Sweet and Savory Candied Yams Recipe

I have to admit, my love for candied yams is a bit of a delicious obsession. There’s something utterly irresistible about these sweet, buttery gems that just keep me coming back for more. Imagine a dish where yams are bathed in a luscious caramel sauce, spiced just right and roasted to golden perfection. It’s like a hug from the inside out, wrapped in a sugary coat.

This candied yams recipe is my go-to for those moments when you need a comforting side that’s both simple and spectacular (you should try it with a sandwich bread recipe). It combines the rich sweetness of brown sugar with the depth of maple syrup, all mellowed by a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. 

The result? A side dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be dreaming about these yams long after the meal is over.

Why Are They Called Candied Yams?

Candied yams​ got their name for a good reason! The term “candied” refers to the way the yams are coated in a sugar-based glaze that turns into a caramelized, candy-like coating when baked. This technique brings out the natural sweetness of the yams, while the added brown sugar and maple syrup elevate it to dessert-like status.

Interestingly, in the U.S., many people refer to both sweet potatoes and yams as “yams,” though true yams are quite different and originate from Africa and Asia. In this dish, what we often call yams are actually sweet potatoes, which become velvety and caramelized when roasted. The sugary glaze ensures the dish lives up to its “candied” name, making it a standout sweet and savory side for holidays like Thanksgiving!

yams recipe

Candied Yams Recipe

For 4-6 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 large yams, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup water

Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Boil the yams in a large pot of salted water for about 10 minutes or until slightly tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water. Cook until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
  4. Arrange the yams in a baking dish and pour the sugar mixture over them, making sure to coat the yams evenly.
  5. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the yams are tender and the sauce is thick and caramelized.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, savory goodness!

Notes:

  • For extra richness, you can add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts in the last 10 minutes of baking.
  • Make sure the yams are not too soft before baking, as they will continue to cook and soften in the oven.

yams recipe

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

  • Calories: 270 kcal
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Candied Yams

This yams recipe is a delightful addition to any meal, but what should you serve with it? Here are a few ideas to round out your holiday table:

  • Roasted Vegetables: The sweet flavor of the yams pairs perfectly with roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots for a balanced veggie combo.
  • Mashed Potatoes: For a traditional holiday feast, pair candied yams with creamy mashed potatoes. The contrast between savory and sweet is heavenly.
  • Cranberry Sauce: Another holiday classic, the tangy cranberry sauce provides a zesty contrast to the sugary sweetness of the yams.
  • Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy dinner rolls or even sandwich bread recipes help soak up the luscious glaze from the candied yams.
  • Green Bean Casserole: The earthy, hearty flavors of green beans blend well with the richness of the candied yams, giving a great textural balance.

By choosing any of these sides, you'll create a balanced meal with contrasting flavors that will leave your guests satisfied.

#CandiedYams #YamsRecipe #TalesOfAKitchen

Looking for more delicious plant-based recipes? Check out Tales of a Kitchen for a treasure trove o f easy-to-make dishes like this Candied Yams Recipe that will bring joy to your table! 

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Sweet and Savory Candied Yams Recipe

Candied Yams Recipe: A Perfect Sweet and Savory Holiday Dish

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  • Author: TalesOfaKitchen
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: Desserts

Description

Discover the ultimate candied yams recipe with TalesOfAKitchen! Sweet, easy, delicious, and buttery yams baked to perfection with a rich caramel sauce


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large yams, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Boil the yams in a large pot of salted water for about 10 minutes or until slightly tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water. Cook until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
  4. Arrange the yams in a baking dish and pour the sugar mixture over them, making sure to coat the yams evenly.
  5. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the yams are tender and the sauce is thick and caramelized.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, savory goodness!

Notes

  • For extra richness, you can add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts in the last 10 minutes of baking.
  • Make sure the yams are not too soft before baking, as they will continue to cook and soften in the oven.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 270 kcal
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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