When it comes to our holiday spreads, the main dish may be the star, but the sides are where we like to get creative! We curate various flavors and textures and ALWAYS include plenty of potato side dishes like today’s Candied Yams.
In fact, we first tried these years ago at a restaurant and have wanted to share a copycat version ever since. We are so glad we are doing that now because we are officially obsessed and think you will be too. They’re sweet – savory – so delicious and the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving and Christmas spread.
We love to make and serve these with any side, but especially love them with Honey Glazed Ham and Roast Turkey and hope you’ll love them as well.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Special occasion. Whether a special Sunday Dinner or Christmas Dinner, these candies yams are the perfect side.
- On the table in no time. They are ready in under 30 minutes with just a few simple ingredients!
- Flavorful. These yams are smothered in brown sugar and warm spices (a sweet and savory hit.)
Candied Yams Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes (5–6, peeled and cut into rounds): The main ingredient that brings natural sweetness and texture.
- Butter (5–6 tablespoons) – unsalted or salted butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, caramel-like glaze.
- Brown sugar (⅔ cup) – light or dark brown sugar: Sweetens and deepens the flavor as it melts with the butter.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm, classic spice.
- Nutmeg (½ teaspoon) – add orange zest, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice: Enhances the sweetness and gives a subtle nutty flavor.
- Water (1 cup): Helps form the syrup as the sweet potatoes cook. Replace a ¼ cup water with orange juice for a zesty flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Balance the sweetness and round out the flavor.
- optional toppings – Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts. Top cooked yams with mini marshmallows. Broil a few minutes or until the marshmallows are toasted.
How to Make Candied Yams
COOK. Add 5-6 cubed sweet potatoes, 5-6 tablespoons butter, ⅔ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 cup water to a large skillet and bring to a boil.
Turn heat down to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes without stirring.
Cook on low for an additional 4-6 minutes. Stir until potatoes are well coated and fork tender.
ENJOY! Add salt and pepper to taste.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Cut the sweet potatoes into even slices so they cook evenly.
- Simmer gently to let the sauce thicken and coat the potatoes perfectly.
- Avoid stirring too early to keep the sweet potatoes from breaking apart.
- Add a small pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Prepare ahead and reheat slowly before serving.
Candied Yams Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 5-6 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into rounds (about ⅜ inch thick)
- 5-6 tablespoons butter
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup water
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add cubed sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water to a large skillet and bring to a boil.
- Turn heat down to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes without stirring.
- Cook on low for an additional 4-6 minutes, stirring until potatoes are well coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
In the United States, most “yams” we find in grocery stores are sweet potatoes. True yams are less common. They have dark brown or purple skin and moist, starchy flesh. Sweet potatoes come in various colors, including orange, white, and purple, and their orange flesh is sweeter than yams’.
Slice and peel the potatoes, then submerge them in a bowl of cold water. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Drain and pat dry before using in the recipe.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw, if needed, and reheat in the microwave or a saucepan. Add a bit of butter and cook until heated through.
Complete The Meal
Main Dishes
Roast Turkey
3 hrs 20 mins
Crock Pot Pot Roast
7 hrs 5 mins
Honey Glazed Ham
4 hrs 10 mins
Slow Cooker Roast Chicken
4 hrs 5 mins
Sweet Potato Sides
Sweet Potato Casserole
1 hr 5 mins
Roasted Sweet Potato
30 mins
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
55 mins
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
1 hr 25 mins
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This recipe was originally published September 2024.
My mom use make these all the time when I was growing up. Now that I have my family I have upped my game by using your recipe that has a little more flavor than my mom’s. Thank you
Thank you!!❤️
These are tasty! Kids love having these for trick or treats! 😁
Love making these for holidays and Sunday dinners! We love how simple they are but yet have so much flavor!
Thesse yams were unreal! We couldn’t get enough. Cannot wait to make these again!