Candied Yams Butter Cinnamon

Experience the ultimate comfort food with these creamy candied mashed yams. This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of yams with rich butter and warm spices, creating a velvety side dish that is both nostalgic and elegant—perfect for any holiday table or a cozy family dinner.

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Mashing yams allows the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to penetrate every bite, resulting in a side dish that smells as wonderful as it tastes. Whether you're serving a small group or a large crowd, these yams provide a colorful and delicious foundation for your meal.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ lbs (about 1.1 kg) yams (sweet potatoes), peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup milk or half-and-half (use dairy-free if preferred)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional garnish)
• Additional cinnamon for sprinkling (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1

Place the peeled and cubed yams in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt.

Step 2

Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the yams are very tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 3

Drain the yams thoroughly and return them to the warm pot.

Step 4

Add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, milk, and vanilla extract to the yams.

Step 5

Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk for desired consistency.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the smoothest texture, ensure the yams are completely tender before mashing. Draining the yams thoroughly before adding the flavorings prevents the mash from becoming watery, while mashing them in the warm pot helps the butter and sugar melt instantly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan version, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. If you prefer a different kind of sweetness, maple syrup can be used in place of brown sugar for a rich, autumnal flavor.

Serviervorschläge

These candied mashed yams are delicious served alongside roasted meats such as turkey, ham, or chicken. They also make a vibrant and festive addition to any holiday spread, pairing beautifully with green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts.

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Once you taste these velvety mashed yams, they are sure to become a requested favorite at every special occasion. With their ease of preparation and rich, comforting flavor, they represent the best of simple home cooking.