Save There's something magical about the humble sweet potato when it transforms into candied yams. This classic American side dish brings together the natural sweetness of yams with warm spices and a buttery richness that makes it a staple on holiday tables. Our mashed version elevates this traditional favorite, creating a smooth, creamy dish that carries all the comforting flavors of fall and winter.
Save The tradition of candied yams stretches back generations in American cooking, particularly in Southern cuisine. This version maintains those beloved flavors while transforming the texture into something silky and spoonable. The brown sugar caramelizes slightly as it melds with the butter, creating complex notes that complement the earthy sweetness of the yams themselves.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs (about 1.1 kg) yams (sweet potatoes), peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup milk or half-and-half (use dairy-free if preferred)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)
- Additional cinnamon for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and cook the yams
- Place the peeled and cubed yams in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the yams are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain thoroughly
- Drain the yams thoroughly and return them to the warm pot.
- Add flavorings
- Add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, milk, and vanilla extract to the yams.
- Mash until smooth
- Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk for desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve warm.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the creamiest texture, make sure your yams are cooked until they're very tender—this makes mashing much easier. Using the warm pot to mash helps keep everything hot while you work. If you prefer a silkier texture, you can use a hand mixer instead of a potato masher, but be careful not to overmix, which can make the yams gummy.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This versatile dish welcomes many variations. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and use non-dairy milk. You can replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Some cooks like to add a tablespoon of orange zest or a splash of bourbon for complexity. For a less sweet version, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar.
Serviervorschläge
These mashed candied yams are delicious served alongside roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. They pair wonderfully with other holiday sides like green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. For a complete comfort food meal, serve with meatloaf and collard greens. The leftovers can be reheated the next day and are just as delicious.
Save Whether you're serving these mashed candied yams for a special holiday meal or a simple family dinner, they bring warmth and comfort to any table. The combination of sweet yams, warm spices, and rich butter creates a dish that feels like home—familiar yet special enough for celebrations. As the aroma of cinnamon and sweet potatoes fills your kitchen, you'll understand why this dish has stood the test of time in American cooking.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the perfect yam texture?
Boil yams until very tender and easily pierced with a fork, then mash immediately with butter and milk for creamy consistency.
- → Can I substitute butter with a vegan alternative?
Yes, plant-based margarine works well, and using non-dairy milk ensures suitability for vegan diets.
- → What nuts work best as garnish?
Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and complement the warm spices nicely.
- → Is brown sugar essential for sweetness?
Brown sugar adds a molasses-like depth, but maple syrup can be used for a different, natural sweetness.
- → How to adjust seasoning for best flavor balance?
Taste after mashing and adjust salt, cinnamon, or nutmeg gradually to suit personal preference.