Classic Candied Yams – Sweet, Buttery & Perfect for Thanksgiving

Candied yams are one of those timeless Thanksgiving side dishes that bring warmth, nostalgia, and irresistible sweetness to the holiday table. Made with tender sweet potatoes simmered or baked in a buttery brown sugar glaze, this classic recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, caramel-like dish that feels both comforting and festive. It’s the kind of recipe that generations grow up with—passed down from grandparents, served every holiday season, and loved by everyone at the table. With its glossy syrup, warm spices, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, candied yams remain a Thanksgiving essential that never goes out of style.

What makes these candied yams truly special is their perfect balance of flavors. The sweetness of brown sugar pairs beautifully with the natural richness of sweet potatoes, while butter adds depth and silkiness to every bite. A touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla enhances the warm holiday aroma, creating a dish that feels both cozy and celebratory. Whether baked slowly in the oven or cooked gently on the stovetop, the yams soak up the sweet glaze until they become tender, syrupy, and irresistibly flavorful.

This classic candied yam recipe is also incredibly easy to prepare—no special techniques or complicated steps involved. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a side dish that looks impressive, tastes decadent, and pairs perfectly with turkey, stuffing, ham, and every other Thanksgiving favorite. It’s also a dish that’s flexible enough to adjust to your taste: make it sweeter, add marshmallows, include warm spices, or keep it simple and traditional.

Whether you’re preparing a big holiday feast or bringing a dish to a family gathering, candied yams will always earn compliments. They’re rich, comforting, beautifully caramelized, and filled with all the familiar flavors that make Thanksgiving so special.

Why You’ll Love These Classic Candied Yams

Candied yams are a beloved Thanksgiving side dish for a reason—they bring incredible warmth, sweetness, and comfort to every holiday table. With their tender texture and glossy caramel-like glaze, they offer the perfect balance of buttery richness and natural sweetness. This recipe delivers everything people love about candied yams: the soft melt-in-your-mouth sweet potatoes, the silky syrup infused with cinnamon and vanilla, and the nostalgic holiday aroma that fills the kitchen as they cook.

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients—sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, spices, and a splash of vanilla—you can create a dish that feels luxurious and festive without requiring complicated steps. Whether you’re preparing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, hosting a holiday party, or making a cozy family meal, candied yams always make the table feel complete.

These candied yams also pair beautifully with savory dishes. The sweetness enhances the flavors of turkey, ham, stuffing, and roasted vegetables, creating a perfect contrast on the plate. Plus, the recipe is easy to customize. Add marshmallows for a gooey topping, include nutmeg or cloves for a spiced version, or make them extra buttery and rich. The dish is forgiving, flexible, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients & Best Tips

Main Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes or yams

• Butter

• Brown sugar

• White sugar (optional for extra caramelization)

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg (optional)

• Vanilla extract

• Salt

• Water or orange juice (optional)

Why These Ingredients Work

• Sweet potatoes become tender and naturally sweet.

• Butter gives the syrup a glossy, velvety finish.

• Brown sugar adds deep caramel flavor and warmth.

• Cinnamon + nutmeg bring classic holiday spice.

• Vanilla enhances sweetness and aroma.

Pro Tips for Perfect Candied Yams

• Slice sweet potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.

• Use real butter — it makes a huge difference in flavor.

• Don’t over-stir while cooking or potatoes may break apart.

• For thicker syrup, simmer longer or add a bit more sugar.

• Add a pinch of salt — it balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Wash, peel, and slice sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds.

2. Make the Syrup

In a large skillet or pot, melt butter. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and a splash of water or orange juice. Cook until the mixture becomes syrupy.

3. Add Sweet Potatoes

Place potato slices in the syrup, coating them fully. Cover the pot and cook over medium-low heat.

4. Simmer Until Tender

Allow the potatoes to simmer gently for 30–40 minutes. Spoon syrup over them occasionally to help them absorb flavor.

5. Add Vanilla

Stir in vanilla during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

6. Serve

Transfer candied yams to a serving dish and drizzle extra syrup on top.

Variations

Marshmallow Topping

Add mini marshmallows on top and broil for 1–2 minutes until golden.

Orange-Spiced Yams

Add orange zest or replace water with orange juice.

Nutty Yams

Add chopped pecans for crunch.

Extra Spiced Version

Add cloves, allspice, or ginger.

Oven-Baked Candied Yams

Layer in a baking dish, pour syrup, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Candied yams are perfect for holiday meal prep.

1 Day Ahead

Cook as directed → cool → refrigerate → reheat on stove or in oven.

Freezer-Friendly

Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Reheat

• Stovetop: warm gently over low heat

• Oven: 350°F for 12–15 minutes

• Microwave: 1–2 minutes

What to Serve With Candied Yams

These yams pair beautifully with:

• Roasted turkey

• Baked ham

• Stuffing

• Mashed potatoes

• Green bean casserole

• Cranberry sauce

• Dinner rolls

The sweetness complements savory dishes perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Classic candied yams are more than just a side dish—they’re a comforting reminder of holiday traditions, family gatherings, and the warmth of sharing good food with the people you love. With their silky texture, sweet caramel glaze, and cozy holiday spices, these yams bring a nostalgic charm to any Thanksgiving or Christmas table. The simplicity of the ingredients and the richness of the flavor make this recipe a true holiday staple.

What makes candied yams especially wonderful is how customizable they are. You can keep them simple and traditional, or elevate them with marshmallows, pecans, citrus, or extra spices. They’re also easy to prepare ahead, freeing up time during busy holiday cooking. Whether you’ve been making this dish for years or trying it for the first time, the results are always comforting, beautiful, and delicious.

This recipe captures everything we love about homemade holiday cooking—warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia. Once you make these candied yams, they will quickly become a highly requested side dish in your family celebrations for years to come.