# Candied Yams Best Must-Have Easy Recipe

- Link: https://lifeandwork.blog/recipe-candied-yams-sweet-potatoes/
- Published: 2026-10-23T20:14:54-05:00
- Author: Bert Swope

Candied yams are something special. For me, at least, nothing – besides turkey, 
of course – quite screams “Thanksgiving” like candied yams. Of course, they make
a delicious treat all year round and complement a variety of dishes. Best of all,
they’re straightforward to make, and we’ll show you how to do that below.

## Why Cook Candied Yams (Sweet Potatoes)

Candied yams or sweet potatoes are a popular and delicious dish that can be enjoyed
as a side dish or as a dessert. There are several reasons why you might want to 
cook candied yams:

 1. Flavorful: Candied yams are known for their sweet and savory flavor, which comes
    from the combination of brown sugar, butter, and spices. This dish is perfect for
    those who enjoy sweet and savory flavors in their food.
 2. Nutritious: Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
    They are high in vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy eyesight,
    and they are also a good source of vitamin C and potassium.
 3. Easy to make: Candied yams are easy to prepare and require only a few ingredients.
    You can make them on the stovetop or in the oven, and they can be ready in under
    an hour.
 4. Versatile: Candied yams can be served as a side dish or as a dessert. They pair
    well with roasted meats like ham or turkey, and they can also be enjoyed on their
    own as a sweet treat.
 5. Perfect for special occasions: Candied yams are a popular dish during the holidays,
    especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are a great way to add a touch of sweetness
    to your holiday meal and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

In summary, candied yams or sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious dish that
is easy to make and versatile. They are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet
treat, and they are sure to be enjoyed by all. So why not try making this delicious
dish and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of candied yams?

## Basic Recipe Information

### Approximate Prep Time

 * 20 minutes

### Cooking Time

 * 1 hour

### Serving Size

 * 10-12

## Required Equipment

 * 9 x 13-inch (~ 23 x 33 cm) baking dish
 * Large pot for boiling the sweet potatoes
 * Skillet for melting butter and mixing

## Ingredients

 * 5 large sweet potatoes (yams)
 * 1/2 cup (115 grams) brown sugar
 * 1/2 cup (115 grams; 1 stick) butter
 * 3/4 teaspoon (3.7 ml) ground cinnamon
 * 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground nutmeg
 * 1/4 teaspoon (1.2 ml) ground ginger
 * 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of vanilla extract

Preparation Directions

 * First, preheat your oven to 350^(0)F (177^(0)C)
 * Wash the sweet potatoes
 * Peel and cut them up into small to medium-sized chunks
 * Boil the chunks in a large pot for 5-10 minutes so that they soften. To test,
   make sure you can gently pierce the potatoes with a fork
 * Once they are soft enough, place yams in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish
 * Now, melt your butter in a skillet or pot over medium-to-high heat
 * Place cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and sugar pot/skillet with the butter – stir 
   until well-mixed
 * Next, add in vanilla extract and stir
 * Pour your new candied mixture over your sweet potatoes, covering them lightly
   without “drowning” them.
 * Place tin foil over the baking dish and bake for one hour. however, you must 
   stop and stir every 20 minutes, so set a timer. Don’t forget to do this, or they
   won’t come out right!
 * Cool for 10-15 minutes before serving

That’s it! You should now have 10-12 servings of delicious candied yams on your 
hands.

Cook’s Notes

## Cook’s Notes

If you want to spice the candied yams a bit, try adding some rosemary or sea salt.
Chopped pistachios or walnuts work well, too.

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