What foods are traditionally eaten at Thanksgiving?
Turkey, dressing, collard greens, sweet potato pie, and Southern-style candied yams are staples on a soulful Thanksgiving table. While the turkey is usually the centerpiece, candied yams deserve attention as one of the holiday’s most-loved side dishes.
First, what are candied yams?
Candied yams are sweet potatoes simmered in a buttery, brown-sugar glaze with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a touch of maple. Many recipes finish the dish under gentle heat so miniature marshmallows melt into a soft, sweet topping. The result is rich, tender, and comfortingly sweet—a classic Southern holiday side.
Can yams be eaten at Thanksgiving?
Absolutely. Candied yams are a beloved part of many Thanksgiving feasts, especially in Southern and African American culinary traditions. They’re simple to prepare and pair beautifully with turkey and other holiday sides. For cooks who want a faster method, an Instant Pot can pressure-cook yams quickly while preserving texture and flavor.
What is the difference between a sweet potato and a yam?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably in the United States, sweet potatoes and true yams are different plants. Sweet potatoes have smooth reddish-orange skin and moist, sweet flesh when cooked. True yams, native to Africa and other tropical regions, tend to be larger with rough, bark-like skin and starchier, drier flesh. In U.S. grocery stores, the vegetable commonly labeled as “yams” is usually a variety of sweet potato.
Thanksgiving candied sweet potatoes, sliced and glazed.
What do Africans call sweet potatoes? And what do you call yams in America?
True yams come from West Africa and other tropical regions, and the name and preparation traditions traveled with people across the Atlantic. In the American South, enslaved Africans recognized sweet potatoes as the closest substitute and applied familiar names and cooking techniques. That history explains why sweet potatoes are often called “yams” in the U.S., and why the name “candied yams” persists.
Why are they called Southern candied yams?
Even when cooks use sweet potatoes, the dish is commonly called Southern candied yams because of its roots in Southern and African American kitchens. The combination of sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, spices, and sometimes marshmallows reflects a culinary tradition that adapted available ingredients to create deeply comforting holiday dishes.
How do you make candied yams?
Below is a straightforward Instant Pot method and a baked option is also common. The Instant Pot speeds cooking and yields fork-tender yams in minutes. The glaze combines butter, brown and granulated sugar, maple, vanilla, and warm spices for a caramelized, buttery finish. If you prefer, top with miniature marshmallows and allow them to soften and melt for a classic presentation.
Kitchen equipment for Thanksgiving yams
- Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker (optional)
- 9×13″ baking dish or casserole dish (if not using a pressure cooker)
- Vegetable peeler or Y-peeler
Ingredients for Thanksgiving yams
- 3–3½ pounds sweet potatoes
- ½ cup water (plus extra to soak the cut potatoes)
- ½ cup unsalted butter or vegan butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups miniature marshmallows (optional topping)
Instructions for Thanksgiving candied yams
- Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into thick rounds or wedges. Place them in cool water to prevent browning while you prepare the glaze.
- In a medium bowl, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, ginger, cloves, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drain the sweet potatoes. If using an Instant Pot, add ½ cup water to the inner pot, place the potatoes inside, and pour the glaze over them. Close the lid and set to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then allow a natural release for 5 minutes before venting and opening.
- Optional: sprinkle miniature marshmallows over the hot yams, close the lid loosely or place them under a hot oven broiler briefly until marshmallows soften and brown slightly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts if desired. Serve immediately.
What pairs well with candied yams?
Candied yams complement many Thanksgiving mains and sides: roasted or smoked turkey, cornbread dressing, baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens, mashed potatoes, and sweet potato pie. In Southern and African American traditions, the table often features a generous variety of sides—so serve as many as fit!
Thanksgiving yams FAQs
Are candied yams a Black thing?
The dish reflects African and Southern culinary influences. Enslaved Africans adapted familiar yam preparations to the sweet potatoes available in the American South, creating recipes that became central to African American cooking and holiday meals.
Can you use canned sweet potatoes instead?
Canned sweet potatoes or canned yams can be used in a pinch, but fresh sweet potatoes generally give the best texture and flavor for candied yams.
Can you make candied yams ahead of time?
Yes. Peel and cut the potatoes and store submerged in water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Make the glaze ahead and refrigerate it separately. Combine and finish cooking when you’re ready to serve.
Can you freeze candied sweet potatoes?
Yes. Allow the yams to cool completely, then store in airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
What can you do with leftover candied yams?
Leftovers can be transformed into mashed sweet potato, folded into a savory-sweet hash with leftover turkey, or added to casseroles and breakfast dishes. They reheat well and make quick, comforting meals after the holiday.
Did you enjoy this Thanksgiving candied yams recipe?
If you try this recipe, consider making notes about spice levels and sweetness to customize it to your family’s taste. Candied yams are forgiving and easy to adapt—use less sugar for a lighter glaze, add citrus zest for brightness, or top with nuts for crunch.
Happy cooking and enjoy your soulful Thanksgiving spread!