How to Cook Candied Yams or Sweet Potato Casserole

Candied yams are often served on holidays such as Thanksgiving.

Candied sweet potatoes, or yams, are a sweet and savory side dish often served with holiday meals. There are many variations, but you make the basic dish by pouring a sugary sauce over bite-sized chunks of sweet potatoes. You can serve it with or without melted marshmallows.

Things You'll Need

• Saucepan
• Knife
• 16 oz. can of yams in syrup
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 cups marshmallows
• Casserole dish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F.

2. Drain the can of yams but do not discard the liquid. Pour 1/4 cup of the liquid into a saucepan.

3. Place the yams in a casserole dish in an evenly spread single layer. Use a knife to cut them into bite-sized pieces.

4. Add 1/4 cup dark brown sugar and 1/4 cup butter to the saucepan with the yam syrup. Bring to a boil.

5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for five to 10 minutes.

6. Pour the mixture in the saucepan over the yams in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the yams with cinnamon and nutmeg.

7. Put the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

8. Remove the casserole dish from the oven. Sprinkle marshmallows over the entire dish.

9. Put the dish back in the oven for five minutes or until the marshmallows are melted and beginning to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the dish sit for five minutes before serving.

References

• Epicurious: Yams
• Epicurious: Sweet Potato
• All Recipes: Candied Sweet Potatoes
• "Thanksgiving 101: Celebrate America's Favorite Holiday with America's Thanksgiving Expert"; Rick Rodgers, Ben Fink; 2007