Candied Yams with Apples Recipe – Easy Holiday Side Dish
As autumn’s crisp air fills the kitchen, the scent of baking spices wafts through the house. It brings back memories of my grandmother’s candied yams and apples. This dish was a staple at our Thanksgiving table, loved for its sweet and tart flavors.
Now, as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to love this recipe even more. It’s a classic that connects tradition with modern tastes. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. This healthy sweet potato and apple casserole will quickly become a family favorite.
Key Takeaways
- Combines sweet potatoes, crisp apples, and warm spices for a delicious holiday side dish
- Serves 8 and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to prepare and cook
- Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart flavors, making it a standout addition to any Thanksgiving or holiday meal
- Can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for easy preparation
- Includes nutritional information and serving size details
Why This Sweet and Savory Side Dish Will Become Your Holiday Favorite
Get ready to love the mix of sweet potatoes with apples and walnuts. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tart. This dish will make your guests ask for more.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart Flavors
The magic happens when sweet sweet potatoes meet tangy apples. Walnuts add a nice crunch and nutty taste. This mix creates a dish that’s both cozy and refreshing. It’s a must-have for any holiday meal.
Traditional Family Recipe with a Modern Twist
This apple sweet potato crumble recipe has been passed down for years. It’s a classic with a modern twist. It brings together old and new flavors, making it a hit at any holiday table.
Make-Ahead Holiday Solution : Candied Yams with Apples
This recipe is super versatile. You can make it a day before, letting the flavors get better. It’s perfect for busy holiday meals. Just reheat and serve for a stress-free, tasty side dish.
Essential Ingredients for Candied Yams with Apples Recipe
To make the perfect sweet potato and apple casserole, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with 4-5 large yams or sweet potatoes, which weigh about 4-4.5 pounds. You’ll also need 3-5 large apples – Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp work well.
For the sweet and savory sauce, you’ll need brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, cornstarch, orange juice concentrate, orange zest, lemon juice, cinnamon, and allspice. Some recipes also include marshmallows for extra sweetness and texture.
These ingredients come together to create a dish full of flavor. It’s perfect for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners. This recipe is sure to become a favorite.
“Sweet potatoes are loaded with essential nutrients such as Vitamin C, vitamin A, manganese, calcium, potassium, and iron.”
Keeping ingredients fresh is important. Sweet potatoes should be stored at 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Apples should be stored at 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit to stay crisp.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious sweet potato and apple casserole with marshmallows. Let’s move on to the next steps in this tasty journey!
Kitchen Equipment and Tools You’ll Need
To make the perfect roasted apples and sweet potatoes dish, you need some key tools. These tools help you chop, slice, and bake the dish easily. This way, you’ll get a tasty holiday side dish.
Essential Cooking Vessels : Candied Yams with Apples
You’ll need a large saucepan for boiling the sweet potatoes. Also, a 9×13 inch baking dish is needed for assembling and baking. A small saucepan is useful for making the sweet and savory sauce.
Helpful Kitchen Tools : Candied Yams with Apples
- Vegetable peeler for removing the skin from the sweet potatoes
- Apple corer and slicer to quickly prepare the apple slices
- Wooden spoon or whisk for stirring the sauce ingredients
Optional Equipment for Easier Preparation
A stand mixer with a peeler attachment can be very helpful. It makes peeling and slicing apples quick and easy. This tool saves time and effort in the kitchen.
With these tools, you’re ready to make the Candied Yams with Apples recipe. You’ll create a delicious and beautiful holiday dish that will wow your guests.
Preparing Your Yams and Apples: Step-by-Step Guide
To make the perfect healthy sweet potato and apple casserole, start with your main ingredients. This means yams and apples. Follow these easy steps to make your canned yams and apples recipe a hit.
- Peel the yams and cut them into 1-inch chunks. This size helps them cook evenly.
- Boil a pot of water and add the chopped yams. Cook for 20-30 minutes until they’re tender but still firm. Watch them closely to avoid overcooking.
- While the yams cook, peel, core, and slice the apples. Some recipes say to briefly cook the apple slices until they’re tender too.
- Drain the cooked yams and layer them in a baking dish. Add the apple slices on top. If using canned yams, just drain them first.
Now that your yams and apples are prepped, it’s time to make the sweet sauce. This sauce will make your healthy sweet potato and apple casserole truly special.
“In the United States, most candied yams are made from sweet potatoes. In the 1930s, Louisiana farmers started calling sweet potatoes yams to differentiate them.”
Creating the Perfect Sweet Sauce
Making the perfect sweet sauce is key to making your sweet potato and apple recipe or apple sweet potato crumble stand out. It’s all about finding the right mix of flavors and textures. This will enhance the natural sweetness of the yams and apples.
Mixing the Base Ingredients : Candied Yams with Apples
Begin by mixing brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. This mix is the base for your sauce. Add butter and a bit of salt, then mix in orange juice concentrate and apple cooking liquid. Stir constantly over medium-low heat until it thickens into a rich syrup.
Achieving the Right Consistency
The sauce’s thickness is important for the perfect texture. Keep whisking as it simmers. This ensures the cornstarch works well and the sugars dissolve. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon, looking glossy but not too thick or thin.
Adding Seasonal Spices
Add autumn spices to your sauce for a warm touch. Mix in plenty of cinnamon and a bit of allspice or nutmeg. These spices will blend well with the sweet potato and apple, making your dish festive and indulgent.
Some recipes suggest adding a crumble topping for extra texture. Try mixing flour, brown sugar, and chopped nuts for a crunchy topping.
Layering Techniques for Best Results
When making your sweet potatoes with apples and walnuts or canned sweet potato and apple casserole, layering is key. It helps mix sweet, tart, and savory flavors. This mix will wow your holiday guests.
Begin with a layer of sliced sweet potatoes in your dish. Then, add a layer of thin apple slices. Make sure they cover the potatoes evenly. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top for a warm, autumnal taste.
- Keep layering, switching between sweet potatoes and apples until you’ve used everything.
- Add some crunch with chopped walnuts between the layers.
- Finish by pouring the sweet sauce over everything. This coats each layer with flavor.
This simple layering method makes a stunning and tasty sweet potatoes with apples and walnuts or canned sweet potato and apple casserole. Your family and friends will definitely want more.
Baking Instructions and Temperature Guidelines
To make the perfect sweet potato and apple casserole with marshmallows, follow these steps. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-60 minutes, depending on the recipe.
Timing and Doneness Indicators
Some recipes for roasted apples and sweet potatoes southern living say to remove the foil for the last 30 minutes. The dish is ready when it’s hot and bubbly. For a golden marshmallow topping, add it in the last few minutes until they’re golden.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yams or Sweet Potatoes | 3 large |
| Butter | 1 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 2 cups (firmly packed) |
This sweet potato and apple casserole with marshmallows takes about 50 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C). It makes 8 servings, great for holiday meals with family and friends.
Storage Tips and Reheating Methods
Enjoying your homemade healthy sweet potato and apple casserole doesn’t have to stop after dinner. You can enjoy leftovers for up to 5 days with the right storage and reheating. Here’s how to keep your canned yams and apples recipe fresh and tasty.
Storing Leftover Candied Yams
After your healthy sweet potato and apple casserole cools, put leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to keep the flavors in and prevent drying out.
Reheating for Optimal Flavor
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the canned yams and apples recipe moist and flavorful. You can also reheat small portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
If you made the healthy sweet potato and apple casserole ahead, refrigerate it. Bake it for about 45 minutes when cooking from cold.
By following these easy storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your healthy sweet potato and apple casserole for days. Use your leftover canned yams and apples recipe as a quick side dish or snack all week.
Recipe Variations and Customization Options
The classic candied yams with apples recipe is a delightful holiday side dish. It can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re seeking alternative sweeteners, exploring seasonal spice combinations, or accommodating dietary restrictions, this versatile dish offers endless opportunities for personalization.
Alternative Sweeteners : Candied Yams with Apples
While the traditional recipe calls for white and brown sugar, you can experiment with other sweeteners. Try swapping in maple syrup or honey for a rich, nuanced sweetness. Maple syrup pairs beautifully with the earthy notes of the sweet potatoes, while honey adds a subtle floral touch.
Seasonal Spice Combinations
Embracing the flavors of the season can take your candied yams with apples to new heights. Incorporate warm spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to create a cozy, aromatic dish. The interplay of sweet potatoes, crisp apples, and fragrant spices is sure to delight your senses.
Dietary Modifications : Candied Yams with Apples
For a dairy-free version of this recipe, simply substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. To add a delightful crunch, consider topping the dish with a homemade crumble. This crumble is made from oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar. These small tweaks can transform the classic recipe into a versatile option that caters to various dietary preferences.
Whether you’re looking to experiment with new flavors or accommodate dietary needs, the candied yams with apples recipe offers a world of possibilities. Embrace your culinary creativity and discover your family’s new holiday favorite.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This sweet potato and apple casserole is not just tasty but also full of good stuff. A serving, about 6oz, has around 198 calories. It also has 7.9g fat, 33.8g carbs, 25.9g sugar, and 0.8g protein. Plus, it’s rich in vitamins C, calcium, iron, and potassium.
The recipe makes enough for 1/8 to 1/12 of the dish, depending on how you make it. This means you can have a filling, healthy side dish without overeating. It’s perfect for holidays or a quick weeknight dinner.
Keep in mind, the exact nutrition can change based on the ingredients and cooking methods. Always check the recipe and adjust the portions to fit your diet and taste.
FAQ : Candied Yams with Apples
What are the key ingredients in this candied yams with apples recipe?
The main ingredients are 4-5 large yams or sweet potatoes and 3-5 large apples. You’ll also need brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter. Cornstarch, orange juice concentrate, orange zest, lemon juice, cinnamon, and allspice are also key. Some recipes add marshmallows for extra sweetness and texture.
What essential equipment is needed to make this dish?
You’ll need a large saucepan for boiling yams, a 9×13 inch baking dish, and a small saucepan for the sauce. A peeler, corer, and slicer for apples are helpful. An apple peeler attachment for a stand mixer makes prep easier. A wooden spoon or whisk for stirring the sauce is also useful.
How do I prepare the yams and apples for the recipe?
Peel and chop yams into bite-sized chunks, then boil until fork-tender. Peel, core, and slice apples. Some recipes suggest cooking apples briefly in water until fork-tender. Layer the cooked yams and apples in the prepared baking dish.
How do I make the sweet sauce for this dish?
Mix sugar (both brown and granulated), cornstarch, butter, salt, orange juice concentrate, and reserved apple water in a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until it thickens. Add orange zest, cinnamon, and allspice for flavor.
How do I layer the yams and apples in the baking dish?
Start with a layer of yams, then apples, and repeat. Sprinkle cinnamon between layers for flavor. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the layers.
What are the baking instructions and temperature guidelines for this recipe?
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-60 minutes. Remove foil for the last 30 minutes. The dish is done when heated through and bubbly. For a marshmallow topping, add during the last few minutes of baking until golden brown.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. If made ahead, refrigerate the unbaked dish and increase baking time to about 45 minutes when cooking from cold.
What are some recipe variations and customization options?
Try using maple syrup or honey instead of sugar. Experiment with different spice combinations like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter. Add a crumble topping made with oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar for extra texture.
What is the nutritional information and serving size for this dish?
A typical serving (about 6oz) has 198 calories, 7.9g fat, 33.8g carbohydrates, 25.9g sugar, 0.8g protein, and 108.7mg sodium. It’s rich in vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium. Serving size is generally 1/8 to 1/12 of the recipe, depending on ingredients and preparation.
