5-Star Candied Yams Recipe: Sweet & Savory Perfection

If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, look no further than this irresistible candied yams recipe. Often a staple at holiday tables and special occasions, candied yams offer a delightful twist on traditional side dishes. This recipe transforms humble yams into a sweet, buttery, and aromatic delight that’s sure to impress your family and guests.

Imagine tender yams coated in a rich syrup of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re preparing a festive feast or just craving a delicious side dish, this candied yams recipe will quickly become a favorite. Dive into this step-by-step guide and discover how to make these delectable yams that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Table of Contents

How to Make Your Candied Yams

This highly-rated candied yams recipe uses just four simple ingredients: canned sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and miniature marshmallows. With a quick 15-minute prep time and only 25 minutes of baking, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in just 40 minutes.

Drain Excess Syrup: To avoid a runny texture, drain the syrup from the yams thoroughly before placing them in a medium baking dish.
Dice and Distribute Butter: Cut cold butter into small, even pieces and scatter them over the yams for rich flavor and texture.
Add Brown Sugar: Pack brown sugar firmly into a measuring cup, then break it up and sprinkle it evenly over the yams. Crush any lumps to ensure smooth distribution.
Top with Marshmallows: Use more marshmallows than the recipe calls for if needed, placing them close together to achieve a perfectly toasted topping.
Bake to Perfection: Since the yams are already cooked, bake them until the marshmallows are golden and melted, enhancing the sweet flavor and creating a delightful texture.

Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes: What’s the Difference?

Yams and sweet potatoes are often confused, but they are actually quite different. Yams are starchy tubers with rough, scaly skin and come in colors like white and purple. They’re common in African and Caribbean cooking and have a dry, starchy texture. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, have smooth skin and a sweet, moist flesh that can be orange, white, or purple. They’re popular in American dishes and are known for their sweeter flavor and softer texture. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right ingredient for your recipes and makes your dishes taste just right.

How to Substitute Fresh Sweet Potatoes for Canned Yams

If you prefer using fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned yams in your recipe, here’s a quick guide:

Amount Needed: For a 29-ounce can of yams, use about three to four medium-sized sweet potatoes.
Preparation: Peel, chop, and cook the fresh sweet potatoes. You can boil, microwave, or bake them until they are tender but still firm.
Cooking Tip: Ensure that the sweet potatoes are cooked thoroughly to avoid a mushy texture in your final dish.

Tips and Praise for Candied Yams Recipe

Tips:

Perfect Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to match your preferred level of sweetness. Start with 1 cup and taste as you go. For a richer flavor, add a splash of maple syrup.
Texture Matters: To achieve the ideal texture, make sure the yams are tender but not overly mushy. Boil or bake them until they’re just soft enough to pierce with a fork.
Flavor Boost: Enhance the flavor with a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg. A dash of vanilla extract can also add a delightful depth to the dish.

Praise:

A Crowd-Pleaser: This candied yams recipe is a guaranteed hit at any holiday gathering or family dinner. Its rich, sweet flavor and comforting texture make it a favorite for both kids and adults.
Simple and Delicious: With easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients, this recipe simplifies the process of making a classic side dish that will impress your guests.
Versatile Delight: Not only does this recipe taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It pairs well with a variety of main courses, from roast meats to vegetarian dishes.

Ingredients

1 (29-ounce) can sweet potatoes, drained
¼ cup butter, cut into small pieces
½ cup brown sugar
1½ cups miniature marshmallows

Guidelines: Step by Step

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Baking Dish: Place the drained sweet potatoes into a medium-sized baking dish.
Add Butter: Evenly distribute the butter pieces over the sweet potatoes.
Add Sugar and Marshmallows: Sprinkle brown sugar on top, then layer with miniature marshmallows.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the marshmallows are melted.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious candied yams!