Candied yams, in most U.S. kitchens, are sliced sweet potatoes baked in a brown-sugar butter syrup until they are tender and glossy. True yams are a different, starchier tuber; grocery “yams” are usually orange sweet potatoes, and either name will get you the right pan in an American market. This is not a marshmallow casserole and not a sweet-potato pie. Bake the slices in a 9-by-13-inch dish, and add marshmallows at the end only if you want them. See Thanksgiving side dishes and the Thanksgiving guide.
Slice, syrup, and a slow bake
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into even rounds or half-moons so they cook at the same pace. Melt butter with brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and optional cinnamon, nutmeg or a little orange juice, then toss the slices so they are coated. Spread them in a buttered baking dish and bake, covered for part of the time if you want more of a steam, then uncovered so the syrup reduces and the edges candy. Stir once if the corners brown faster than the center.
They are done when a knife slides through the thickest slice and the syrup looks thick, not watery. If you want marshmallows, scatter them only for the last few minutes so they toast but do not burn. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use them in 3 to 4 days. Reheat until the syrup is bubbling and the potatoes are hot.
A deep skillet on the stove can also candy the slices if you watch the sugar so it does not scorch; the oven is more forgiving for a holiday pan. Do not confuse this with a mashed sweet-potato casserole, which is a different texture and a different recipe.
Choose similarly sized potatoes so the slices match. If the syrup is too thin at the end, give the dish a few uncovered minutes. If it is too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice and return it to the oven briefly.
Frequently asked questions
Are candied yams the same as sweet potatoes?
In U.S. grocery stores, the labels often overlap, and this recipe is made with orange sweet potatoes. A true tropical yam is a different vegetable.
Do I have to use marshmallows?
No. They are optional and should go on only at the end if you use them.
Can I make candied yams ahead?
Yes. Bake them, cool them, refrigerate them, and reheat until the syrup is hot. Add marshmallows only at the last minute.
Helpful kitchen tools
- OXO Good Grips 2-Cup and 4-Cup Glass Measuring Cup Set — Measure stock, cream or syrup without guessing.
- OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Digital Kitchen Food Scale — Weigh flour, sugar or vegetables so batches stay consistent.
- OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Digital Instant Read Thermometer — Check 165°F in the center of dressings and leftover reheats.
- Cuisinart Stainless 16-Inch Roasting Pan with Rack and Deluxe Basting Set — Useful the same week if you are also roasting the turkey.
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