Wondering what to cook candied yams on for the perfect holiday side dish? This sweet, caramelized delight has been gracing dinner tables for generations, and the cooking surface you choose can make all the difference in achieving that ideal texture and flavor.
Whether you’re preparing candied yams for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special Sunday dinner, selecting the right cooking vessel matters. From traditional baking dishes to cast iron skillets, each option offers unique benefits that affect how your yams caramelize and how evenly they cook. Let’s explore how to transform those humble sweet potatoes into the mouthwatering, sticky-sweet treat your family craves.
What Are Candied Yams and Why Are They So Popular?
Candied yams are sweet potatoes cooked with a delicious glaze of sugar, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Even though their name, most candied “yams” in the United States are actually made with sweet potatoes rather than true yams, which are starchier and less sweet. The confusion stems from early marketing tactics when orange-fleshed sweet potatoes were labeled as “yams” to distinguish them from their paler counterparts.
Americans embrace this sweet side dish particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. The combination of natural sweetness from the potatoes and the caramelized sugar creates a perfect balance that complements savory holiday foods like turkey and stuffing. Many families pass down their own special candied yam recipes through generations, making it a dish steeped in tradition and nostalgia.
Regional variations across the country demonstrate the versatility of this beloved dish. Southern recipes often include bourbon or pecans for extra flavor and texture. Some households top their candied yams with marshmallows for that iconic golden-brown finish, while others prefer a simpler approach with just the sweet glaze. The dish’s adaptability makes it accessible for various dietary preferences, with modern versions incorporating coconut oil instead of butter or maple syrup instead of refined sugar.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Candied Yams
Creating irresistible candied yams starts with selecting high-quality ingredients that complement each other. The right combination of fresh produce, sweeteners, and spices transforms simple sweet potatoes into a caramelized delight that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Choosing the Right Yams or Sweet Potatoes
Fresh yams or sweet potatoes form the foundation of this classic dish. Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes with smooth skin, as these indicate freshness and proper ripeness. Medium-sized sweet potatoes are ideal because they cook more evenly than larger ones. Before cooking, peel them completely and slice into approximately ½-inch rounds or chunks to ensure uniform cooking throughout. Orange-fleshed varieties like Jewel or Garnet sweet potatoes offer the best flavor and texture for candied preparations, providing natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
Sweeteners and Spices That Make the Difference
The distinctive flavor profile of candied yams comes from the perfect balance of sweeteners and warming spices. Brown sugar serves as the primary sweetener, creating a rich molasses-like base for the glaze. Many recipes incorporate additional sweeteners such as granulated sugar or maple syrup to develop complex flavor notes. Butter adds essential richness and helps create the signature glossy glaze that coats each piece.
A thoughtful spice blend elevates candied yams from good to exceptional. Cinnamon provides familiar warmth, while nutmeg, cloves, and ginger add aromatic depth that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes. A splash of vanilla extract enhances these flavors without overwhelming them. The combination of these spices creates the quintessential holiday aroma that makes candied yams instantly recognizable.
For traditional presentations, keeping marshmallows on hand allows you to create that classic toasted topping that children and adults alike anticipate. The marshmallows melt slightly into the glaze while browning on top, adding another dimension of sweetness and texture contrast to the tender yams beneath.
Best Cookware Options for Candied Yams
Selecting the right cookware for candied yams significantly impacts the final texture and flavor of this beloved holiday dish. Each type of cooking vessel offers unique advantages that can elevate your recipe from good to exceptional.
Cast Iron Skillets: The Traditional Choice
Cast iron skillets provide an excellent cooking surface for stovetop candied yams, offering unmatched heat retention and distribution. These heavy-duty pans create a perfect environment for developing a slightly crispy exterior on your yams while maintaining a tender interior. The natural seasoning of well-maintained cast iron also imparts subtle flavor notes that complement the caramelization process. When cooking with cast iron, you’ll achieve even heating throughout the cooking process, ensuring your yams cook uniformly and absorb the sweet syrup consistently.
Casserole Dishes: For Family-Style Serving
Casserole dishes represent the most popular option for oven-baked candied yams, particularly when serving larger gatherings. A standard 9×13 inch baking dish accommodates enough yams to feed a family while providing ample space for the sweet syrup to coat each piece evenly. These dishes transition seamlessly from oven to table, maintaining their heat for extended periods and creating an attractive presentation. The wide surface area promotes better caramelization across the top layer, developing those desirable sticky-sweet edges that everyone reaches for first.
Dutch Ovens: For Slow, Even Cooking
Dutch ovens offer remarkable versatility for preparing candied yams through multiple cooking methods. Their thick walls and tight-fitting lids create an ideal environment for slow, even heat distribution that prevents scorching of the sugar mixture. You can use Dutch ovens to first boil the yams until tender, then seamlessly transition to making the syrup in the same pot, reducing cleanup and preserving all the flavors. These multi-functional vessels work equally well on stovetops or in ovens, allowing you to start your candied yams on the burner and finish them with uncovered baking for that perfect caramelized finish.
Stovetop vs. Oven Methods for Cooking Candied Yams
Candied yams can be prepared using two distinct cooking methods, each offering unique advantages for your holiday table. Your choice between stovetop and oven techniques affects both the final texture and flavor profile of this beloved side dish.
Stovetop Technique for Quick Results
The stovetop method delivers tender, glossy candied yams in approximately 30 minutes. Using a large sauté pan, braiser, or Dutch oven creates the perfect environment for quick cooking. First, peel and cut your yams into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking throughout. Melt butter in your chosen pan, add sugars and spices, then incorporate the yam pieces with enough liquid (orange juice, water, or a combination) to cover the bottom of the pan. Cover and simmer the mixture for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the yams become tender. Once they’ve reached the desired tenderness, remove the lid and continue cooking until the sauce thickens into a beautiful, glossy finish. This approach works perfectly when you’re short on time or your oven is occupied with other holiday dishes.
Oven-Baked Method for Caramelized Perfection
Oven-baking produces deeply caramelized candied yams with a thick, sticky glaze that many consider worth the extra cooking time. This method requires a baking dish and aluminum foil, with a total preparation and cooking time of 45-60 minutes. Start by peeling and slicing your yams into rounds or chunks, then combine melted butter, sugars, and spices in a saucepan before pouring the mixture over the yams in your baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350-400°F for 30-45 minutes total, making sure to baste or stir once during cooking for even caramelization. The slower cooking process allows the sugars to develop a deeper flavor profile and creates that characteristic thick glaze that clings beautifully to each piece. Many cooks add marshmallows on top during the final minutes of baking for a traditional holiday presentation that’s particularly popular at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.
| Method | Equipment | Time Estimate | Key Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stovetop | Pan, braiser or Dutch oven | ~30 minutes | Quick, tender yams with glossy sauce |
| Oven-Baked | Baking dish and foil | ~45-60 minutes | Deeply caramelized yams with thick glaze |
Special Cooking Surfaces for Holiday Gatherings
Beyond traditional cookware, specialized cooking surfaces offer unique advantages when preparing candied yams for holiday meals. These alternatives provide flexibility and convenience during busy holiday cooking sessions when oven and stovetop space is at a premium.
Slow Cookers for Hands-Off Preparation
Slow cookers transform candied yams preparation into a stress-free experience during hectic holiday cooking. Place sliced sweet potatoes along with your candied mixture of brown sugar, butter, and spices directly in the slow cooker and let it work its magic for several hours on low heat. The gentle, consistent temperature ensures the yams become perfectly tender without the risk of burning or overcooking. Many hosts appreciate how this method frees up valuable oven space for other dishes like turkey or ham. Slow cookers maintain moisture exceptionally well, creating yams that absorb all the sweet, spiced flavors while developing a rich, thick syrup. The keep-warm function also proves invaluable for serving during extended holiday gatherings where family members arrive at different times.
Electric Skillets for Temperature Control
Electric skillets offer precision and visibility when preparing candied yams for your holiday feast. Set your electric skillet to medium heat, add the sweet potatoes and candied mixture, then monitor and stir frequently for approximately 30-40 minutes until the yams become tender and evenly glazed. The adjustable temperature settings enable perfect control over the caramelization process, preventing the sugar from burning while ensuring thorough cooking. Electric skillets feature a large, flat cooking surface that accommodates multiple servings, making them ideal for larger gatherings. Their portable nature allows for tableside serving, keeping the yams warm throughout the meal. The transparent lid helps you track cooking progress without releasing heat, and the non-stick surface simplifies both cooking and cleanup after your holiday celebration.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor
Preparation Techniques
Proper preparation creates the foundation for exceptional candied yams. Wash, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds or chunks for even cooking. Uniform slices ensure each piece cooks at the same rate and allows the glaze to coat thoroughly. Cutting the yams consistently helps them absorb the sweet syrup evenly, resulting in perfectly tender pieces throughout the dish.
Creating the Perfect Glaze
The glaze transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into decadent candied yams. Melt butter in a saucepan and mix in brown and granulated sugars until completely dissolved. Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger to enhance the natural sweetness of the yams. For a thicker consistency, incorporate a small amount of cornstarch into the mixture. Stir in vanilla extract after removing from heat to preserve its aromatic qualities while adding depth to the flavor profile.
Mastering the Cooking Process
Coat your yam slices thoroughly in the warm glaze before arranging them in your buttered baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F to 375°F for 30-40 minutes to start the tenderizing process. Remove the foil, stir or baste the yams with the bubbling glaze, then continue baking uncovered for another 15-40 minutes. This uncovered period allows the glaze to reduce and caramelize while the yams become fork-tender without falling apart.
Perfecting the Final Touch
Let your candied yams rest for 10 minutes after removing them from the oven. This resting period allows the glaze to set and thicken into a luxurious caramel-like coating that clings to each piece. The brief cooling time also intensifies the flavors as they meld together, creating that signature sweet and buttery finish that makes candied yams a holiday favorite. This patient approach results in yams that maintain their structure while offering that perfect balance between tender interior and glazed exterior.
Serving and Pairing Your Candied Yams
Candied yams shine as a soul food or holiday side dish, making them perfect companions for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter feasts. These sweet, tender yams coated in a rich, caramelized glaze complement savory main courses beautifully, creating a balanced meal experience. Let your candied yams cool slightly before serving to allow the glaze to thicken, preventing guests from burning themselves on molten sugar.
Traditional holiday meals benefit from the contrast candied yams provide when served alongside roasted meats. The sweet, spiced accent of the yams balances hearty flavors found in turkey, ham, or beef. Hearty greens such as collards or kale offer a pleasant counterpoint to the sweetness, while cornbread completes a classic Southern-inspired meal combination.
Family-style serving works best for candied yams, allowing guests to appreciate their vibrant orange color and glistening glaze. Transfer them from your baking dish to a decorative serving bowl, spooning extra syrup over the top for a picture-perfect presentation. The rich buttery sauce infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates an aromatic experience that enhances the entire dining atmosphere.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for a cast iron skillet for that perfect caramelization or a slow cooker for hands-off convenience your choice of cookware significantly impacts your candied yams. Each cooking method brings its own advantages from the quick stovetop preparation to the deep flavor development of oven baking.
Remember that uniform sweet potato slices proper glaze preparation and adequate resting time are key to achieving that irresistible texture and flavor. The right cookware combined with these techniques will help you create candied yams that shine at your holiday table.
With these tips you’re ready to prepare this beloved side dish that balances natural sweetness with warm spices creating the perfect complement to your savory holiday feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are candied yams?
Candied yams are actually sweet potatoes cooked with a glaze of sugar, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Despite the name, they’re rarely made with true yams. This sweet side dish is especially popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, offering a perfect balance of natural sweetness and caramelized sugar that complements savory holiday meats.
What’s the best type of sweet potato to use for candied yams?
Orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties like Jewel or Garnet are ideal for candied yams. These varieties provide the best flavor and texture, with a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes with smooth skin for the most consistent results in your holiday dish.
Can I use a cast iron skillet to make candied yams?
Yes, cast iron skillets are excellent for making candied yams. They retain heat exceptionally well, creating a delicious crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. The wide surface area also allows the glaze to reduce and caramelize more effectively, resulting in rich, flavorful candied yams with beautiful caramelization around the edges.
How long does it take to cook candied yams?
Cooking times vary by method: stovetop candied yams take about 30 minutes in a sauté pan or Dutch oven, yielding tender, glossy results. Oven-baked candied yams require 45-60 minutes at 350°F but produce a deeper caramelization and thicker glaze. Slow cooker versions need 3-4 hours on low for hands-off preparation.
Should I peel sweet potatoes for candied yams?
Yes, peeling sweet potatoes is recommended for traditional candied yams. Removing the skin creates a smoother texture and allows the sweet glaze to penetrate the flesh more effectively. After peeling, cut the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces (typically 1-inch chunks or ½-inch slices) to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
Can I make candied yams in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Slow cookers are perfect for candied yams, especially during busy holiday meal preparation. Layer your peeled and sliced sweet potatoes in the slow cooker, cover with your butter-sugar-spice mixture, and cook on low for 3-4 hours. This method frees up oven space and results in perfectly tender candied yams with minimal effort.
Do I need to use marshmallows on candied yams?
Marshmallows are optional but traditional for many families. They create a classic sweet, toasted topping that many people associate with holiday candied yams. If using marshmallows, add them during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking until they’re golden brown. For a more sophisticated version, you can omit marshmallows or substitute with a pecan streusel topping.
How can I make my candied yams less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, cut the sugar amount by up to half and balance flavors with a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Increase warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for depth without sweetness. Using orange juice instead of some sugar adds natural sweetness with less intensity, while a pinch of salt enhances flavors without adding sweetness.
Can candied yams be made ahead of time?
Yes, candied yams can be prepared 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated. Prepare the dish completely, let cool, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat in a 325°F oven for 20-25 minutes until hot throughout. Add a splash of orange juice or water if the glaze has thickened too much, and add marshmallows during the last few minutes if using.
What’s the difference between stovetop and oven-baked candied yams?
Stovetop candied yams cook faster (about 30 minutes) and produce tender yams with a glossy coating. Oven-baked yams take longer (45-60 minutes) but develop deeper caramelization and a thicker, more concentrated glaze. Stovetop is best for quick preparation, while oven-baking creates more complex flavors and is ideal for traditional holiday presentations.
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