can add your own twist to this dish. Try spiced or healthier versions to reinvent this holiday classic.

Classic Candied Yams with Marshmallows

The traditional candied yams recipe has a sweet glaze and marshmallows on top. It’s great for Thanksgiving or any special event. It’s a comforting and indulgent side dish.

Spiced Candied Yams with Cinnamon and Nutmeg

For a twist, add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to your candied yams. These spices enhance the yams’ natural sweetness. It makes the dish truly irresistible.

Vegan or Healthier Options for Candied Yams

• Use coconut oil or olive oil instead of butter for a vegan version.
• Try maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a healthier sweetener.
• Add a streusel topping with oats, nuts, and spice for a crunchy contrast.

Choosing the right candied yams variation is key. The secret is slow baking until they’re tender and glazed. Experiment with flavors and toppings to find your favorite.

“The secret to the best candied yams is in the baking. Slow-roasting the yams allows the natural sugars to caramelize, creating a perfectly sweet and tender dish.”

Tips for Perfecting Your Candied Yams

To get the perfect candied yams, focus on a few important steps. First, cut the sweet potatoes into even pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. Avoid overcooking, as it can make them mushy.

Achieving the Right Caramelized Finish

To get a great caramelized finish, bake the yams for 30-40 minutes. Stir them occasionally until they’re tender and the sauce thickens. This process caramelizes the sweet potatoes, giving them a rich, golden-brown crust.

How Long to Bake for the Best Texture

For the best candied yams, bake them for 30-40 minutes. Watch them closely, especially when adding marshmallows. Marshmallows can burn fast, so keep an eye on them to get the perfect soft yams and gooey marshmallows.

By following these tips, you’ll make the perfect candied yams. They’ll impress everyone at your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Candied Yams

Candied yams are a favorite holiday dish. They are known for their sweet flavor and smooth texture. But, there are a few common mistakes that can ruin this classic side. By avoiding these mistakes, you can make sure your candied yams are perfect every time.

Using Too Much Sugar or Butter

It’s easy to add too much sugar or butter when making candied yams. This can make the dish too sweet. The trick is to find the right balance. Let the natural sweetness of the yams shine while adding just enough brown sugar and butter.

Not Allowing Enough Time for the Yams to Bake

Rushing the baking can result in underbaked yams. These yams won’t have the caramelized finish you want. Make sure to bake the yams for 1.5 to 2 hours. This will make them tender and develop that perfect candied exterior.

Overcooking the Yams and Losing Texture

On the other hand, overcooking the yams can make them mushy. This ruins their appealing texture. Keep an eye on the baking time and check the yams often to avoid this mistake.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be on your way to making the perfect candied yams. These will surely impress your friends and family all season long.

Conclusion: Enjoying the Perfectly Sweet, Caramelized Yams

This candied yams recipe is a perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and comforting. It’s a must-have for any holiday table. Serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special event. Your guests will love these caramelized yams and they’ll become a family favorite.

Creating this dish is easy with just a few ingredients and some baking time. It highlights the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. The brown sugar and cinnamon make a delicious glaze. Add marshmallows or nuts for a fun texture contrast.

This recipe is great for both experienced cooks and beginners. It’s easy to follow and always turns out well. So, invite your loved ones over and enjoy these sweet, caramelized yams together. They’ll make your special occasions even more memorable.