What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These candied yams are the perfect comfort food, bringing warmth and sweetness to any meal. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours.
- Perfectly Sweet: The balance of brown sugar, butter, and spices makes every bite irresistible.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, everyone will ask for seconds.
Recipe
Candied yams are a classic side dish, especially popular during holidays. This sweet and savory recipe features tender yams coated in a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze, creating a comforting and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with roasted meats or holiday feasts.
Ingredients:
- 4 large yams (about 3 lbs), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the yam slices in the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the sugar mixture evenly over the yams, then add water to the dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, baste the yams with the syrup, and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes, or until the yams are tender and the glaze is thickened.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes:
- For extra caramelization, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 6-8 servings
Nutrition
This homemade candied yams recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 30 g |
| Vitamin A | 120% DV |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
| Potassium | 15% DV |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade candied yams with classic holiday pairings like roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham, but they’re just as tasty with quick sides like garlic green beans or buttery cornbread. Sometimes, I’ll even throw in a simple salad to balance the sweetness, and it always works like a charm. Trust me, these combos make the meal feel special without any extra fuss.
Classic Holiday Pairings
When I’m whipping up a batch of candied yams for the holidays, I love thinking about the dishes that’ll make the meal feel complete. A perfectly roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham always takes center stage, balancing the sweetness of the yams. Creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy add comfort, while green bean casserole brings a savory crunch. Cranberry sauce, with its tangy flavor, cuts through the richness, and a warm, buttery cornbread stuffing ties everything together. For dessert, I can’t resist a spiced pumpkin pie. These classic pairings create a feast that feels traditional, satisfying, and full of holiday cheer.
Quick Side Dishes
Sometimes you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen but still want a meal that feels complete. When I’m serving candied yams, I’ll pair them with quick sides like a simple green salad tossed with olive oil and lemon juice, or steamed broccoli with a sprinkle of garlic powder. Roasted carrots or frozen green beans sautéed with butter are lifesavers too. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up a batch of instant mashed potatoes or heat some dinner rolls. These sides take minutes to prepare, but they still make the meal feel balanced and special. Trust me, no one will guess how little time it took!
