If you’ve ever enjoyed a holiday feast, especially during Thanksgiving or Christmas, chances are you’ve encountered candied yams. This traditional dish, known for its sweet and savory combination of sweet potatoes or yams glazed with butter, brown sugar, and spices, is a beloved side dish that has found its way into the hearts (and stomachs) of many families.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make perfect candied yams, explore various delicious variations, and provide useful tips and tricks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this guide will ensure your candied yams stand out as a star dish at any holiday meal. And don’t worry, we’ve included a few tasty twists to keep things interesting! To understand how dishes like candied yams became holiday classics, you can explore the broader history of Thanksgiving traditions here.
What Are Candied Yams?
Candied yams are a traditional side dish made primarily from sweet potatoes (although often labeled as yams in U.S. stores) that are baked in a rich mixture of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and sometimes topped with marshmallows. This sweet and comforting dish is especially popular during the holiday season and pairs perfectly with savory meats like roasted turkey or ham.
While simple in nature, the beauty of candied yams lies in their versatility. You can customize the dish with different spices, toppings, and even a splash of bourbon to elevate it for special occasions.
The History of Candied Yams
Though candied yams have become synonymous with American holiday dinners, their origins trace back to the Southern United States. In the 19th century, sweet potatoes were commonly grown across the South and quickly became a staple in many homes. The addition of sugar, butter, and spices was a natural fit for the holiday table.
As the dish grew in popularity, the addition of marshmallows in the 1910s brought a new dimension to the recipe. While not every recipe includes marshmallows, they have become a hallmark of the classic version many Americans enjoy today.
For a deeper dive into the culinary history of this dish, it’s important to distinguish between yams and sweet potatoes. You can explore the difference between yams and sweet potatoes to understand how these two terms became so intermingled in U.S. kitchens.
Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes: What’s the Difference?
Although the terms “yams” and “sweet potatoes” are often used interchangeably in American recipes, they are technically different root vegetables. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Yams: True yams are native to Africa and Asia, and they have a rough, bark-like skin with dry, starchy flesh. They are not commonly available in U.S. grocery stores.
- Sweet Potatoes: What most Americans refer to as yams are actually sweet potatoes, which are sweeter, with softer flesh and smooth skin. These come in various colors, from pale yellow to deep orange.
In reality, most “candied yam” recipes in the U.S. are made with sweet potatoes. It’s always good to know this difference when picking ingredients, as it can affect the texture and flavor of your dish.
Ingredients for the Perfect Candied Yams Recipe
To make the perfect candied yams, you only need a handful of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the sweet, caramelized flavor that defines this dish.
Key Ingredients:
- Sweet Potatoes (or Canned Yams): The star of the dish. Fresh sweet potatoes offer the best texture and flavor, but canned yams can be used for convenience.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create the signature caramelized glaze.
- Brown Sugar: Essential for sweetness and to develop a syrupy glaze that coats the yams.
- Mini Marshmallows: Optional, but traditional in many recipes, they add a gooey sweetness and toasty top layer.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic spices that add warmth and depth of flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Optional but adds a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
- Pecans or Walnuts: For added texture and a nutty crunch, these can be sprinkled on top.
With just these ingredients, you can create an irresistible dish that’s perfect for any holiday gathering.
How to Make Candied Yams: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we know what goes into candied yams, let’s walk through the process of making them step by step. Whether you’re using canned yams or fresh sweet potatoes, following these instructions will ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes or Yams
The first decision to make is whether to use canned yams or fresh sweet potatoes. Here’s how to handle both:
For Fresh Sweet Potatoes:
- Peel and Slice: Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and slicing them into thick rounds or cubes. Try to keep the sizes uniform for even cooking.
- Boil or Bake: You can either boil the sweet potatoes for 10-15 minutes until tender or bake them whole at 375°F for 45 minutes until soft. Baking intensifies the flavor, while boiling is faster.
For Canned Yams:
1: Drain the Syrup: Simply open the can, drain the syrup, and pat the yams dry to remove excess moisture.
2: Make the Candied Glaze
The glaze is what transforms simple sweet potatoes into candied yams. Here’s how to make it:
- Melt the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter.
- Add Brown Sugar and Spices: Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Simmer the mixture for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Optional Additions: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of orange juice for a hint of citrus.
3: Assemble the Dish
- Layer the Sweet Potatoes: Place the boiled or baked sweet potatoes in a greased baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
- Pour the Glaze: Pour the glaze over the potatoes, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover with Foil: Cover the dish with aluminum foil before baking to help the sweet potatoes absorb the glaze.
4: Bake the Candied Yams
- Bake at 350°F: Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, covered.
- Add Toppings: After 30 minutes, remove the foil. If using mini marshmallows, sprinkle them over the top and return the dish to the oven for 10-15 more minutes until the marshmallows are golden and the glaze is bubbly.
5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the candied yams rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the glaze to thicken slightly. Serve them warm alongside your holiday favorites.
Candied Yams Recipe Variations
One of the best things about candied yams is how customizable they are. Whether you prefer something rich and indulgent or a more complex flavor profile, there’s a variation to suit everyone’s taste. Let’s explore some of the most popular variations of this classic dish.
Southern-Style Candied Yams
For a richer, more decadent dish, Southern-style candied yams are the way to go. These variations typically include more butter, brown sugar, and warm spices for a bold flavor.
- Extra Butter and Sugar: Use ¾ cup of butter and 1½ cups of dark brown sugar for an extra rich and syrupy glaze.
- Warm Spices: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, and a pinch of allspice to the glaze for a deep, spicy flavor.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the yams before baking for added crunch and texture.
Spicy Candied Yams
If you like your food with a little kick, try making spicy candied yams. The sweetness of the yams pairs wonderfully with a touch of heat.
- Add Heat: Stir ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the glaze for a spicy twist.
- Ginger and Clove: Swap out the cinnamon for ground ginger and clove to add an extra layer of spice.
- Hot Honey Finish: Drizzle the finished dish with hot honey for a sweet and spicy combo that will surprise and delight your guests.
Maple-Glazed Candied Yams
For a more natural sweetness, try using pure maple syrup in place of some or all of the brown sugar.
- Maple Syrup Glaze: Use ¾ cup of maple syrup instead of brown sugar to create a rich, maple-infused glaze.
- Maple Butter: Combine ½ cup of butter with the maple syrup and add a pinch of cinnamon for flavor.
- Maple Pecan Topping: Top the yams with chopped pecans tossed in maple syrup for a crunchy, sweet finish.
No-Marshmallow Candied Yams
If you’re not a fan of marshmallows, there are plenty of ways to make candied yams without them.
- Candied Pecans: Replace the marshmallows with candied pecans for a crunchy, nutty alternative.
- Cinnamon Sugar Crumble: Make a simple crumble topping with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon for a crunchy, caramelized topping.
- Honey Drizzle: After baking, drizzle the yams with honey or maple syrup for a sweet finish.
Candied Yams with Bourbon
For a more sophisticated version, add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for a rich, smoky flavor.
- Bourbon Glaze: After melting the butter and brown sugar, stir in ¼ cup of bourbon and simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol.
- Maple Bourbon: Combine bourbon with maple syrup for a luxurious glaze that will impress your guests.
Pro Tips for the Best Candied Yams
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for better texture and flavor, but canned yams work well in a pinch.
- Don’t skimp on butter—it helps create a rich, caramelized glaze.
- If your glaze is too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice to thin it out.
- Prepare ahead of time by making the dish up to a day in advance, but add the marshmallows just before baking to avoid them getting soggy.
FAQs About Candied Yams
What is the best type of sweet potato for candied yams?
Opt for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
Can you make candied yams ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the yams and glaze a day ahead, but wait to add the marshmallows until just before baking.
How do you reheat candied yams?
Reheat the yams in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through and the marshmallows are soft.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the classic candied yams recipe or one of its delicious variations, this dish is a must-have at any holiday table. Its perfect blend of sweetness and warmth makes it the ideal side to complement savory main dishes. You might also want to explore unique dessert recipes like this velveeta mac and cheese recipe for your next comfort meal.
With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy this timeless recipe year-round, not just during the holidays!
