Candied Yams Recipe
Introduction
Candied yams are a classic side dish that’s both sweet and warmly spiced, perfect for holiday meals or comforting dinners. This recipe features tender yams simmered in a buttery brown sugar glaze infused with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. It’s easy to prepare and brings a delightful sweetness to your table.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 6 yams, peeled and sliced ⅓” thick (approx. 3 ½ pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large high-sided skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the sliced yams and toss to coat them evenly.
- Step 2: Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
- Step 3: When the sugar has melted, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the yams cook gently for about an hour, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: As the yams soften, stir carefully to avoid breaking them apart.
- Step 5: Once the yams are tender and the sauce is thickened, season with kosher salt to taste.
- Step 6: Serve the candied yams hot as a delicious, sweet side dish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the sauce before cooking.
- Use fresh yams or sweet potatoes depending on your preference; both work well in this recipe.
- If you like a bit of crunch, top the finished dish with toasted pecans before serving.
Storage
Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make candied yams ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and reheat before serving. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?
In the U.S., sweet potatoes are often called yams, but true yams are starchier and drier. This recipe works well with sweet potatoes commonly found in grocery stores.
PrintCandied Yams Recipe
This classic Candied Yams recipe features tender, sweet yams glazed in a rich buttery brown sugar and spice sauce. Simmered slowly to develop a deeply caramelized flavor, this dish is a perfect comforting side for holiday meals or any cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 6 yams, peeled and sliced ⅓” thick (approximately 3 ½ pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: In a large high-sided skillet, place the butter and heat over medium-high until melted and bubbling gently.
- Add yams: Add the peeled and sliced yams to the skillet, tossing them to coat evenly with the melted butter.
- Add sugar and spices: Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice over the yams in the skillet and stir carefully to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer covered: Once the sugar has melted fully, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the yams cook slowly for 1 hour, stirring gently every 15 minutes to avoid breaking the yam slices.
- Check doneness and season: When the yams are tender and the sauce has thickened into a glossy glaze, season with kosher salt to taste and stir gently.
- Serve: Transfer the candied yams to a serving dish and serve hot as a deliciously sweet side dish.
Notes
- Use a large skillet with high sides to prevent spills while stirring and simmering.
- Stir gently to keep the yam slices intact during cooking.
- If yams are very large, adjust cooking time slightly until fully tender.
- For a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of orange juice or zest.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats and holiday entrees.
Keywords: candied yams, sweet potato side dish, holiday recipe, brown sugar yams, cinnamon yams
