When it comes to holiday side dishes, candied yams are a classic staple that can’t be overlooked. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other festive gathering, candied yams add a sweet, comforting element to the meal. With their combination of tender sweet potatoes, rich buttery glaze, and golden marshmallow topping, they’re an undeniable hit on any table.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about candied yams, from selecting ingredients to perfecting the recipe. We’ll also dive into variations, common mistakes, nutritional facts, and serving suggestions that will help you create the perfect version of this beloved dish.
What Are Candied Yams?
Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to clarify what exactly we mean by candied yams. While the terms “yams” and “sweet potatoes” are often used interchangeably in the United States, they are technically different vegetables. True yams are a starchy tuber native to Africa and Asia, while sweet potatoes—which are actually used in most candied yam recipes—are sweeter and softer, making them perfect for this dish.
If you’re curious about the differences, feel free to read this Ultimate Guide to Sweet Potatoes, which dives deeper into the distinctions between the two.
In the U.S., when people talk about candied yams, they’re usually referring to sweet potatoes that are coated in a sweet buttery glaze and baked until tender, often topped with marshmallows.
Why Are Candied Yams So Popular for the Holidays?
There’s something about the combination of sweet, buttery, and lightly spiced flavors that makes candied yams an essential part of holiday meals. The soft texture of the sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the sticky, caramelized glaze, and the toasted marshmallow topping adds a layer of indulgence that everyone loves.
This dish is particularly popular at Thanksgiving and Christmas, where it’s often served alongside savory main courses like turkey or ham. Its sweetness balances the rich, savory flavors on the table, making it a perfect complement to hearty roasts and gravies.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Candied Yams
The ingredient list for candied yams is simple, and you probably already have most of these items in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sweet potatoes or canned yams (both options work, but fresh sweet potatoes give better texture and flavor)
- Butter – for a rich, creamy base that coats the yams beautifully
- Brown sugar – adds the sweetness and caramelization
- Mini marshmallows – the ultimate topping that creates a gooey, toasted layer
Optional ingredients to enhance the flavors:
- Vanilla extract – deepens the sweetness and adds complexity
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg – traditional spices that complement the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes
- Chopped pecans or walnuts – for a crunchy texture and nutty contrast
These basic ingredients come together to create the irresistible combination of flavors that make candied yams so popular. Want more inspiration for similar dishes? Check out this collection of easy dessert recipes for holiday inspiration.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Candied Yams
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making the perfect candied yams for your holiday spread.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes or Yams:
- If you’re using canned yams, drain them thoroughly to avoid a watery dish.
- If you’re using fresh sweet potatoes, start by peeling and slicing them into 1-inch rounds. Boil them in salted water for 10-15 minutes until just tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they’ll continue to soften in the oven.
- Make the Buttery Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Continue stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture forms a smooth, slightly thick glaze.
- Arrange the Yams:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the boiled sweet potato slices or drained canned yams in an even layer in a baking dish. Make sure the yams are well spread out for even glazing and baking.
- Add the Glaze:
- Pour the prepared butter and sugar glaze evenly over the yams. Ensure that each piece is fully coated so that the flavors are distributed throughout the dish.
- Top with Marshmallows:
- Sprinkle mini marshmallows generously over the top of the glazed yams. The marshmallows will melt and become golden-brown as they bake, creating that signature sweet topping.
- Bake:
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and the glaze is bubbling. If you prefer a crispier marshmallow topping, you can place the dish under the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes, but be sure to watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the dish is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it hot, and watch your guests devour this holiday favorite!
This dish can also be prepared ahead of time. Simply follow the steps up to adding the marshmallows, refrigerate it, and then finish baking with the marshmallows on top right before serving.
Delicious Variations of Candied Yams
While the traditional version of candied yams is always a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Here are some ideas for variations:
- Classic Southern Style: Stick with the traditional ingredients of butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows for a sweet, gooey, and indulgent dish.
- Healthy Variation: For a lighter version, replace the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup and use a dairy-free butter substitute. You can also skip the marshmallows or use a vegan alternative for a healthier topping.
- Gourmet Twist: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the glaze for a more sophisticated flavor. You can also experiment with different spices like ginger, allspice, or cloves.
- Nutty Crunch: Top your candied yams with chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture. The crunchy nuts contrast nicely with the soft yams and sweet marshmallow topping.
For more tips on enhancing flavors in your holiday dishes, check out this guide on enhancing flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Candied Yams
Even though candied yams are easy to prepare, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Overcooking the Sweet Potatoes: If you’re boiling fresh sweet potatoes, be careful not to overcook them. They should be tender but still hold their shape, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Using Too Much Liquid: If you’re using canned yams, make sure to drain them thoroughly before baking. Excess liquid can make the glaze runny, resulting in a watery dish.
- Not Enough Glaze: Ensure that every piece of yam is well-coated with the butter-sugar mixture. This will give the dish its signature caramelized flavor.
- Skipping the Marshmallows: Marshmallows may seem like an optional topping, but they are a key component of the classic recipe. Their sweetness and texture create the perfect balance with the rich, buttery yams.
Serving Suggestions for Candied Yams
Candied yams are a versatile side dish that can be served alongside a variety of holiday main courses. Here are some serving suggestions to consider:
- With Turkey or Ham: The sweetness of the yams pairs perfectly with savory meats like roast turkey or ham, making it an ideal Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Serve your candied yams next to creamy mashed potatoes for a balanced plate of sweet and savory flavors.
- With Roasted Vegetables: A lighter vegetable side, such as roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans, complements the richness of the yams.
- As a Dessert: Although traditionally served as a side dish, candied yams can also be enjoyed as a dessert, thanks to their sweet glaze and marshmallow topping.
If you’re looking for more ideas for sweet treats to round out your meal, check out some simple dessert recipes.
FAQs About Candied Yams
Can I Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes Instead of Canned Yams?
Yes, fresh sweet potatoes are often preferred because they provide a better texture and flavor. Simply peel, slice, and boil them until tender before continuing with the recipe.
How Long Do Candied Yams Last in the Fridge?
Leftover candied yams can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at a low temperature to restore the texture of the marshmallow topping.
Can I Make Candied Yams Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the yams and glaze ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just add the marshmallows and bake before serving. This makes candied yams an easy side dish to prepare for busy holiday gatherings.
What’s the Difference Between Candied Yams and Sweet Potato Casserole?
Candied yams typically have a more syrupy glaze and marshmallow topping, while sweet potato casserole is often mashed and topped with a pecan streusel. Both are delicious but offer different textures and flavors.
Nutritional Information for Candied Yams
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving of candied yams (based on a standard recipe):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving
- Total Fat: 9g (from the butter)
- Carbohydrates: 45g (from the yams and brown sugar)
- Sugars: 25g (primarily from the brown sugar and marshmallows)
- Protein: 2g
For a healthier option, consider reducing the sugar content or using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Conclusion
Candied yams are a beloved holiday dish for a reason. With their sweet, buttery flavor, soft texture, and gooey marshmallow topping, they bring comfort and joy to any festive table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with healthier or gourmet variations, this dish is sure to impress.
Be sure to explore related holiday dishes and discover more delicious ways to make your holiday meal unforgettable by visiting Lynarecipes.