Sweet & Perfect for the Holidays Deliciously Sweet Candied Yams for Your Next Family Gathering
Candied yams are a holiday staple, known for their rich, buttery, and sweet flavor. Made with tender yams coated in a brown sugar glaze and topped with marshmallows, they’re perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering. This side dish adds a comforting sweetness to any meal and pairs wonderfully with savory dishes.
Candied yams are ideal for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, and can also be served at family reunions or potlucks.
How to Make From Scratch
- Prepare Yams: Peel and slice fresh yams into thick rounds.
- Make the Glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Layer Yams in a Baking Dish: Arrange the yams in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Pour the Glaze: Pour the buttery glaze over the yams, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake until the yams are tender, then uncover, add marshmallows on top, and bake until they are golden and bubbly.
When to Flip
No need to flip the yams while baking. Ensure they’re basted with the glaze as they cook to get that perfect caramelization.
How to Reheat
Reheat candied yams by covering the dish with foil and placing it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. If you’re reheating individual portions, you can use a microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
Can You Save the Batter?
No batter is involved in making candied yams, but you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before using it.
Can You Freeze?
Yes, candied yams can be frozen. After baking, allow them to cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Ingredients
- 4 large yams (sweet potatoes), peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the peeled and sliced yams in a single layer in a large baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, cooking until the sugar has dissolved into the butter to form a syrupy glaze. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the yams, ensuring all slices are coated. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top (if using), and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the marshmallows are golden and the yams are tender.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Editor’s Note:
For an extra flavor twist, you can add a drizzle of maple syrup to the glaze or sprinkle chopped pecans over the marshmallows before baking.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 320
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Sugar: 40g
Protein: 2g
