What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These candied yams are a sweet, comforting dish that brings warmth to any table, perfect for holidays or cozy family dinners. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth side everyone will love.
- Perfectly balanced sweetness—brown sugar and butter blend into a rich glaze that coats every tender slice.
- Effortless prep—toss everything together, bake, and let the oven do the work while you relax.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor—the hint of cinnamon and vanilla makes this dish irresistible, whether you’re serving guests or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Recipe
Candied yams are a classic side dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners or any special occasion. This recipe combines tender sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze for a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, basting the sweet potatoes with the sauce occasionally, until they are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve warm.
Notes:
- For a deeper flavor, you can substitute maple syrup for half of the brown sugar.
- Make certain the sweet potato slices are evenly cut to guarantee even cooking.
Equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Saucepan
- Aluminum foil
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 8
Nutrition
Candied yams are a sweet and comforting dish. They provide essential nutrients and energy.
| Nutrition | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 214 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 50mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 41g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Protein | 2g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade candied yams with roast chicken—it’s a classic combo that balances the sweetness perfectly. On the side, I’ll often add steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans for a fresh, crisp contrast. It’s a meal that feels complete, comforting, and just right for gathering around the table.
Roast Chicken Pairing
When I’m planning a meal with candied yams, I can’t help but think roast chicken is the perfect match—it’s comforting, flavorful, and just feels like home. The crispy skin and juicy meat balance the sweetness of the yams, creating a harmony of flavors. I love seasoning mine with garlic, rosemary, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Pairing them together feels like Sunday dinner at grandma’s, where every bite is nostalgic. Plus, the leftovers make fantastic sandwiches the next day. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser—just like those golden, caramelized yams we all adore.
Steamed Green Vegetables
Steamed green vegetables are a fresh, vibrant side that brighten up any meal, especially when paired with rich dishes like candied yams. I love how their crisp texture and mild flavor balance the sweetness of the yams, making each bite more satisfying. Broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts work best—just steam them until tender but still bright green. A sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lemon add the perfect finish. It’s my go-to side because it’s quick, healthy, and lets the main dish shine. Plus, the colors look so pretty together on the plate!
