If there’s a dish that makes my heart dance with joy during the holidays, it’s undoubtedly Candied Yams. Sweet potatoes perfectly glazed with butter and brown sugar create a harmonious balance of flavors that fills the home with warmth. After multiple tests, I refined the recipe, discovering just the right amount of spices to accentuate those natural sugars. Trust me, these yams will make an irreplaceable side dish for your Thanksgiving table. If you love cozy comfort food, check out my Maple Roasted Carrots for another delightful side!
About Candied Yams
Candied Yams, a traditional American dish, brings back memories of family gatherings and laughter around the table. I’ve tested this recipe with various sweet potato varieties and included just the right spices to ensure my family keeps asking for more. Candied Yams are not just a holiday side; they embody the essence of togetherness and joy, making them perfect year-round. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, using just a handful of ingredients that are often on hand.
- Quick to prepare, perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Versatile and easily adaptable for dietary preferences.
- A family favorite that evokes cozy feelings with every bite.
- Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, offering both flavor and nutrition.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Sweet Potatoes: These are the stars of the show; opt for firm, vibrant ones for the best flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness; try substituting with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Provides depth; light brown sugar also works well if that’s what you have.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth; nutmeg could be used for a slightly different twist.
How to Make Candied Yams
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Wash, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch rounds, then arrange them neatly in a greased 3-quart casserole dish.
- Add butter to a light-colored pot, warming it over medium heat. Watch carefully as the butter foams, stirs, and eventually turns a lovely golden brown with a nutty aroma.
- Once browned, stir in both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything melds into a smooth sauce.
- Remove from heat, then add vanilla and orange juice, stirring to combine. Pour this heavenly glaze over the sweet potatoes without stirring—let the magic happen in the oven!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- I found that cutting sweet potatoes into even slices ensures uniform cooking, leading to creamy textures throughout.
- A common pitfall is not watching the butter carefully; if it burns, the glaze will taste bitter. Just wait for that golden color!
- For added flavor, consider including a splash of maple syrup or using brown sugar alternatives during the holidays.
- Scaling down this dish is easy; simply cut the ingredients in half while keeping the baking time the same.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days in an airtight container, or freeze for up to three months. When reheating, the oven works best; bake at 350°F for 20 minutes to restore that delicious glaze. I tried microwaving these once, but they lost some of their texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Candied Yams with savory glazed ham for dinner or serve alongside homemade cornbread for a delightful brunch. Looking for more delectable options? Check out my Honey Glazed Chicken and Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe to complete your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of sweet potatoes should I use? Any firm variety will work, but I prefer garnet for sweetness.
- Can I prepare Candied Yams a day in advance? Yes, just store them in the fridge and reheat before serving.
- How can I make this recipe dairy-free? Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Oven reheating keeps the texture; try at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
- Can I use brown sugar substitutes? Absolutely! Coconut sugar or maple syrup can work beautifully.
Final Thoughts
These Candied Yams warm my heart and remind me of home. I love enjoying them with a touch of extra orange juice for that citrus burst. I can’t wait for you to try them! Please share your results and favorite twists with me!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Maple Roasted Carrots – complementing the sweetness of candied yams
- Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe – a classic main dish pairing for holiday meals
- The Best Green Bean Casserole Recipe – a perfect side dish for festive occasions
- Thanksgiving Peas – a delightful and vibrant addition to the table
- Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast – a flavorful contrast to the sweetness of yams
Candied Yams
Ingredients
- 2.5 lb sweet potatoes about 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 0.5 cup butter
- 0.75 cup dark brown sugar
- 0.5 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 orange orange juiced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into ½ inch thick rounds. Place them into a greased 3 quart casserole dish.
- Add the butter to a small light-colored pot. Heat the pot over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter solids turn golden brown and develop a nutty aroma.
- As soon as the butter turns golden brown, add the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir together until smooth.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the vanilla extract and 2 Tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice. Stir until combined.
- Pour the sugar glaze over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and gently stir the sweet potatoes to redistribute the glaze. Bake for another 30 minutes uncovered or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender.
- Transfer the candied yams to a separate serving dish. Add the remaining sugar glaze to a small pot over medium heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Pour the thick glaze back over the sweet potatoes and serve.