Candied Yams Recipe

If there’s one classic side dish that embodies the soul-warming magic of Southern comfort food, it’s this Candied Yams Recipe. These sweet, buttery, spiced yams are melt-in-your-mouth tender with a glossy, caramel-like glaze that begs for second helpings. Every bite offers a perfect mix of silky sweet potato, toasty spices, and deliciously rich syrup—making it a must-have, not just for the holidays, but any time you crave a little extra coziness on your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Candied Yams Recipe so irresistible is its modest yet mighty ingredient list. Each component shines with its own unique role, from creating melt-in-your-mouth tenderness to delivering a golden caramel finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Yams (or sweet potatoes): Choose vibrant, firm yams for their unbeatable sweet, earthy flavor and creamy texture after baking.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that classic warmth and inviting aroma, making every forkful extra special.
• Ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way to deepen the flavor and deliver a subtle nutty note.
• Granulated sugar: Gives structure to the glaze and balances the softness of the yams with a delicate sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Brings rich, molasses undertones that caramelize beautifully, making that sticky candied finish we love.
• Butter: Cubed for easy melting, butter melds all flavors together, infusing each bite with undeniable richness.

How to Make Candied Yams Recipe

Step 1: Parboil the Yams

Start by peeling and chopping your yams into generous chunks—think big enough to hold their shape, small enough to soak up flavor. Place them in a large stock pot or Dutch oven, generously cover with water, and bring to a low boil over medium-high heat. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, just until a fork slips in with a little resistance. Aim for slightly softened, not fully cooked. Drain them well, so there’s no excess water to dilute your glaze.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish

While the yams are tenderizing, turn your oven to 350 degrees F. Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish—this size ensures every piece is snug and has ample surface area to candy properly. Transfer the drained yams into the dish, spreading them out evenly for perfect coverage.

Step 3: Sprinkle on the Spices and Sugar

With your yams nestled in the baking dish, shower them with ground cinnamon and nutmeg, letting the spices coat every edge. Next, sprinkle both the granulated sugar and the brown sugar evenly over the top, making sure each yam chunk gets a little sweetness. This blend guarantees a multi-dimensional glaze that bakes up glossy and deeply flavorful.

Step 4: Dot with Butter

Cubed butter is the key to a luscious, velvety finish. Dot the pieces all over the sugared yams so they melt into every crevice during baking. This richness not only brings the Candied Yams Recipe together, but also forms that irresistible, buttery syrup that’s the hallmark of this dish.

Step 5: Bake, Toss, and Bake Again

Pop the dish into the oven and let it bake for 10 minutes until the butter is melted and the sugars are bubbling into syrup. Carefully remove the dish and gently toss the yams to coat them all in the sweet mixture, ensuring even candied coverage. Return the dish to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the yams are fork-tender and the glaze has thickened luxuriously at the bottom.

Step 6: Serve Warm

As soon as the Candied Yams emerge, give them another gentle toss and spoon that rich syrup over the top. Serve straight from the oven for maximum comfort and flavor—these are at their glowiest, gooey best when warm.

How to Serve Candied Yams Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your Candied Yams Recipe with a finishing flourish! Try a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch, or add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt to make the sweetness sing. For a classic holiday nod, mini marshmallows toasted on top add pure nostalgia and fun to every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish harmonizes with so many favorites! Serve your candied yams with classic roast turkey, baked ham, or even alongside a crispy fried chicken for year-round dinners. Pair with sautéed greens or simple salads to balance the sweetness, and a warm roll to soak up that scrumptious glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Candied yams aren’t just for casserole dishes. Try serving individual portions in ramekins for a dinner-party vibe, or spoon over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes for a playful twist. For brunch, you can even fold them into pancakes or stuff into hand pies as a surprising, sweet filling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover candied yams are a treat all over again. Allow them to cool a bit, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, staying tender and flavorful whenever you get the craving.

Freezing

If you want to plan even further ahead, this Candied Yams Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Once cooled, place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep their goodness for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, reheat your yams in a baking dish covered with foil in a 350-degree oven until warmed through—usually about 15 to 20 minutes. For an extra glossy finish, spoon the syrup from the bottom over the top before serving.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?

Absolutely! In fact, most “yams” found in American grocery stores are actually sweet potatoes. Either variety works perfectly in this Candied Yams Recipe and brings that iconic sweet, velvety texture you’re after.

Is it necessary to parboil the yams before baking?

Yes, parboiling ensures the chunks cook evenly and soak up all the candied syrup without turning mushy. It’s the secret to tender, intact pieces rather than a mashed consistency.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can cook and layer everything in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Just bake right before serving for best results—so easy for holiday meals or potlucks.

How can I add more flavor to the glaze?

Try stirring in a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves for extra depth. Orange zest also lends a bright, citrusy lift that works beautifully with the sweet and spice notes in this Candied Yams Recipe.

What’s the best way to make sure my yams don’t get watery?

Be sure to drain them thoroughly after parboiling, and avoid overcooking. Any leftover water can thin out your glaze, so a good drain and slightly firm chunks make a big difference in texture.

Final Thoughts

This Candied Yams Recipe captures the heart and soul of comfort food with every sweet, buttery bite. Whether you make it for a festive gathering or just a cozy Sunday dinner, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles (and requests for seconds!). Give this timeless recipe a try—you’ll see why it’s been a favorite for generations.

Print