Name: Irresistible Candied Yams: Sweet Comfort for Your Table
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 can Canned Yams (Or use fresh yams); 4 tablespoons Butter (Salted or unsalted); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Adjust for sweetness); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 2 cups Miniature Marshmallows (Optional)

The aroma that wafts from the oven when you bake Easy Southern Candied Yams is nothing short of magical. This classic Thanksgiving side dish transforms simple yams into a sweet, comforting delight that captures the essence of home. Topped with gooey marshmallows and infused with a rich brown sugar-cinnamon mixture, this recipe is designed for anyone craving a nostalgic taste of Southern hospitality. Not only is it an effortless addition to your holiday spread, but it also caters to all with its easy adaptations, whether you’re using fresh yams or opting for a vegan twist. So, are you ready to bring a little sweetness to your table?

Why Are Candied Yams a Must-Try?

Irresistible Comfort: These candied yams are a delightful blend of sweet, tender yams and a rich, gooey topping, ensuring every bite is pure comfort.

Easy to Follow: The straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

Versatile Options: Want to mix things up? You can easily adapt this dish with fresh yams, pecans, or even a vegan version for all guests to enjoy.

Nostalgic Delight: Each serving is a journey back to family gatherings, filling everyone with warmth and nostalgia.

Crowd-Pleasing: A perfect side for any holiday feast, these yams will steal the show at your next gathering!

Candied Yams Ingredients

• To create the ultimate candied yams that elevate your holiday meals, gather these essential ingredients.

For the Yams
• Canned Yams – A convenient base that offers sweetness and moisture; fresh yams are a delightful alternative if you prefer to slice and cook them from scratch.
• Butter – Adds a rich depth of flavor; feel free to choose between salted and unsalted varieties based on your preference.

For the Sweet Mixture
• Brown Sugar – The star ingredient that sweetens the dish and caramelizes beautifully; adjust the amount for a lighter touch if preferred.
• Cinnamon – Offers warm spice notes that deepen the flavor profile of the candied yams.
• Nutmeg – A pinch of this spice enhances the earthy richness of the yams.
• Salt – Just a dash balances the sweetness, ensuring a well-rounded flavor.

For the Topping
• Miniature Marshmallows – Create that classic sweet, gooey topping that melts into perfection; if you want a more traditional take, feel free to omit them.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Southern Candied Yams

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential as it ensures that your Easy Southern Candied Yams bake evenly and achieve that delightful caramelization on the yams. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients and a nicely sized 8×8 baking dish, ready to house these sweet treats.

Step 2: Prepare the Yams
Carefully drain the canned yams, allowing any excess liquid to escape. Next, arrange the yams in a single layer within your prepared 8×8 baking dish. The sight of those golden yams nestled together sets the stage for the delicious perfection to come. If you’re using fresh yams instead, remember to slice them thinly for quick cooking.

Step 3: Add the Butter
Cut your butter into small, even pieces, and scatter them over the yams in the dish. As the butter melts during baking, it will infuse the yams with rich, creamy flavor. This process will transform the sweetness of the yams into a luscious base for your Easy Southern Candied Yams.

Step 4: Mix the Sweet Topping
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This fragrant mixture is key to achieving that mouthwatering flavor profile. Once well combined, sprinkle this sweet blend evenly over the yams, coating them generously to ensure maximum flavor throughout the dish.

Step 5: First Bake
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake the yams for 10 minutes. During this time, the brown sugar will start to dissolve and create a syrupy base. Keep an eye on the mixture; you want the yams to be hot and beginning to caramelize but not completely cooked through yet.

Step 6: Add Marshmallows
After 10 minutes, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Take a moment to admire the gooey transformation, then evenly top the yams with miniature marshmallows. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, until the marshmallows turn golden and melt into a delightful topping that harmonizes beautifully with the yams.

Step 7: Final Bake and Serve
Once the marshmallows are perfectly toasted, take your Easy Southern Candied Yams out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes, giving the marshmallow topping a chance to set slightly. This dish, rich in both flavor and warmth, is now ready to be served as a beloved side dish at any holiday gathering.

Candied Yams: Delicious Twists Await

Feel free to let your creativity shine and make these candied yams your own with delightful variations!

Fresh Yams: Swap canned yams for fresh ones; slice thinly, and follow the same baking instructions for a robust texture.
Combine flavors and textures to create a more rustic dish while enjoying the health benefits of fresh produce.
Nutty Addition: For a delightful crunch, mix in chopped pecans or walnuts before the final bake.
They’ll provide a lovely textural contrast against the sweet, soft yams and add a nutty flavor that enhances the entire dish.
Vegan-Friendly: Make this recipe vegan by using plant-based butter.
The result will still be full of flavor and suitable for those avoiding animal products without losing any of the original dish’s charm.
Citrus Twist: Drizzle some orange juice over the yams before baking; the citrus will infuse a bright, zesty flavor.
This refreshing twist will transport your taste buds and balance the sweetness beautifully.
Tropical Delight: Add pineapple chunks to the mix for an extra layer of sweetness and a hint of tropical vibes.
The juicy bites of pineapple will complement the caramelized yams perfectly, making each forkful more exciting.
Maple Syrup Swap: Replace some of the brown sugar with real maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness.
This natural alternative creates depth and complexity, elevating the candied yams to new culinary heights.
Spice Infusion: Experiment with flavors like ginger or allspice to enhance the warmth and spice profile.
These spices can lend a depth that resonates perfectly with the sweetness of the yams.
Spicy Kick: Want some heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper for a surprising twist.
This will create a unique flavor profile that balances the sweetness with a fun kick, adding excitement to your holiday table.

Incorporating these variations can transform your candied yams into a personalized dish that reflects your taste and style. For more flavor inspiration, consider exploring recipes like Sweet Potato Casserole or Southern Green Beans to complement your meal. Enjoy the delicious journey!

Expert Tips for Candied Yams

• Uniform Thickness: Ensure yam slices are uniform if using fresh yams; this promotes even cooking and avoids mushy spots.

• Avoid Boiling: Don’t boil fresh sweet potatoes before baking; it can make them watery and compromise their texture.

• Flavor Mixing: For optimal flavor distribution, combine yams with the brown sugar mixture before topping with marshmallows, avoiding mashing.

• Storage Basics: Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, helping to maintain their delicious flavor and texture.

• Mix and Match: Feel free to substitute ingredients or add variations like pecans or orange juice to tailor the candied yams to your taste!

Storage Tips for Candied Yams

Fridge: Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to preserve their sweetness and texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the candied yams in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Allow to cool completely before freezing.

Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through.

Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it unbaked. Just bake when you’re ready to serve for a fresh taste every time.

What to Serve with Easy Southern Candied Yams

The perfect meal is not complete without the delightful accompaniments that elevate your candied yams to culinary bliss.

Roast Turkey: A classic pairing, its savory flavor beautifully contrasts with the sweet, sticky yams, creating a well-rounded plate.
Green Bean Casserole: The creamy texture and crunchy topping make this dish a perfect counterpoint to the soft sweetness of the yams. Together, they evoke cherished holiday memories.
Homemade Creamed Corn: With its buttery richness, creamed corn complements the candied yams while adding a delightful creaminess to the meal.
Cranberry Sauce: A tart, refreshing component that cuts the sweetness of the yams, balancing your plate with bright flavor.
Biscuits or Cornbread: Fluffy, warm bread acts as the perfect vessel for all those delicious bites, absorbing the flavors of yams and savory sides alike.
Spiced Apple Cider: A warm, comforting drink that echoes the flavors of the dish, enhancing the cozy atmosphere around your holiday table.
Pecan Pie: For dessert, this classic Southern treat offers a nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with the candied yams, ensuring your meal ends on a high note.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Southern Candied Yams are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance by placing the drained yams in the baking dish, topping them with butter, and sprinkling the brown sugar mixture over the top. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re prepared to serve, simply pop the dish in the oven as per the recipe instructions, and add the miniature marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking. This method ensures your yams are just as delicious, saving you time for those busy weeknights or holiday festivities!

Candied Yams Recipe FAQs

What’s the best way to select fresh yams?
Absolutely! When choosing fresh yams, look for those that are firm and free from soft spots or blemishes. Ideally, they should have a smooth skin without dark spots all over, which indicates they might be past their prime. Size matters too; medium to large yams offer the best texture and flavor when cooked.

How should I store leftover candied yams?
Great question! Store any leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh and flavorful. If you have an abundance leftover, consider portioning them into smaller containers for easy reheating later!

Can I freeze candied yams, and if so, how?
Certainly! To freeze candied yams, let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Ensure they are sealed well to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until thoroughly warmed.

What if my candied yams are too sweet?
Very! If you find your candied yams are too sweet, you can easily adjust the sweetness next time. Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the mixture by about 1/4 cup. Additionally, adding a touch of salt or mixing in some citrus, such as orange juice, can help balance the flavors beautifully, bringing out the yams’ natural taste without overwhelming sweetness.

Are there any dietary considerations for candied yams?
Yes! If you’re catering to guests with dietary restrictions, consider using vegan butter instead of regular butter to make this dish vegan-friendly. Also, be mindful of any nut allergies if you’re adding pecans. Always check with your guests to tailor the dish to everyone’s needs!

How can I make candied yams with fresh yams instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh yams, the process is simple: peel and slice the yams into uniform circles about 1/4 inch thick. Boil them for about 10-15 minutes until they are fork-tender but not mushy. Drain and proceed with the recipe as instructed, adding your sweet mixture and marshmallows. This way, you’ll enjoy candied yams with a freshly cooked, homemade feel!