thanksgiving candied yams recipe

The Best thanksgiving candied yams recipe

I love Thanksgiving candied yams recipe, it’s a classic dish that never fails to impress. My family and I have been making it for years, and it’s always a hit. The sweetness of the yams pairs perfectly with the spices and sugar, creating a flavor combination that’s hard to resist.

But what I love most about this recipe is the ease of preparation – it’s a simple process that requires minimal effort but yields maximum results. The technique of browning the butter and sugar before adding the yams is key to getting that perfect caramelized crust on top. It’s a technique I’ve mastered over the years, and I’m happy to share it with you today.

The history of candied yams dates back to the 19th century, when they were first introduced in the Southern United States as a sweet and savory side dish. Over time, the recipe has evolved, but its core elements remain the same – sweet yams, browned butter, and spices. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a regular Tuesday dinner.

In terms of health benefits, candied yams are a great option for those looking for a low-calorie alternative to traditional mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole. Yams are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and minerals like potassium and iron. When cooked with minimal added sugar, this dish becomes an excellent choice for those watching their sugar intake.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together – it’s ready in under an hour from start to finish! And let me tell you, my kids love helping me in the kitchen – they enjoy mashing the yams with a fork until they’re smooth and creamy. It’s a fun process that brings us all together.

Thanksgiving Candied Yams

4.6 from 974 votes

A classic Thanksgiving side dish featuring sweet and tender yams with a crunchy, caramelized topping. This recipe combines brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon for a delightful flavor.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Yams

2 lbs yams, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt

For the Topping

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2Peel and cut the yams into 1-inch cubes, place them in a large mixing bowl.
3Toss the yams with 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp of salt.
4Make sure the yams are evenly coated.
5Transfer the yams to a greased baking dish, spreading them out in an even layer.
6Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7Remove the foil and stir the yams, then bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the yams are tender and lightly browned.
8While the yams are baking, prepare the topping.
9In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of chopped pecans, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp of cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp of nutmeg.
10Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
11Sprinkle the topping evenly over the yams during the last 5 minutes of baking.
12The topping should be golden brown and slightly crispy when done.
13Remove the yams from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of brown sugar. For a crunchier topping, add more pecans.

This Thanksgiving candied yams recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or just a regular family gathering. To store leftovers safely, transfer them to an airtight container after they’ve cooled down completely.

When reheating these delicious candied yams, be sure not to overheat them; instead aim for warm temperatures around 160-170°F (71-77°C). Finally consider serving them alongside some roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Candied Yams

Q: What type of yams should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use sweet potatoes or yams that are high in moisture content. Look for ones with a smooth skin and no visible signs of damage or mold.

Q: Can I use other types of sugar besides brown sugar?

Yes! While brown sugar adds depth to this dish, you can also use white granulated sugar or turbinado sugar if you prefer.

Q: How do I prevent the yams from becoming too dark during cooking?

To prevent over-browning, stir the mixture frequently during cooking and keep an eye on it – if it starts to get too dark, simply reduce heat or add more liquid.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Nope! This recipe is best made fresh – while you can cook the yams ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight, it’s best to assemble and bake just before serving.

Q: Is there anything I can substitute for heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk if you don’t have heavy cream on hand – both will give you similar results in terms of richness.

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