How to Make Candied Yams

How-Tos
Written By Stojan Velkov

A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Candied yams, a southern staple, emerge on dining tables particularly during festive occasions and holidays, serving as a delightful side dish that balances sweetness with the warmth of spices. This dish is revered for its deep roots in Southern cooking traditions and its ability to complement a variety of main courses. Made with succulent sweet potatoes that are sliced into rounds or inch slices and coated with a caramelized glaze of brown sugar (how long does sugar last?), they offer a flavor that is both rich and comforting. The process involves baking the potatoes until they become tender, allowing the marriage of flavors from ingredients such as ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (how long does nutmeg last?), and, often, a hint of vanilla extract.

The preparation of candied yams doesn't have to be complicated. Beginning with selecting the right size sweet potatoes, commonly referred to as yams in this recipe, one should aim for consistent cuts whether opting for rounds or bitesize pieces. These pieces are then traditionally arranged in a baking or casserole dish. To create the signature sweet coating, a mixture of melted unsalted or salted butter, depending on preference, and brown sugar is prepared. Many variations include aromatic spices and additional ingredients like orange juice, maple syrup (how long does maple syrup last?), or pecans (how long do pecans last?), each contributing its unique taste and texture. Some recipes even suggest a finish with miniature marshmallows (how long do marshmallows last?) that are added towards the end of baking, creating a toasty, gooey topping when broiled for a few minutes.

Temperature control is crucial; the dish is typically covered with aluminum foil and baked in a medium heat oven, often at 350°F. This ensures that the sweet potatoes cook evenly while the brown sugar mixture thickens to form a glaze that perfectly coats each slice. Regularly, the dish is uncovered in the final 15-20 minutes of baking to achieve a golden and slightly crisp edge. The result is a delectable side dish, commonly paired with savory mains, that is just as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. As families gather around the table, candied yams hold a special place, not just for their taste but also as a representation of tradition and shared experiences.

Selecting the Best Sweet Potatoes

When preparing candied yams, the quality of sweet potatoes used is paramount. Here's how to choose the best sweet potatoes to ensure a delicious side dish, particularly for special occasions like Thanksgiving, where candied yams are a Southern staple.

Appearance: Look for sweet potatoes that are firm with smooth, tight skin. Avoid those with wrinkles or sags, as these are signs of age and could result in a less desirable texture.

Size and Shape: Select sweet potatoes that are medium-sized, with a uniform shape. This will help when you cut them into 1-inch slices or rounds, as they'll cook evenly in your baking dish.

Color: Although often mislabeled in stores, garnet yams or bright orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are ideal. They offer not only vibrant color but also the sweet flavors you're seeking for this classic dish.

Variety: While different recipes may call for slight variations in sweet potatoes, 'garnet yams,' known for their sweet, moist texture, are widely preferred for most yam recipes.

Preparation: Once selected, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and peel them. Cutting them into evenly sized pieces, whether rounds or slices, will contribute to an even bake in your casserole or quart baking dish.

When the sweet potatoes are well chosen and prepared, the additional ingredients from your list — such as unsalted butter, warm spices like ground cinnamon and nutmeg, and sweeteners like brown sugar or maple syrup — will complement them to create a richly flavored and comforting dish. Remember to adjust quantities based on whether you’re preparing a few pounds or catering to a larger family gathering.

Preparation Essentials

Preparing candied yams begins with proper setup. This ensures that the cooking process flows smoothly and yields a delightful side dish for any occasion.

Peeling and Chopping

To start, wash and peel the sweet potatoes—often referred to as yams in yam recipes. You'll need about 3 pounds of sweet potatoes for a standard dish. Once peeled, slice them into inch-thick rounds or cubes, depending on your preference, ensuring each piece is similar in size for even cooking.

Measuring Ingredients Ahead

Before you start cooking, measure all ingredients and have them ready to go. This includes:

  • Unsalted butter: Typically, one stick of butter (1/2 cup) is cubed for even melting.

  • Sugars: For a balanced sweetness, you’ll need both white sugar and brown sugar. Roughly 1 cup of each is standard, but this may vary according to taste and recipe specifics.

  • Spices: Approximations of 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg are common for that warm flavor.

  • Liquids: These might include vanilla extract, typically around 1 teaspoon, and orange juice or maple syrup for added moisture and taste.

  • Extras: If desired, mini marshmallows, pecans, or other accompaniments should also be measured and set aside.

Pre-measured ingredients streamline the process, especially when layering in a casserole dish or combining in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

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Crafting the Candying Mixture

Creating the perfect candying mixture for yams involves a delicate balance of sugars and spices. This mixture will coat the yams, transforming them into the sticky, sweet holiday side dish that's a hallmark of Southern cuisine.

Mixing the Sweeteners

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated white sugar

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar

  • Optionally, a splash of maple syrup for added depth

Combine the white sugar and brown sugar in a medium bowl. For a richer flavor, some recipes call for a hint of maple syrup. Use a fork or a whisk to mix the sugars until they are well integrated and any clumps are broken up.

Adding Spices and Flavorings

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)

  • 1/2 cup orange juice (optional for a citrus note)

To the sugar mixture, add the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. These warm spices will complement the sweetness of the yams. Stir in the salt, which enhances the overall flavors especially if unsalted butter is part of the recipe. For an aromatic twist, vanilla extract and orange juice can also be included at this stage. Fold all the ingredients together until you achieve a homogenous mixture, ready to blanket the yams in rich, spiced sweetness.

Baking to Perfection

To guarantee candied yams that are a highlight of any holiday table, attention to the baking environment and process is crucial. This ensures that the sweet potatoes emerge beautifully caramelized and packed with flavor.

Setting Up the Oven

To begin, preheat the oven to 400° Fahrenheit. Depending on the size and depth of your casserole dish, adjust the rack to the middle position, granting even heat distribution to your dish. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it's snug to prevent excessive browning or drying out during the initial baking phase.

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The Baking Process

With the sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2 inch slices or rounds, arrange them in the baking dish. Create a uniform layer to promote even cooking. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar along with warm spices like ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook the mixture just until sugar dissolves.

Pour the butter and sugar mixture over the sweet potatoes, ensuring they are well-coated. For a richer flavor, some recipes suggest adding a splash of orange juice, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, or a sprinkling of miniature marshmallows at this stage. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes with the foil on, then remove the foil and continue baking until the sweet potatoes are tender and the sauce has turned into a luscious brown sugar glaze.

Use a fork to test the tenderness of the sweet potatoes. Once baked to perfection, the candied yams should be soft and the sauce thickened, clinging to the sweet potatoes, creating the signature southern side dish that has graced families' tables for generations.

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Additional Elements and Variations

When making candied yams, experimenting with additional ingredients can transform the texture and flavor of this classic dish. Nuts (how long do nuts last?) add a crunchy contrast, while fruits can lend a natural sweetness and complexity.

Incorporating Nuts and Fruits

Adding nuts and fruits to candied yams brings an added layer of flavor and texture to the dish. Pecans are a popular choice; they can be sprinkled on top of the yams before baking or mixed into the brown sugar mixture. To add fruits, consider layering thinly sliced apples or pears among the sweet potato rounds, or mix in orange juice for a citrusy zing. Here's how to incorporate these elements:

  • Pecans: Scatter 1/2 cup of pecans over the yams before baking.

  • Fruits: Layer thin apple slices or add 1/4 cup of orange juice to the sugar mixture.

Alternative Sweeteners

While traditional candied yams recipes often call for white sugar or brown sugar, alternative sweeteners can offer different flavor profiles and degrees of sweetness. Maple syrup can be used for its natural, woodsy sweetness, while honey adds a floral note. For a richer molasses flavor, try using dark brown sugar. Here's a guide to substituting sweeteners:

  • Maple Syrup: Substitute 1/2 cup of maple syrup for the sugar in your recipe.

  • Honey: Use 1/3 cup of honey as a replacement for sugar to avoid excessive sweetness.

  • Dark Brown Sugar: Swap in equal amounts of dark brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.

Incorporating these variations can elevate the humble yam to a festive and versatile side dish, perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.

Serving and Preservation Tips

When making candied yams, ensuring proper serving and preservation is crucial for maintaining flavor and freshness. This section offers guidance on serving yams at their best and storing leftovers efficiently.

Resting and Serving

Allow the freshly baked candied yams to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This resting period lets the brown sugar mixture thicken and the sweet potatoes absorb more of the syrup, enhancing the dish's flavor. For an optimal serving experience, present the yams in the baking dish or arrange them on a platter, ensuring they are evenly coated with the butter mixture. Candied yams serve well as a delicious side dish for holiday meals (What wine goes well with holiday meals?) or special occasions. If desired, garnish with miniature marshmallows or a sprinkle of pecans for added texture and warmth from the spices.

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover candied yams, allow them to cool completely to room temperature to prevent moisture buildup that could make them soggy. Transfer the cooled yams into an airtight container before placing them in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they can last for 3-4 days. For longer preservation, candied yams can be frozen. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag or container to avoid clumping. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave or oven until heated through, ensuring they regain their original texture and flavor.

Understanding Nutritional Content

Candied yams are a rich source of essential nutrients but are also high in sugars and fats due to the ingredients typically used in their preparation. It's important to consider these components to understand their dietary impact.

Caloric and Fat Considerations

Candied yams, mainly composed of sweet potatoes and additional ingredients such as brown sugar and butter, are a high-calorie dish with a significant fat content. A typical serving of candied yams contains the following:

  • Calories: Ranging from 200 to 300 per serving

  • Fats: Unsaturated butter contributes to the fat content, with approximately 8-12 grams of fat per serving

The amount of calories and fats can vary based on the recipe and portion size.

Vitamins and Minerals

Sweet potatoes, the primary ingredient in candied yams, provide a substantial amount of vitamins and minerals, particularly:

  • Vitamin A: Essential for vision, immune function, and skin health

  • Vitamin C: Important for immune defense and collagen production

  • Potassium: Helps control blood pressure and supports heart health

The addition of ingredients like orange juice or maple syrup can also contribute minor amounts of other nutrients. However, it's important to balance these benefits with the high sugar content often found in yam recipes, which can impact blood sugar levels.

Pairing with Other Dishes

Candied yams, a southern staple with their rich, sweet flavors, make a delightful side dish that pairs well with various holiday and everyday meals.

Thanksgiving and Christmas Classics

During special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas, candied yams complement the traditional feasts with their warm spices and rich, sweet flavors. They are particularly well-suited to sit alongside roasted turkey or baked ham, creating a balance between savory and sweet. A classic dish such as sweet potato casserole topped with mini marshmallows also finds its perfect match in the buttery and sugary taste of candied yams. For an added touch, a sprinkle of pecans on top can provide a contrasting crunch.

  • Thanksgiving Table:

    • Roasted Turkey

    • Stuffing

    • Green Bean Casserole

    • Cranberry Sauce

    • Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

    • Pumpkin Pie

  • Christmas Feast:

Everyday Meal Combinations

Candied yams aren't just for holidays; they're delicious throughout the year paired with everyday meals. They can be an excellent side dish to grilled meats like pork chops (What wine goes well with pork chops?) or chicken, introducing a sweet counterpoint to smoky flavors. A balanced plate may feature a lighter protein such as baked chicken breast, steamed vegetables, and a portion of candied yams, to bring comfort and satisfaction to any dinner.

Stojan Velkov
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