Easiest Candied Yams: Canned Sweet Potato Magic!

This week, ditch the peeling and chopping! We're making the most delicious candied yams recipe with canned sweet potatoes - a perfect, easy side dish for any fall or holiday meal. Get ready for sweet, cinnamon-spiced goodness without the fuss!

Why Choose a Candied Yams Recipe with Canned Sweet Potatoes?

Let's face it, sometimes we need a shortcut without sacrificing flavor. Using canned sweet potatoes for a candied yams recipe with canned sweet potatoes offers several advantages:

  • Convenience: No peeling, chopping, or lengthy cooking times required.
  • Consistency: Canned sweet potatoes are consistently sweet and tender.
  • Time-Saving: This significantly reduces prep time, especially during busy holidays.
  • Year-Round Availability: Enjoy candied yams anytime, not just when fresh sweet potatoes are in season.

The Ultimate Candied Yams Recipe with Canned Sweet Potatoes

This recipe elevates canned sweet potatoes to a dish worthy of any holiday table. It's simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans of sweet potatoes, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional toppings: chopped pecans, marshmallows

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350?F (175?C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange Sweet Potatoes: Arrange the drained and rinsed sweet potatoes in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Using candied yams recipe with canned sweet potatoes method ensures they're uniformly cooked.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Pour and Bake: Pour the sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the sweet potatoes are heated through.
  5. Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans or marshmallows during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
  6. Serve and Enjoy! Let the candied yams recipe with canned sweet potatoes cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Candied Yams Recipe with Canned Sweet Potatoes

  • Rinsing is Key: Rinse the canned sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove excess starch and sodium. This helps them absorb the flavorful sauce better when making this candied yams recipe with canned sweet potatoes.
  • Don't Overbake: Overbaking can make the sweet potatoes mushy. Keep an eye on them and bake until just heated through.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
  • Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like cloves or allspice for a unique flavor profile.
  • Maple Syrup Magic: A little maple syrup elevates the flavor, adding a touch of natural sweetness. Its especially effective in our candied yams recipe with canned sweet potatoes.
  • Marshmallow Variations: For extra gooeyness, try mini marshmallows or even a layer of marshmallow fluff on top.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving. This is great for holiday meal prep with this candied yams recipe with canned sweet potatoes.

Serving Suggestions for Candied Yams Recipe with Canned Sweet Potatoes

Candied yams are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses:

  • Holiday Feasts: Perfect alongside turkey, ham, or roast beef.
  • Weeknight Dinners: A delicious addition to grilled chicken, pork chops, or vegetarian dishes.
  • Breakfast/Brunch: Serve with eggs, bacon, and toast for a sweet and savory start to the day.

Candied Yams Recipe with Canned Sweet Potatoes: Variations to Try

  • Citrus Zest: Add a touch of orange or lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, zesty flavor.
  • Bourbon Twist: A splash of bourbon in the sauce adds a warm, boozy kick.
  • Spicy Candied Yams: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a touch of heat.
  • Cranberry Candied Yams: Mix in some fresh or dried cranberries for a tart and festive twist.

Q&A: Candied Yams Recipe with Canned Sweet Potatoes

Q: Can I use syrup-packed canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?

A: While you can, it's best to use water-packed or "no salt added" canned sweet potatoes. Syrup-packed sweet potatoes are already very sweet and might make the final dish too sugary. If using syrup-packed, consider reducing the amount of brown sugar in the recipe.

Q: Can I freeze candied yams?

A: Yes! Allow the candied yams to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: How do I reheat candied yams?

A: You can reheat them in the oven at 350?F (175?C) until heated through, or in the microwave in short intervals.

Q: My candied yams are too runny. What can I do?

A: If the sauce is too runny, you can thicken it by simmering it on the stovetop for a few minutes after baking. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce while it's simmering.

Q: Can I use this recipe with fresh sweet potatoes?

A: Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then boil or steam them until tender before adding them to the baking dish and proceeding with the recipe.

In summary, this article provides a delicious and easy candied yams recipe with canned sweet potatoes. The Q&A covers common questions and concerns, offering solutions for best results. Keywords: Candied Yams, Canned Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potato Recipe, Holiday Side Dish, Easy Recipe, Thanksgiving Recipe, Side Dish Recipe, Fall Recipe, Sweet Potato Casserole, Quick Recipe, Candied Yams Recipe with Canned Sweet Potatoes