Easy candied yams are a Thanksgiving staple in our family, and we’re so excited to share our simple, delicious recipe with you. Passed down through generations, this has always been Teresa’s specialty, and it always evokes the best of memories. These easy candied yams are more than just a side dish.
Memories from the past, flavors from another place: Nonna’s Dishes is happy to present to you the most amazing candied yams dish recipe. Grab a spoon and get ready to dive in!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Easy candied yams Recipe
Easy Candied Yams: The BEST Thanksgiving Recipe EVER!
Sweet and tender yams coated in a rich brown sugar and maple glaze, perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition:
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 12g
Ingredients
- 3 pounds yams, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the sliced yams to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange yams in a single layer in the prepared dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until yams are tender and glaze is bubbly and caramelized, spooning glaze over yams.
- Sprinkle with nuts (if using) during last 10 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh yams and ensure even slicing for even cooking. Adjust spices to your taste, and monitor caramelization to prevent burning.
This easy candied yams recipe is pure comfort food. The sweet, caramelized coating combined with the soft, tender yams is simply irresistible. It’s quick to prepare, freeing you up to focus on other dishes during the holidays. The aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is simply intoxicating, instantly bringing back fond memories of family gatherings. If you are putting together a veggie feast, you may also enjoy our Easy Veggie Burger Patties!
What makes this recipe special is the combination of simple ingredients that create an incredible flavor profile. The brown sugar, butter, and spices meld together to create a sticky, sweet glaze that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the yams. Every bite is a little piece of heaven, guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients Needed for This Easy candied yams Recipe
- 3 pounds yams, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How to Make This Easy candied yams Recipe
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
- 3. Add the sliced yams to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the brown sugar mixture.
- 4. Arrange the coated yams in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- 5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- 6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the yams are tender and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Occasionally spoon the syrup over the yams.
- 7. If desired, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the yams during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- 8. Let the easy candied yams cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve This Easy candied yams Recipe
These Thanksgiving sweet potatoes are perfect as a side dish for holiday meals. They pair beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian main course. You might even want to try them with our Easy Green Bean Casserole! A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add an extra touch of indulgence. For a different flavor combination, try a sprinkle of orange zest just before serving.
How to Store This Easy candied yams Recipe
Leftover candied yams can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Tips to Make This Easy candied yams Recipe
- For even cooking, make sure the yams are sliced into uniform thickness.
- Do not overcook the yams. They should be tender but not mushy.
- If the glaze starts to get too dark during baking, reduce the oven temperature slightly.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking.
Helpful Notes for This Easy candied yams Recipe
Real yams are often confused with sweet potatoes. Technically, most “yams” sold in American grocery stores are actually sweet potatoes. Either will work well in this recipe. The browning process that occurs is partially due to the Maillard reaction, a magical chemical reaction that also happens with our Easy Lemon Mozzarella Pizza!
Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave nectar. Brown sugar alternatives (like coconut sugar) may result in a slightly different flavor. For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of melted butter.
Variation of This Easy candied yams Recipe
For a spiced up version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture. To add fresh and bright aroma, try adding orange marmalade to the ingredients described above. For a citrusy twist, try grating a little orange zest into the mixture. You can also add other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the dish with the pecans or walnuts suggested above.
FAQs About This Easy candied yams Recipe
How do you keep candied yams from getting mushy?
To prevent mushy candied yams, avoid overcooking them. Cook until they are fork-tender but still slightly firm. Also, start with firm yams for better results.
Can I make candied yams ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare candied yams a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving, adding a little water or butter if needed to restore moisture.
What are the best spices to use in candied yams?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are all excellent spices to enhance the flavor of candied yams. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite blend. A pinch of cloves can also add a warm, comforting aroma.
Can I freeze candied yams?
Candied yams can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cool the yams completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
This easy candied yams recipe is a simple, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet yams, rich brown sugar glaze, and warm spices is truly irresistible. We hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to ours! Try this easy candied yams recipe in your kitchen, then let us know what you think; we love to hear from you!
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