Blog

Candied yams are a classic and delicious side dish that is perfect for holidays or any special occasion. While many people prefer to make them from scratch, using canned yams can be a time-saving and convenient alternative. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to cook candied yams from a can, so you can enjoy this sweet and comforting dish with ease.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. You will need a can of yams, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mini marshmallows. These ingredients will give your candied yams a rich and sweet flavor.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Bruce's Candied YAMS

Bruce's Candied YAMS

$4.00

as of September 15, 2024 5:23 pm

Check Price

Amazon.com

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your yams cook evenly and develop a caramelized glaze on top.

Step 3: Prepare the Yams

Drain the liquid from the can of yams and transfer them to a baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Feel free to slice the yams if you prefer smaller pieces.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

In a small saucepan, melt some butter over low heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the sugar has dissolved. Pour this mixture over the yams, making sure they are evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake in the Oven

Bruce Foods Candied Yams, 16 oz

Bruce Foods Candied Yams, 16 oz

$6.61

as of September 15, 2024 5:23 pm

Check Price

Amazon.com

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the yams to become tender.

Step 6: Add the Marshmallows

Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the top of the yams. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and toasted.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the marshmallows have melted and developed a beautiful golden color, your candied yams are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them hot as a delicious side dish that is sure to be a hit.

Tip: For an extra decadent touch, you can also sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the marshmallows before baking.

Now that you know how to cook candied yams from a can, you can easily make this tasty dish whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet and comforting treat. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion, these candied yams are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Preparing the yams

Before you begin cooking the candied yams, you’ll need to prepare the yams themselves. Follow these steps to get started:

Now that your yams are prepared, you’re ready to move on to the next steps in the candied yams recipe!

Draining the canned yams

Before cooking the candied yams, it is important to drain the liquid from the can. This step helps remove any excess moisture, allowing the yams to absorb the sweet flavors of the candied glaze.

To drain the canned yams, start by opening the can using a can opener. Hold the can securely and remove the lid carefully to avoid any injuries. Once the lid is removed, you may notice a small amount of liquid in the can.

Using a colander

Place a colander in the sink or a bowl large enough to catch the liquid drained from the can. Hold the can over the colander and gently pour the contents into it. Allow the liquid to drain completely, ensuring that the yams are left behind in the colander.

Pressing the yams

If desired, you can also gently press the yams with a spoon or spatula to further drain any residual liquid. Pressing helps remove excess moisture and improves the texture of the cooked yams.

After draining the canned yams, they are ready to be used in the recipe for candied yams. Follow the instructions in the recipe to proceed with the cooking process and enjoy delicious homemade candied yams.

Creating the candied yam syrup

To create the delicious syrup for your candied yams, you’ll need a few key ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of water

To start, melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, stir in the brown sugar until it’s completely dissolved.

Next, add in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir the mixture well to make sure all of the spices are evenly distributed.

Once the spices are well incorporated, pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup has thickened slightly.

Now that the syrup is ready, it’s time to pour it over your canned yams. Make sure the yams are in a baking dish, then drizzle the syrup over them, making sure they’re all well coated.

Continue with the rest of the candied yam recipe to finish cooking your delicious yams. Enjoy!

Combining the ingredients

Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start combining them to create your delicious candied yams.

Step 1: Preheat your oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it is hot and ready to cook your candied yams.

Step 2: Drain and rinse the canned yams

Open the can of yams and pour the contents into a colander. Rinse the yams under cold running water to remove any excess syrup or liquid. This step helps to reduce the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Step 3: Arrange the yams in a baking dish

Take a baking dish and arrange the drained and rinsed yams in a single layer. Make sure the yams are evenly spread out to ensure they cook and caramelise properly.

Step 4: Prepare the syrup mixture

In a small saucepan, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Pour the syrup over the yams

Once the syrup mixture is ready, pour it over the arranged yams in the baking dish. Make sure the yams are evenly coated with the syrup to ensure they are properly candied.

Step 6: Optional add-ons

If desired, you can add additional ingredients such as marshmallows, chopped pecans, or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top of the yams to add extra flavor and texture.

Now that all the ingredients have been combined, you are ready to bake your candied yams to perfection!

Baking the candied yams

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

Transfer the canned candied yams into a baking dish.

Spread the yams evenly in the dish, making sure they are in a single layer.

Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the yams are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

Remove the dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil.

Optional: For a caramelized and crispy top, you can broil the dish for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Allow the candied yams to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade candied yams!

Serving the candied yams

Once the candied yams are cooked and ready to serve, there are a few options for presentation and additional toppings. Here are some ideas:

• Serve the candied yams as a side dish with a Thanksgiving turkey or a holiday roast.
• Place the candied yams in a decorative serving dish or casserole dish for an elegant presentation.
• Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the candied yams for added crunch and flavor.
• Drizzle some melted marshmallows over the yams and use a kitchen torch to lightly brown them for a gooey and indulgent treat.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the candied yams to enhance the flavor and aroma.

When serving the candied yams, be sure to have a serving spoon or fork available for guests to help themselves. The yams can be served warm or at room temperature depending on personal preference.

Regardless of how you choose to serve the candied yams, they are sure to be a crowd-pleasing and delicious addition to any meal or holiday gathering.

Q&A

What are candied yams?

Candied yams are a traditional American dish made from sweet potatoes or yams that have been cooked with a sweet syrupy glaze. They are often served as a side dish during holiday meals.

Can I cook candied yams using canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can definitely cook candied yams using canned sweet potatoes. Canned sweet potatoes are already cooked, so you just need to follow a few simple steps to achieve the desired sweetness and texture.

What ingredients do I need to cook candied yams from a can?

To cook candied yams from a can, you will need the following ingredients: canned sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and marshmallows (optional). These ingredients will help you achieve a sweet and flavorful dish.

How can I make candied yams from a can taste even better?

To make candied yams from a can taste even better, you can add additional ingredients such as vanilla extract, orange zest, or chopped pecans. These ingredients will enhance the flavor and add a unique twist to the dish.

What is the cooking time for candied yams from a can?

The cooking time for candied yams from a can is usually around 25-30 minutes. However, it may vary depending on your oven and the desired level of caramelization. It’s best to keep an eye on the dish while it’s cooking to prevent it from burning.