If there’s one holiday side dish that elicits pure joy at every gathering, it’s Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes). This classic comfort dish features tender slices of sweet potatoes enveloped in a buttery, brown sugar glaze with hints of maple and cinnamon. Whether you’re planning a festive Thanksgiving feast or just craving something soul-warming, these Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes) hit all the right notes—sweet, sticky, spiced, and impossibly satisfying. They come together with ease yet never fail to impress, especially when those marshmallows on top get all golden and gooey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how such a heavenly dish springs from a handful of familiar ingredients! Each item plays a vital role, bringing out the natural sweetness, adding luscious texture, and amplifying those warm, nostalgic flavors that make Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes) unforgettable.
- Sweet Potatoes: The star—choose firm, unblemished ones for the best flavor and beautiful orange color.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted for a rich glaze that soaks into every bite and brings all the ingredients together.
- Maple Syrup: Opt for real maple syrup; it layers in depth and a subtle maple perfume that takes this dish over the top.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Dark or light both work, but dark adds that deep caramel note you’ll crave.
- Ground Cinnamon: One teaspoon adds just enough warmth to balance all that sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Don’t skip it—this brings an aromatic, almost creamy finish to the glaze.
- Salt: A small amount keeps the sweetness from overwhelming and brightens up every flavor.
- Miniature Marshmallows: Totally optional, but who can resist that toasty, melty topping?
How to Make Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes)
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375F, so it’s hot and ready when you are. Grab a 3-quart baking dish, give it a quick spritz with nonstick cooking spray, and set it aside. This ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup much breezier.
Step 2: Peel and Slice the Sweet Potatoes
Peel your sweet potatoes and rinse them well under cold water. Slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Try to keep the pieces as uniform as possible—this way, they cook evenly and you won’t have rogue bites that are too mushy or too firm.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Glaze
In a medium bowl, combine your melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until everything is smooth, thick, and glossy. If the mixture feels too stiff, microwave it for about 30 seconds to loosen it up—it should be pourable but luscious.
Step 4: Assemble the Yams
Spread the sweet potato slices evenly in your prepared baking dish. Drizzle the brown sugar glaze all over, then gently toss or stir to coat each slice from edge to edge. You want every bite to soak up that magical syrup!
Step 5: Bake, Stir, and Bake Again
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, give everything a gentle stir, and bake an additional 15 minutes uncovered. Stir again, then let the yams continue to bake for 5 to 15 more minutes, depending on their size and thickness. They should be fork-tender, but not so soft they fall apart—check a few pieces just to be sure.
Step 6: Marshmallow Magic (Optional!)
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top and return the dish to the oven for a final 5 minutes. The heat will toast the marshmallows, creating that signature gooey, golden topping everyone secretly hopes for. Serve your Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes) piping hot and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes)
Garnishes
When it comes to presentation, a little flourish goes a long way. If you skip the marshmallows, try a dusting of extra cinnamon, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans, or even a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving. These not only add color and crunch but also elevate the dish with an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes) pair perfectly with just about every holiday staple: think savory roasted turkey, juicy ham, stuffing, and crisp green beans. Their sweetness balances out earthier sides, making them a must for rounding out big celebratory spreads or cozy winter meals alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the yams in individual ramekins for dinner parties, or top baked sweet potato halves with the glaze and marshmallows for a personalized touch. You can even layer leftovers in a breakfast parfait with Greek yogurt and granola for an unexpected morning treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes) keep beautifully, making them a dream for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. They’ll stay moist and delicious, perfect for scooping onto plates throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes), though the texture may change slightly after thawing. Let them cool completely, skip the marshmallow topping for now, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and finish with marshmallows just before reheating, if you like.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes) in a 350F oven, covered, until hot and bubbly (about 20-25 minutes). If you’re adding marshmallows, uncover for the last few minutes to let them toast. Quick individual servings can also be microwaved in short bursts till heated through.
FAQs
Can I use canned yams instead of fresh sweet potatoes?
You can, but fresh sweet potatoes deliver better texture and a richer flavor for Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes). If you’re short on time, just be sure to drain canned yams well and reduce the baking time since they’re already soft.
What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?
In the United States, what we call “yams” are almost always sweet potatoes—true yams are quite different and harder to find here. For this recipe, always reach for sweet potatoes with that lovely orange flesh.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative and use vegan marshmallows if you want that crowning glory. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
Do I need to use marshmallows?
Not at all—marshmallows are a fun, classic topping but totally optional. The Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes) shine with or without them; try topping with nuts or leaving them plain for a slightly less sweet version.
Can I prepare Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes) in advance?
Definitely! You can prep the sweet potatoes and glaze a day ahead, keep them separate or assembled and refrigerated, then bake just before your meal. They also reheat beautifully if made entirely the day before.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes bring as much comfort and festive spirit as Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes). Whether you’re making them for a holiday crowd or just treating yourself to something special, they’re guaranteed to evoke smiles at the table. Don’t wait for a special occasion—these are too good to save just for Thanksgiving, and I’m cheering you on to make them soon!
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Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Candied Yams, a classic Thanksgiving favorite, feature sweet potatoes baked with a luscious blend of brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, and cinnamon until tender and irresistibly sweet. The optional marshmallow topping adds a delightful twist to this comforting side dish.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 3 to 4 pounds sweet potatoes
Candied Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 3-quart baking dish.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and slice sweet potatoes to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Make Candied Sauce: Mix brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt; pour over sweet potatoes.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for additional 15 minutes. Add marshmallows (if using) and bake for 5 more minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy your delicious Candied Yams!
Nutrition
- Calories: 284 kcal
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 199mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
