Brown Sugar Candied Yams for Thanksgiving

Candied yams are a Thanksgiving classic, a sweet and comforting side dish that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the holiday feast. This recipe elevates the traditional dish with a rich brown sugar glaze and a touch of warm spices, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful twist on a holiday favorite.

The Secret to Perfect Candied Yams: Choosing and Preparing Your Yams

The foundation of any great candied yam dish lies in selecting the right yams and preparing them properly. While often confused with sweet potatoes, true yams have a rougher, bark-like skin and are less sweet. However, in most grocery stores in the United States, what is labeled as “yams” are actually a variety of sweet potato with a deep orange flesh. These are perfectly acceptable (and often preferred) for candied yams.

Selecting the Right Yams (Sweet Potatoes)

Look for yams that are firm, smooth, and free from blemishes, bruises, or soft spots. Choose yams that are similar in size so they cook evenly. A good size is generally medium to large, allowing for substantial slices that hold their shape well during cooking.

Preparing Your Yams for Candying

1. Washing and Peeling: Thoroughly wash the yams under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the skin.

2. Slicing or Cubing: You have two main options for cutting the yams: slicing or cubing. Slices (about 1/2 inch thick) offer a beautiful presentation, while cubes (about 1 inch) tend to absorb the glaze more evenly. Choose the method you prefer based on aesthetics and desired texture.

3. Pre-cooking (Optional): Some recipes call for pre-cooking the yams before candying them. This can be done by boiling, steaming, or even microwaving. Pre-cooking ensures that the yams are tender before they are glazed, preventing them from being undercooked. However, skipping this step can allow the yams to better absorb the flavors of the glaze, but requires careful monitoring of cooking time. If you skip this step, cut your yams in smaller pieces.

Crafting the Ultimate Brown Sugar Glaze

The brown sugar glaze is what truly makes this candied yam recipe shine. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, buttery, and slightly spiced flavors that coats the yams in a luscious, irresistible coating.

Key Ingredients for the Glaze

Brown Sugar: The star of the show, brown sugar provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that is far richer and more complex than granulated sugar. Light or dark brown sugar can be used, depending on your preference. Dark brown sugar will result in a more intense flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and a smooth, velvety texture to the glaze. It also helps the glaze cling to the yams.
Spices: A blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds depth and complexity to the glaze. These spices complement the sweetness of the brown sugar and create a comforting aroma. A pinch of cloves can also be added for an extra layer of flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the glaze, adding a hint of warmth and sweetness.
Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness of the glaze and enhance the other flavors.

Making the Glaze: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

2. Add Brown Sugar and Spices: Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

3. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the sugar.

4. Stir in Vanilla Extract: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Putting It All Together: Baking Your Candied Yams

Now that you have perfectly prepared yams and a luscious brown sugar glaze, it’s time to combine them and bake them to perfection.

Layering and Baking

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

3. Arrange Yams: Arrange the sliced or cubed yams in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

4. Pour Over Glaze: Pour the brown sugar glaze evenly over the yams, making sure that all pieces are well coated.

5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the yams are tender.

6. Uncover and Bake Longer: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Watch closely to prevent burning. The yams should be fork-tender.

7. Rest: Let the candied yams rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the glaze to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Tips for Perfect Baking

Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Make sure the yams are arranged in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If necessary, use two baking dishes.
Check for Tenderness: Use a fork to check the yams for tenderness. They should be easily pierced but not mushy.
Adjust Baking Time: Baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the yam slices or cubes, and on your oven. Check the yams frequently and adjust the baking time as needed.

Variations and Additions: Customize Your Candied Yams

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations and additions to consider:

Nuts: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the candied yams for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Sprinkle them over the yams before baking or after they are finished.
Marshmallows: For a classic touch, add mini marshmallows to the candied yams during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. The marshmallows will melt and create a gooey, sweet topping.
Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the brown sugar glaze for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Maple Syrup: Substitute some of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a more nuanced sweetness.
Bourbon: Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for a sophisticated, boozy twist.
Dried Fruit: Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for a chewy texture and added sweetness. Stir them into the yams before baking.
Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the candied yams during the last few minutes of baking for a tropical twist.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for some heat.
Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the finished yams just before serving.

Serving and Storing Your Candied Yams

Candied yams are best served warm, as a side dish to your Thanksgiving or holiday meal. They pair perfectly with roasted turkey, ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and other traditional Thanksgiving fare.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish: Garnish the candied yams with chopped pecans, fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary), or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Presentation: Serve the candied yams in a decorative serving dish to enhance their presentation.
Temperature: Serve the candied yams warm, but not piping hot. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the candied yams in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Freezing: Candied yams can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Make-Ahead The Yams can be cooked 1-2 days in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the microwave just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned yams for this recipe?

A: While fresh yams are preferred for their texture and flavor, canned yams can be used in a pinch. Drain them well and reduce the baking time, as they are already cooked.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the candied yams ahead of time. Assemble the dish, but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?

A: Yes, most recipes labeled for “yams” in the United States actually use sweet potatoes. They work perfectly well in this recipe.

Q: How can I prevent the yams from burning?

A: Cover the baking dish with foil during the first part of baking to prevent the yams from drying out and burning. Also, watch the dish carefully during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the glaze from burning.

Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?

A: While brown sugar is preferred for its flavor, you can substitute it with granulated sugar or coconut sugar if needed. The flavor will be slightly different.

Q: Can I add nuts to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 10 minutes of baking adds a great crunch.