Go Back
+ servings
A large silver skillet filled with cooked candied yams and wooden spoon.

Classic Candied Yams

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to make candied yams, sweet potatoes, yams
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 613kcal
This Classic Candied Yams dish is pure heaven. They're not difficult to make, and they are an absolute must at our table every Thanksgiving. Enjoy! And be Thankful.
Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Large saucepan / skillet

Ingredients

  • 5 large yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼ to ½-inch slices
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 stick unsalted butter 8 tbsp, cut into pieces
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  • Cook yams in boiling water for about 10 minutes.
  • Place yams in a skillet and then cover with the two sugars, butter, and water.
  • Cook, uncovered, on low heat until the yams are tender and the liquid has become thick, about 30 to 40 minutes, basting and stirring occasionally. 

Video

Notes

Yams are also called sweet potatoes.
Don't boil the sliced potatoes for more than 10 minutes, otherwise, they will get too soft and completely fall apart during the cooking process.
The candied yams can be made several hours in advance and reheated with a little more water just before serving.
The yams will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week and can be frozen for up to 2 months. 

Nutrition

Calories: 613kcal | Carbohydrates: 125g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 2179mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 53g | Vitamin A: 715IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 2mg