Decadent Candied Yams

When it comes to holiday sides, Decadent Candied Yams are a must-have on the table. This rich, sweet dish is made by coating tender yams in butter, brown sugar, and warm spices, then baking them to perfection. Whether you’re making them for a holiday feast or simply craving a cozy comfort food, these candied yams are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Decadent Candied Yams

This dish is:

Rich and Buttery: With a base of butter and brown sugar, the yams become perfectly caramelized and indulgent.
Simple to Prepare: Using just a few ingredients, these yams come together quickly and easily.
Perfect for Holidays: A classic side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special meal.

For another holiday favorite, try Butternut Squash Bliss.

Ingredients for Decadent Candied Yams

To make this sweet and satisfying dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Yams: Use fresh yams or sweet potatoes for this recipe.
Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the yams.
Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the sweetness of the yams.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness.

For a savory contrast, pair these candied yams with Rosemary Crusted Sweet Garlic Pork Tenderloin.

How to Make Decadent Candied Yams

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Yams: Peel the yams and cut them into thick rounds or wedges.
Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Bake: Arrange the yams in a baking dish and pour the butter-sugar mixture over them. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the yams are tender and caramelized.
Serve: Serve hot and enjoy the rich, sweet flavors.

For more sweet side dishes, check out Crock Pot Pork Loin to pair with this for a complete meal.

FAQs About Decadent Candied Yams

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Yes, sweet potatoes work perfectly in this recipe, and the flavor will be very similar.
How can I make the yams less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar or swap it with maple syrup for a less sweet but still flavorful option.
Can I prepare these yams ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and reheat it in the oven before serving.

Health Benefits of Yams

Though candied yams are an indulgent dish, they also offer some nutritional benefits:

Rich in Vitamins: Yams are a great source of vitamin A, which supports vision and immune health.
Antioxidants: The warm spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation.
Fiber: Yams are naturally high in fiber, which aids digestion.

For more health-conscious recipes, try this Berry Beet Blast Smoothie.

Must-Try Decadent Candied Yams Recipe

Here’s a simple way to create these delicious candied yams:

Ingredients:

4 large yams (or sweet potatoes), peeled and sliced
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the yams and arrange them in a baking dish.
Melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.
Pour the mixture over the yams, cover with foil, and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the yams are tender and caramelized.

For another classic dish to pair with this, try Caprese Spinach Salad.

Storing and Reheating Candied Yams

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Freeze: You can freeze candied yams, but they may lose some texture when reheated.

Conclusion: Sweet, Tender, and Flavorful

These Decadent Candied Yams are an ideal side dish for any holiday gathering or special meal. The combination of tender yams with buttery brown sugar and spices makes this a comforting and sweet dish that’s sure to please. Whether served at Thanksgiving or any time of year, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser!