Classic Candied Yams

Article by: Krissy Downey

This stovetop recipe combines tender slices of sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze that is simmered to absolute perfection. It’s a quintessential side dish for holidays or simple suppers, and it strikes just the right balance between sweet and savory. Our best candied yams recipe is simple to make but packed with warm, nostalgic flavors everyone loves.

Are Yams and Sweet Potatoes the Same?

The short answer is no, they are not. There are several differences between the two vegetables, but, basically, in the US, the term yams is referring to sweet potatoes. So, for this candied yams recipe and others like it, you’ll be purchasing and using sweet potatoes.

What is Candying?

Candying is a cooking method in which vegetables are cooked in a sugar syrup to preserve them and give them a smooth, glossy finish. Candying is often used with naturally sweet vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes to create a caramelized texture and taste.

How to Make Candied Yams Like a Pro

Cut the sweet potatoes evenly. Similarly sized pieces of sweet potato ensure that each piece cooks evenly. Our recipe calls for cutting the sweet potatoes into one-inch-thick rounds, but the key is to cut any larger pieces in halves or quarters to make sure every piece is around the same size.

Make them on the stove to control the heat and save room in the oven. We cook the sweet potatoes on the stovetop, so we can adjust the heat as needed and stir as they cook. Cooking them on the stovetop also frees up (very!) valuable oven space on a busy holiday.

Use dark brown sugar for an extra rich taste. Brown sugar is simply granulated sugar with molasses in it. Dark brown sugar has more molasses than light brown sugar, so it gets very glossy and caramelized. We want that extra richness in our candied yams.

Add pumpkin pie spice for added warmth and to balance the sweetness. Pumpkin pie spice is usually a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and allspice. Together, they make a warm, aromatic addition to any seasonal recipe. Pumpkin pie spice cuts the sweetness of candied yams and adds a burst of cozy flavor. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand but you do have all the above spices, you can make your own blend in whatever ratio suits your taste.

Top with toasted pecans to add texture. Candied yams are glossy and smooth, and the addition of toasted pecans gives a nice crunch to the side dish. Toasted pecans are also rich, nutty and buttery – the perfect flavor to accompany sweet potatoes!

Can This Be Made in Advance?

Whether you’re making candied yams for Thanksgiving, Christmas or just a weeknight dinner, it is always helpful to work in advance. These can be made up to two days in advance and reheated on the stove. Be sure to stir them occasionally as they reheat to keep them moist.

How to Store the Leftovers

Cool the candied yams completely and transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.