The Best Candied Yams Recipe – Easy to Make!

Nothing says Thanksgiving like this Candied Yams recipe next to a big ol’ turkey on the table! These perfectly tender caramelized candied yams are so sticky and good and so easy to make…

You’ll want to throw this together for Sunday dinners too. This is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish for those of us with a sweet tooth. Don’t forget to grab your printable recipe card below.

This easy candied sweet potato recipe is a southern staple, (that we enjoy in Idaho too) and is just like the one your grandma used to make… It’s truly the best candied yams recipe!

This classic southern side dish is perfect whether you are making it for a family dinner or a special occasion holiday side dish. Caramelized sweet potatoes are a delicious side dish that comes together in the oven with just a couple of pantry staples that you probably already have.

Sweet Potatoes or Yams?

I like to buy the really bright orange flesh garnet and jewel varieties of sweet potato (or yam) at the grocery store for candied yams. Garnet sweet potatoes are also called “red yams”… However, most “Yams” grown in the United States are actually a variety of Sweet potatoes, not yams.

Don’t worry, you’re not missing out, real fresh yams are also root vegetables but they’re not as good or sweet as sweet potatoes! You can also call these candied sweet potato recipes.

Candied Yams Recipe

• 6 medium-sized “red yams” or sweet potatoes peeled and sliced.
• 6 tbsp salted butter (If you are watching your salt intake, You can also use unsalted butter. I just like the flavor of salted butter better!)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick broke in half.
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar (Don’t skimp on the dark brown sugar, it makes the best part of this dish!)
• 1 tbsp real vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

Yam Recipe Directions

• First Preheat oven to 350° F.
• Then wash your yams.
• Peel, then chop yams into about 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick slices.
• Place your yams into a 9×13 casserole dish.

In a Medium Saucepan

We make the candied mixture or brown sugar glaze with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium saucepan on the stove. After it carmelizes you just pour it over the sweet potatoes before baking.

• Place the butter into a medium-sized pot, and melt it over medium heat.
• Once the butter is melted, add white & brown sugar, ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick, and ground nutmeg.
• Turn the stove off and give it a good mix, then add the vanilla extract to your brown sugar mixture.

Baking Candied Yams:

First, pour the candied caramel sauce over the “yams”, trying to coat all the yams with the buttery syrup sauce.

Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil, and cut vent holes on the top in all 4 corners. (If you don’t cut vent the holes there is too much moisture in the pan and it becomes soupy instead of candied.)

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Remove your baking dish from the oven after 30 minutes, and turn yams to coat them all again in the candied sauce.

Cover your yams with the same vented aluminum foil again, and set your timer to bake for another 25 minutes.

Remove candied yams from the oven, and let them cool on the counter for 10 mins before your serve.

And Enjoy this perfect side dish!

Are Candied Yams the Same as Sweet Potatoes?

The potatoes or “yams” used in candied yam recipes are actually sweet potatoes. True yams are imported to the US and not as good! Real yams are brown on the outside, and white on the inside, and they are not as sweet either!

What Do You East With Candied Yams?

This delicious recipe goes wonderfully with any holiday meal. I like to serve it with Roasted Turkey Breast, green beans casserole, creamy mashed potatoes and homemade gravy, old fashioned cranberry sauce, stuffing, and Pecan PIE are the best with candied yams!

You can also serve them for a Sunday Dinner with Boston Butt Roast, a traditional roast beef, hot homemade bread, green salad, and chocolate cake! The possibilities are endless! You may also be interested in making candied yams with maple syrup on the stovetop!

Do You Boil Your Yams Before Baking?

NO, in this sweet potato recipe, you do not boil your yams before baking if you are making candied yams in the oven. You can make candied yams on the stove, but this easy recipe is for oven-roasted candied yams. 

How To Serve Candied Yams

I like to make things a little more special for Thanksgiving day. Your casserole dish gets a little messy when you make them in the oven with splashes of candy mixture on the sides…

So I like to put this classic holiday side dish on a pretty serving dish for the Thanksgiving Table! Make sure to pour the butter mixture left at the bottom of your baking dish (or candy sauce) over the yams in the serving dish… Don’t leave the best part in the pan!

How To Store Leftovers

Candied yams are just as good the next day! If you are lucky enough to have any leftover sweet yams, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy them through the holiday season, for up to a week.

Don’t forget to print your free Thanksgiving Coloring Pages to keep everyone busy while you’re cooking!

Candied Yams

These oven-baked candied yams are an absolute delight! Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they also have this magical ability to become a household staple for both weeknight meals and special holiday feasts.

Tender yam slices, glazed in a luscious caramel-like coating that’s sweet, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying. The natural sweetness of the yams intensifies as they roast in the oven, creating a heavenly flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

The best part – they are so darn easy to make! With just a handful of ingredients and a simple baking process, you can whip up a batch of candied yams in no time. It’s the perfect side dish that complements a quick weeknight dinner, adding that touch of indulgence to your meal without much effort.

But that’s not all – these delightful yams are also a star during the holidays. Picture your Thanksgiving or Christmas table adorned with a steaming casserole dish of candied yams, enticing everyone with its sweet aroma. It’s a festive dish that brings comfort and warmth to any gathering, making it a must-have for those special occasions.

Another reason these candied yams steal the spotlight is their versatility. While they shine as a side dish, you can get creative and use them in various ways. Serve them alongside roasted Ham or easy grilled chicken for a hearty weeknight dinner. Crumble some pecans on top for an extra crunch, or sprinkle some cinnamon for a delightful twist.

So, my friend, whether you’re looking to spruce up your weeknight meals or create lasting memories during the holidays, oven-baked candied yams have got your back! Their irresistible flavor and simplicity will have you coming back for more, turning them into a beloved household favorite in no time!

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Homemade Candied Yams Recipe Is Better!

Candied yams made from scratch are undeniably better for several compelling reasons:

Superior Flavor: When you make candied yams from scratch, you have complete control over the ingredients and the cooking process. You can choose the best quality yams, use real butter, pure maple syrup or honey, and select the perfect blend of spices. This results in a rich, authentic flavor that’s far more satisfying than canned or pre-made versions.

Customizable Sweetness: Making candied yams from scratch allows you to adjust the sweetness to your taste preferences. You can add just the right amount of sweetener, whether it’s honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or another favorite sweetening agent, without overwhelming the natural taste of the yams.

Preservative-Free: By starting from scratch, you eliminate the need for artificial preservatives or additives commonly found in canned or packaged yams. You’re left with a wholesome, healthier dish that’s free from unnecessary chemicals.

Better Texture: Homemade candied yams often have a better texture than their pre-made counterparts. When you cook the yams yourself, you can ensure they are tender yet not mushy, striking the perfect balance of softness and structure.

Freshness and Aroma: The experience of making candied yams from scratch fills your kitchen with the delightful aroma of roasting yams, butter, and sweet spices. This enticing fragrance alone adds to the overall enjoyment of the dish and sets the mood for a delicious meal.

Cooking Flexibility: When you make candied yams from scratch, you can adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your preferences. This flexibility ensures that the yams are perfectly cooked, maintaining their natural colors and flavors.

Sense of Accomplishment: Cooking candied yams from scratch gives you a sense of accomplishment and culinary pride. It’s a rewarding experience to create a dish that is not only delicious but also made with your own hands and creativity.

Personal Touch: Making candied yams from scratch allows you to put your own personal touch on the dish. You can experiment with different spices, nuts, or toppings to make it uniquely yours and tailor it to your family’s tastes.

You May Also Enjoy This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with mini marshmallows that are a favorite for Thanksgiving dinner, or Christmas dinner.

First, bake 4-5 medium-sized sweet potatoes in the oven at 350 till soft.

Let them cool, then scoop out the centers into a large bowl. Add 1 cube of melted butter, and 1/2 a cup of brown sugar, and mash well. Place mashed sweet potatoes into a 9×13 baking dish, and cover with 1 large package of miniature marshmallows.

Place in the oven at 400 till marshmallows are melty and browned on top. Be care full not to over cook at this point, because they’ll burn easily. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMjT8sJefnE

More traditional and easy to make recipe for your Thanksgiving Dinner!