When it comes to Thanksgiving, there are certain dishes that just scream “tradition.” The candied Thanksgiving yams recipe is definitely one of those dishes.

Whether you are needing to cook for a special occasion, Sunday dinner, or a holiday meal this classic holiday side dish is sure to make a positive impact on guests!

This Southern-style recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Trust us, once you try these yams, you’ll be hooked.

There are different root vegetables but the most common type of yam used in this dish is the sweet potato.

Yams and sweet potatoes are often confused with one another but they are actually two different vegetables.

Why is it Called Southern Candied Yams?

Candied yams have been a traditional side dish in the South for many years. The term “candied” simply refers to the fact that the yams are cooked with a sweet syrup.

It’s slow-cooked in a candied mixture with butter, warm spices, and sugar on the stove-top.

This gives the yams a deep, rich flavor that is absolutely delicious.

In the American South, the word “yam” is used to describe any type of starchy, sweet-tasting starchy root vegetable.

So, when you see a recipe that calls for yams, feel free to use sweet potatoes instead.

What Type of Yams Should I Use?

When it comes to choosing the right yam for this recipe, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

First, you’ll want to choose a yam that is firm and not too mushy. Second, you’ll want to avoid yams that have blemishes or bruises.

And finally, you’ll want to make sure that the yam is not too big or too small.

The best type of yam to use for this delicious recipe are garnet Yams. The Garnet Yam is a deep red yam that has moist, sweet flesh.

It’s the perfect yam for this recipe because it holds up well during cooking and has a great flavor.

Canned yams and sweet yams will also work well for this great recipe. However, if you do use canned yams, make sure to drain them before adding them to the recipe.

True yams are actually quite rare in the United States, so chances are you won’t be able to find them at your local grocery store.

But don’t worry, sweet potatoes will work just as well!

How to Make The Best Thanksgiving Yams Recipe

This classic Southern side dish is so easy to make and is great for a Thanksgiving table or Christmas table feast!

Ingredients For Yam Recipe

• 5 large fresh sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar or light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1 stick of butter (8 tablespoons)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground gloves
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 9×13 pan or casserole dish

Instructions For Yams Recipe

This amazing recipe has much flavor and won’t take a long time to make either!

1. Wash, peel and dice whole sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds and place in a large pot or bowl.

2. Next preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter the bottom of the baking dish and set it aside.

2. Place the sweet potato rounds in the dish.

3. Heat white sugar, butter, cinnamon, ginger, brown sugar, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt into a small saucepan over medium heat until you have melted butter.

4. Stir in your vanilla extract to the brown sugar mixture and butter mixture then remove from heat.

5. Pour the candied mixture over the sweet potatoes and stir the potatoes to make sure each slice is covered in the sweet syrup.

6. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

7. Once done, remove the foil and carefully spoon some of the cooking syrup over the yams and continue a baking time of 20-25 minutes uncovered.

8. When the sweet potatoes can be pierced with a fork and the cooking liquid is a sugary syrup they are done.

9. Cover the top of the sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until melted and golden brown.

10. Let it cool a little bit and serve warm!

If this is your first time making side dishes for the holidays, don’t worry, this Southern Candied Yam recipe is easy to follow and turns out great every time!

How to Store And Make Ahead

Candied yams can be prepared up to two days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and placed in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

To store yams you can simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Sweet Potatoes

This root vegetable is known for having an orange interior flesh but there are actually many different varieties that can be white, yellow, or even purple inside.

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.

When cooking with sweet potatoes, it is important to note that there is a difference between real yams and sweet potatoes.

Yams tend to be starchier with white flesh and drier than sweet potatoes, so they are not always the best option for recipes calling for sweet potatoes.

However, in a pinch, you can usually substitute one for the other.

Tips For The Best Candied Yams

The next time you make candied yams remember these tips for an even better recipe!

• Make sure to use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. Fresh yams are always best, but you can also use canned yams if necessary.
• If you have thick slices of sweet potato, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer. Make sure to peel away the brown skin.
• You can substitute olive oil for butter if you’re looking for a healthier option.
• Be sure to stir the sweet potatoes frequently while they are cooking to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
• If you want a bit more of a kick, add a splash of bourbon to this sweet potato casserole recipe along with the vanilla extract.
• If you find that the yams are getting too dry while they are cooking, simply add a splash of water or orange juice to the pan.
• You can add in maple syrup, a sugar syrup, or corn syrup in place of the white sugar if you prefer.
• For a citrusy tasting sweet potatoes recipe add in some orange zest. For a buttery caramel toffee flavor, add in a teaspoon of caramel extract.
• Feel free to get creative with the toppings! In addition to marshmallows, you could also top the yams with pecans, walnuts, cranberry sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

These tips are a good reason why this is one of our favorite sweet potato recipes!

Final Thoughts

This southern candied yams recipe is the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving feast and anyone with a sweet tooth!

The sweet potatoes are cooked in a delicious sauce with brown sugar and butter syrup and then topped with marshmallows for a classic side dish.

The great news is that this Thanksgiving yams recipe is actually quite easy to make, so you won’t have to spend your whole time in the kitchen.

This southern staple is sure to be a holiday dinner hit, so much so you’ll be adding it to your recipe card!

For more delicious side dish options for a Thanksgiving dinner try a green bean casserole or roasted Brussels sprouts. And don’t forget the stuffing!

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