Can I use canned yams?

While canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch, fresh ones give you much better texture and flavor control. Canned versions are often already sweetened and can become mushy during baking.

Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?

Yes, peeling is important for this recipe. The skins don't soften enough during baking and can be tough and chewy in the final dish.

How do I know when they're done?

The sweet potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork, and the glaze should coat the back of a spoon. The edges might be slightly caramelized—that's perfect!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

The Best Candied Yams Recipe for Holidays

Description

This foolproof candied yams recipe creates perfectly tender sweet potatoes bathed in a glossy, caramelized brown sugar glaze. No pre-boiling required – just slice, layer, and bake for the ultimate holiday side dish that’s sweet, buttery, and irresistible.

Ingredients

– 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick

– 6 tablespoons salted butter

– 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Arrange sweet potato slices in prepared dish, overlapping slightly in rows.

3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in both sugars until dissolved and mixture is bubbly, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and whisk in cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla, and orange juice until smooth.

5. Pour glaze evenly over sweet potatoes, ensuring some gets between layers.

6. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.

7. Remove foil and continue baking 20-25 minutes, basting with pan juices every 10 minutes.

8. Sweet potatoes should be fork-tender and glaze should be thick and glossy. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

– Choose uniform sweet potatoes for even cooking

– Slice thickness is crucial – 1/2 inch ensures proper texture

– Don’t skip the basting – it creates the perfect glaze

– Can be made 24 hours ahead and refrigerated

– Leftovers keep 4 days refrigerated

– For stovetop method: Use large skillet, cover and simmer 25-30 minutes

– Add mini marshmallows last 8-10 minutes for classic version

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150g)
Calories: 248
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 156mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 18mg

Keywords: candied yams recipe, easy candied yams, how to make candied yams, holiday sweet potatoes, Thanksgiving side dish, Southern candied yams, sweet potato casserole, brown sugar glaze, holiday recipes, vegetarian side dish