Easy Slow Cook Candied Yams: Perfect Holiday Side Dish
As autumn arrives, the air grows crisp and leaves turn colors. Families across America start looking forward to the holidays. For me, nothing says holiday joy like the smell of slow cook, candied yams in the kitchen.
This Southern dish is a favorite in my home. It’s known for its rich, buttery taste and caramelized sweetness. Every year, my family can’t wait for it.
Key Takeaways : Slow Cook Candied Yams
- Slow cook candied yams are a popular holiday side dish, especially for Thanksgiving.
- The recipe combines tender sweet potatoes with a buttery, sweet glaze made from brown sugar, spices, and butter.
- Cooking in a slow cook saves oven space and results in melt-in-your-mouth yams.
- The recipe is simple, requiring minimal effort and producing a delicious, syrupy dish that’s perfect for family gatherings.
- This easy recipe has received rave reviews from readers and subscribers, making it a must-try for your holiday menu.
Understanding Sweet Potatoes vs Yams: A Southern Tradition
Many people think “candied yams” are made with true yams. But, they are actually made with sweet potatoes. This mix-up started in the 1930s. Louisiana farmers called their sweet potatoes “yams” to make them sound different.
True yams are from Africa and Asia. They have a hard, bark-like skin. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are from Central and South America. They have a thin, edible skin and come in many colors, like orange, purple, white, and yellow.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes for Your Dish
For a great candied yam recipe, use small to medium sweet potatoes. Try Beauregard, Garnet, or Jewel varieties. Big sweet potatoes are too starchy for this dish.
| Sweet Potato Variety | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Beauregard | Orange flesh, moist and sweet |
| Garnet | Deep orange flesh, firm and sweet |
| Jewel | Orange flesh, moist and creamy |
Why Southern Cuisine Calls Them Yams
In Southern cuisine, sweet potatoes are often called “yams.” This is because they look similar and Louisiana farmers marketed them as such in the 1930s. This term has stuck in Southern cooking, especially in dishes like “candied yams.”
“Sweet potatoes are a staple in Southern cuisine, and the term ‘yam’ has become synonymous with this beloved root vegetable, even if it’s not technically accurate.”
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Slow Cook Candied Yams
To make the best slow cook candied yams, you need fresh, quality ingredients. Sweet potatoes, or “yams,” are at the core of this Southern favorite. You’ll need 7 to 8 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices. This amount serves up to 8 people, making it a crowd-pleaser.
The brown sugar glaze is key, using 1/2 cup of dark brown sugar for its deep flavor. Add 3 tablespoons of salted butter, cut into pieces, to melt and mix with the sugar. This glaze will coat and caramelize the sweet potatoes beautifully.
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, or pumpkin pie spice, enhance the flavors. A teaspoon of vanilla extract and a splash of fresh orange juice add depth and brightness. These ingredients work together to create a rich, aromatic dish.
Finally, the marshmallow topping is a must-have. Use 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows, adding them towards the end and broiling for a golden, gooey finish. This topping adds a sweet, fluffy texture to the dish.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a slow cook candied yams masterpiece. Your dish will feature a brown sugar glaze, marshmallow topping, and delicious sweet potato recipes.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes or Yams, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick | 7-8 large |
| Dark Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Salted Butter, cut into pieces | 3 tablespoons |
| Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves (or Pumpkin Pie Spice) | 1 teaspoon each |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Mini Marshmallows | 1 1/2 cups |
“The secret to the perfect slow-cooked candied yams lies in the balance of sweet, spice, and a touch of citrus. With this dynamic blend of flavors, you’ll create a dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds.”
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed : Slow Cook Candied Yams
To make perfect slow-cooked candied yams, you need a few basic tools. The most important is a crockpot or slow cooker. A 5-6 quart size is best for a regular recipe. But, if you’re doubling the batch, you might need a bigger one.
You’ll also need some basic kitchen utensils. A sharp vegetable peeler helps with prepping the sweet potatoes. A good chef’s knife is essential for cutting the yams. And, a slotted spoon makes serving the candied yams from the crockpot easy.
For serving, consider using a casserole dish to transfer the yams. You’ll also need aluminum foil to keep them warm. A small saucepan is handy if you want to thicken the sweet glaze before serving.
Slow Cooker Size Requirements
A 5-6 quart slow cooker is perfect for a standard batch of candied yams. It gives the sweet potatoes enough room to cook evenly. For a bigger crowd or a double batch, choose an 8-quart crockpot.
Additional Kitchen Utensils : Slow Cook Candied Yams
- Vegetable peeler for removing the skins from the sweet potatoes
- Sharp chef’s knife for slicing and dicing the yams
- Slotted spoon for serving the candied yams from the slow cooker
Optional Equipment for Serving : Slow Cook Candied Yams
- Casserole dish for transferring the yams from the crockpot
- Aluminum foil to keep the candied yams warm
- Small saucepan for reducing the glaze on the stovetop
Preparing Your Sweet Potatoes for Cooking
To make the perfect slow-cooked candied yams, start by preparing your sweet potatoes. First, rinse and scrub the peeled sweet potatoes well. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skins, making sure to get rid of any blemishes or eyes. After peeling, cut the potatoes into pieces about 1/2 inch thick.
For this recipe, you’ll need 6-8 large sweet potatoes, or chopped yams. This will give you the right amount for 8 servings.
It’s key to make sure the potato pieces are all about the same size. This ensures they cook evenly. Cutting them into similar sizes helps prevent some from getting too hard while others stay soft.
- Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes under running water.
- Peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler, removing any blemishes or eyes.
- Slice the peeled potatoes into 1/2-inch thick pieces or bite-sized chunks.
- Aim for 6-8 large sweet potatoes or yams to yield the necessary quantity.
- Cut the pieces to a consistent size for even cooking.
Now that your sweet potatoes are prepped, you can start making the brown sugar glaze. This glaze will turn them into a rich holiday side dish.
Creating the Perfect Brown Sugar Glaze
Make your holiday side dish special with a tasty brown sugar glaze. It brings out the sweetness of spiced yams. This topping is key to a sweet and savory slow-cooked candied yams.
Measuring Sugar and Spice Ratios
Begin with 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of cloves. Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. This mix of spices and brown sugar makes a delicious caramelized coating.
Butter and Additional Flavoring Options
Add 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter for a creamy glaze. For more flavor, try 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract or 1/4 cup of orange juice. If you want it less sweet, use half brown sugar and half maple syrup. You can also adjust the spices to your liking.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brown Sugar | 1 cup |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground Cloves | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Kosher Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted Butter | 8 tablespoons |
| Vanilla Extract (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Orange Juice (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Maple Syrup (optional) | 1/2 cup |
This versatile brown sugar glaze can take your slow-cooked spiced yams to the next level. Try different flavors to find the best for your holiday dishes.
Step-by-Step : Slow Cook Candied Yams
Making delicious crockpot candied yams or slow cooker sweet potatoes is easy with this guide. The slow cooking process is key. It lets the yams’ natural sweetness blend perfectly with the brown sugar glaze.
- Start by arranging the sweet potatoes in your slow cooker. Make sure they’re spread out evenly.
- In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients like sugar and spices. Sprinkle this mix over the sweet potatoes for an even coating.
- Then, place butter cubes on top of the sweet potatoes. This will make a creamy glaze as it cooks.
- Put the lid on and set it to low heat. Let the crockpot candied yams cook for 5-6 hours. Or, cook on high for 2-3 hours.
- Stir the slow cooker sweet potatoes every hour. This helps them cook evenly and prevents burning.
- The crockpot candied yams are done when a fork easily pierces them. This means they’re perfectly cooked.
- To get a thicker glaze, pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Simmer it for 5-10 minutes. Then, pour it back over the yams for a richer flavor.
By following these steps, you’ll get a tasty crockpot candied yams or slow cooker sweet potatoes dish. It’s sure to wow your guests and become a favorite holiday tradition.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture
Cooking tender yams in your slow cooker needs a balance of timing and technique. The thickness of your sweet potato slices and your slow cooker’s performance affect cooking time.
Start checking your yams for doneness around 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low. Gently stir the yams to avoid breaking them. For a caramelized finish, broil the dish for a few minutes after slow cooking.
Timing and Temperature Control : Slow Cook Candied Yams
The cooking time for your tender yams depends on a few factors:
- Thickness of sweet potato slices: Thinner slices cook faster than thicker ones.
- Performance of your slow cooker: Different models cook at different temperatures, affecting timing.
- Desired level of tenderness: Check the yams at the recommended times and adjust cooking duration for your preferred texture.
Stirring Techniques and Frequency : Slow Cook Candied Yams
Gently stirring the yams during cooking ensures even heat and prevents breaking. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Stir the yams every 30-60 minutes, being careful not to overstir.
- Use a gentle, folding motion to avoid disrupting the shape of the yams.
- If you prefer a more caramelized texture, consider leaving the yams undisturbed for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
By focusing on timing, temperature, and stirring techniques, you can get perfect tender, flavorful yams every time.
Optional Toppings and Variations
Make your slow-cooked candied yams even better with tasty toppings and creative twists. Mini marshmallows are a classic choice. Just put the yams in a baking dish, add marshmallows on top, and broil until they’re golden and gooey. For a crunchy touch, sprinkle chopped, toasted pecans over the yams. The mix of marshmallow yams and pecan topping is a real treat.
Want to try something new? Add a bit of ground ginger to the brown sugar glaze for a warm twist. Or, mix white and brown sugar for a richer sweetness. These small changes can turn your candied yams into a standout dish.
| Topping | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Marshmallows | 1.5 cups | Spread evenly over cooked yams, broil until lightly browned |
| Chopped Pecans | 3/4 cup | Toast pecans separately, then add to reduced glaze before pouring over yams |
| Ground Ginger | 1/2 tsp | Mix into brown sugar glaze for added warmth |
| White Sugar | 1/2 cup | Combine with 1/2 cup brown sugar for a different sweetness profile |
With these easy and tasty toppings and variations, you can elevate your slow cooked candied yams. Try different combinations to find the perfect match for your holiday menu.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This slow cooked candied yams recipe is perfect for making ahead. It lets you start planning your holiday meal early. You can prepare the candied yams up to 3 days before, saving you time.
Proper Cooling and Storage Methods
After cooking, let the candied yams cool completely. This keeps their texture right and the glaze from getting soggy. Once they’re cool, put them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. This makes them a great side dish for any event.
Reheating Guidelines
To serve leftover candied yams, warm them in a 325°F oven. Place them in a casserole dish and heat for 15-20 minutes. This ensures they’re hot and ready to eat.
To keep them moist, add butter or water before reheating. Stir the yams gently to spread the glaze evenly. This way, everyone gets a perfect mix of sweet and spicy.
FAQ
What are candied yams and how do they differ from regular sweet potatoes?
Candied yams are actually sweet potatoes, not true yams. This mix-up started in the 1930s when Louisiana farmers called sweet potatoes “yams.” They are a sweet holiday dish, made with tender sweet potatoes and a buttery glaze.
What ingredients are needed to make slow cook candied yams?
You’ll need fresh sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and butter. Don’t forget spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. You can also add orange juice, maple syrup, and marshmallows on top.
What size slow cooker is recommended for this recipe?
A 5-6 quart slow cooker is perfect for candied yams. If you’re making a double batch, you might need a bigger one.
How do I prepare the sweet potatoes for slow cooking?
First, rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes. Then, peel them with a vegetable peeler. Remove any blemishes or eyes. Cut the potatoes into 1/2 inch thick slices or pieces for even cooking.
Can I make candied yams ahead of time?
Yes, you can make candied yams up to 3 days in advance. Let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
