Sweet, buttery, and spiced with a hint of cinnamon, Candied Yams are a classic holiday side dish that always steals the show. Made with tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich brown sugar glaze, this recipe is cozy, nostalgic, and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering. Whether you call them candied yams or glazed sweet potatoes, this dish brings warmth, tradition, and comfort to the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love These Candied Yams
- Perfect holiday side dish – cozy, sweet, and traditional.
- Simple ingredients – pantry staples create magic.
- Customizable – top with marshmallows, nuts, or keep classic.
- Crowd-pleaser – pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or roast chicken.
Tips for Success
- Slice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Stir glaze halfway through for even coating.
- Use dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor.
- Let dish rest 5–10 minutes before serving — glaze thickens slightly.
Variations & Add-Ins
- Nutty twist: Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking.
- Citrus notes: Replace water with orange juice for brightness.
- Maple yams: Swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup.
- Spiced yams: Add cloves or allspice for deeper flavor.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
- Serve alongside roast turkey or ham at Thanksgiving/Christmas.
- Pair with green bean casserole and mashed potatoes for a full holiday spread.
- Enjoy as a sweet side for Sunday dinner with fried chicken or pork chops.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are candied yams the same as sweet potatoes?
Yes! In the U.S., “yams” usually refer to orange-fleshed sweet potatoes.
2. Can I use canned yams?
Yes — but reduce bake time to 25–30 minutes since they’re already cooked.
3. Can I make candied yams ahead of time?
Yes — assemble a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
4. How do I thicken the glaze?
If glaze is thin, simmer on stove for 2–3 minutes before pouring over potatoes.
5. Can I freeze candied yams?
Not recommended — potatoes change texture when frozen. Best fresh.
Candied Yams
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare potatoes – Peel and slice sweet potatoes into ½-inch rounds or wedges. Place in the dish.
- Make the glaze – In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and water/orange juice until smooth.
- Coat yams – Pour glaze evenly over sweet potatoes. Toss to coat well.
- Bake – Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil, stir gently, and bake another 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Serve – Spoon glaze over potatoes before serving. Serve warm as a holiday side dish.
Notes
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of bourbon or maple syrup to the glaze.
- Marshmallow topping: For a sweeter twist, top with mini marshmallows in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate (unbaked) up to 24 hours ahead. Bake before serving.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge 3–4 days. Reheat in oven for best texture.
