Candied yams hold a special place in Texas cuisine, particularly during holiday gatherings and family celebrations. This beloved side dish features tender sweet potatoes cooked to perfection and coated in a rich, caramelized glaze. To make candied yams in Texas, start by selecting fresh sweet potatoes, cutting them into uniform pieces, and layering them in a baking dish before topping with a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and warm spices.
The preparation process is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Texans often add their own regional twist to the recipe, incorporating local flavors like pecans or a splash of bourbon. Some variations include a topping of miniature marshmallows for added sweetness and a nostalgic touch.
While canned sweet potatoes can be used as a time-saving alternative, many Texas home cooks prefer using fresh produce for the best flavor and texture. The result is a comforting dish that balances sweetness with the natural earthiness of the sweet potatoes, creating a crowd-pleasing addition to any Texas table.
Candied Yams Overview
Candied yams are a beloved Southern staple and popular Thanksgiving side dish. This comforting treat features sweet potatoes cooked in a rich, sugary syrup. Despite the name, most recipes actually use sweet potatoes rather than true yams.
The dish typically consists of sliced or chunked sweet potatoes baked in a mixture of butter, sugars, and spices. Common ingredients include:
- Sweet potatoes
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Candied yams offer a satisfying blend of sweet and savory flavors. The cooking process creates a glossy glaze that coats the tender sweet potatoes.
This holiday tradition is known for its indulgent nature. A typical serving contains 200-300 calories, with significant sugar and fat content from the butter and sugars used in preparation.
Preparation methods vary, but most involve baking the sweet potatoes in the syrup until they become soft and caramelized. Some recipes may include additional toppings like marshmallows or pecans for extra flavor and texture.
Candied yams are often served alongside other classic holiday dishes. Their sweet taste provides a nice contrast to savory main courses like turkey or ham.
Selecting the Right Ingredients
The key to delicious candied yams lies in choosing high-quality ingredients. Fresh, flavorful components will elevate your dish and create a memorable Texas-style side.
Choosing Sweet Potatoes
Select firm, unblemished sweet potatoes with smooth skin. Opt for medium-sized tubers, as they cook more evenly. Orange-fleshed varieties like Jewel or Beauregard work well for candied yams, offering a rich color and sweet flavor.
Look for potatoes of similar size to ensure consistent cooking. Avoid those with soft spots or sprouts. Fresh sweet potatoes should feel heavy for their size, indicating moisture content.
Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place until ready to use. Don’t refrigerate them, as this can alter their taste and texture.
Sweeteners and Spices
Brown sugar is the traditional choice for candied yams. Dark brown sugar provides a deeper molasses flavor, while light brown sugar offers a milder sweetness. Granulated sugar can be used for a cleaner taste.
Ground cinnamon is essential for that classic candied yam flavor. Use fresh, aromatic cinnamon for best results. Nutmeg adds warmth and complexity. Grate whole nutmeg for the freshest taste.
Adjust sugar and spice quantities to your preference. Start with less and add more if needed during cooking.
Additional Flavorings and Toppings
Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create a glossy glaze. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness without adding more sugar. A small amount goes a long way.
For crunch and texture, consider adding chopped pecans. Toast them lightly before use to bring out their flavor.
Marshmallows are a popular topping. Add them in the last few minutes of baking for a gooey, golden-brown finish.
Orange zest or a splash of orange juice can brighten the dish with citrus notes.
Preparation Techniques
Proper preparation is key to creating delicious candied yams. Careful peeling, precise slicing, and skillful layering all contribute to the perfect texture and flavor.
Peeling and Slicing
Begin by thoroughly washing the sweet potatoes or yams. Using a sharp vegetable peeler, remove the skin completely. Cut off any blemishes or dark spots.
Slice the peeled yams into uniform rounds, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for achieving uniform slices quickly.
Place the sliced yams in a bowl of cold water with a pinch of kosher salt. This prevents browning and removes excess starch. Drain and pat dry before using.
Creating the Candied Mixture
In a saucepan, combine butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugars dissolve completely.
Add heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and any desired spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar amounts slightly. Taste and adjust flavors as needed before pouring over the yams.
Layering the Yams
Grease a baking dish with butter. Arrange a single layer of yam slices in the bottom, slightly overlapping.
Pour a portion of the candied mixture over the first layer, ensuring even coverage. Repeat the layering process until all yams and mixture are used.
For the final layer, arrange the yam slices in a decorative pattern if desired. Pour the remaining mixture over the top, allowing it to seep between the layers.
Cover the dish with foil before baking to prevent the top from burning. Remove the foil during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking for a caramelized finish.
Cooking Process
Candied yams require careful preparation and baking to achieve their signature sweet, caramelized flavor. The process involves layering sliced yams and creating a rich syrup that bakes into the potatoes.
Baking the Candied Yams
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange sliced yams in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, overlapping slightly. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/4 cup water. Heat until the mixture reaches a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour this syrup evenly over the yams. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes. The yams should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the syrup should be bubbling around the edges.
Applying Toppings and Final Touches
Once the yams are tender, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows over the top of the yams. Return the dish to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and puffy.
For added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans over the marshmallows before the final bake. After removing from the oven, let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes. This allows the syrup to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh orange zest curls for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve the candied yams warm as a delicious side dish.
Serving Suggestions
Candied yams make an excellent addition to any Texas-style meal. Proper presentation and complementary dishes enhance the overall dining experience.
Plating and Presentation
Serve candied yams in a decorative casserole dish or on individual plates. Use a large spoon to scoop generous portions, allowing the syrupy glaze to coat each piece. Sprinkle chopped pecans or a dash of cinnamon on top for added texture and visual appeal.
For family-style serving, place the dish in the center of the table. A colorful trivet protects the table and adds a festive touch. Provide a serving spoon with a deep bowl to capture the sweet sauce along with the yams.
Accompanying Dishes
Pair candied yams with other Southern favorites for a complete Texas meal. Serve alongside smothered chicken or a honey-glazed ham for a satisfying main course. Collard greens offer a savory contrast to the sweet yams.
Green beans almondine or a crisp salad balance the richness of the dish. For a vegetarian option, serve candied yams with black-eyed peas and cornbread. Consider offering a tart cranberry sauce to cut through the sweetness.
For dessert, complement the yams with a light option like lemon squares or fresh fruit to avoid overwhelming sweetness.
Storing and Reusing Leftovers
Proper storage and creative reuse of leftover candied yams ensures you get the most out of this delicious Texas treat. Learn how to keep your yams fresh, reheat them effectively, and incorporate them into new dishes.
Proper Storage Methods
Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Place them in a shallow container to cool quickly and evenly. Properly stored, candied yams will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
For longer-term storage, freeze candied yams. Transfer cooled yams to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent absorption of other flavors. Avoid storing in metal containers, as they can react with the acidic ingredients.
Reheating for Best Quality
To reheat refrigerated candied yams, place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of water or orange juice if they seem dry.
For oven reheating, transfer yams to a casserole dish and cover with foil. Heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
To reheat frozen yams, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the methods above. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain food safety and quality.
Creative Leftover Ideas
Transform leftover candied yams into new dishes. Mash them and use as a topping for shepherd’s pie or as a filling for sweet potato empanadas.
Blend cooled candied yams into smoothies with banana, cinnamon, and milk for a nutritious breakfast. Incorporate them into pancake or waffle batter for a sweet twist on breakfast classics.
Use leftover yams as a base for sweet potato soup. Add broth, cream, and spices for a comforting meal. Alternatively, mix them into quick bread or muffin recipes for moist, flavorful baked goods.
Customizing Your Candied Yams
Candied yams offer plenty of opportunities for personalization. By adjusting ingredients and cooking methods, you can create a dish that suits various tastes and dietary needs.
Alternative Ingredients and Substitutions
Maple syrup makes an excellent alternative to traditional sugar in candied yams. It adds depth and a natural sweetness. For a richer flavor, try bourbon instead of vanilla extract. A tablespoon or two can elevate the dish’s complexity.
Canned sweet potatoes work well when fresh ones aren’t available. Drain and rinse them before use. They’ll require less cooking time than fresh yams.
Pecans add a delightful crunch. Toast them lightly before sprinkling on top. For extra warmth, incorporate a pinch of ground nutmeg into the spice mix.
Recipe Variations for Special Diets
For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Use maple syrup instead of honey if avoiding animal products entirely.
Low-sugar options include using stevia or monk fruit sweeteners. These provide sweetness without the calories. Reduce the amount, as they’re often more potent than sugar.
Gluten-free eaters can enjoy candied yams as-is, but ensure all additions like spices are certified gluten-free. For a paleo-friendly dish, use ghee instead of butter and rely on natural sweeteners like honey or coconut sugar.
Candied Yams in Texan Cuisine
Texans have embraced candied yams as a beloved side dish, infusing it with local flavors and pairing it with regional specialties. This sweet and savory treat has become a staple at holiday gatherings and family dinners across the Lone Star State.
Texan Twists on a Classic Recipe
Texas cooks often add pecans to their candied yams, giving the dish a distinctly local touch. Some recipes incorporate bourbon or whiskey for a boozy kick. Texan variations may use sorghum syrup instead of brown sugar, lending a unique molasses-like flavor.
Many Texans prefer using locally grown sweet potatoes, which are abundant in East Texas. Some cooks add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne for a subtle heat, balancing the sweetness. Orange zest is another popular addition, enhancing the citrusy notes.
Pairing with Texas Staples
Candied yams in Texas often accompany smoked brisket or barbecued meats. The sweetness complements the savory, smoky flavors of Texas-style barbecue. During Thanksgiving, candied yams frequently share the table with roasted turkey and cornbread stuffing.
For a true Texan feast, serve candied yams alongside chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken. The dish also pairs well with other Southern sides like collard greens and black-eyed peas. Some Texans enjoy candied yams as a dessert, serving it alongside or in place of sweet potato pie.