A Holiday Classic Made Effortlessly
Candied yams. The very words conjure images of festive tables, overflowing with delicious dishes and the warm embrace of loved ones. This sweet, tender side dish is a staple at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other special occasions for a reason. The combination of the naturally sweet sweet potatoes, a rich glaze, and a touch of spice is truly irresistible. But let’s be honest, who wants to spend hours in the kitchen, especially during the holidays? The good news is that you don’t have to! This candied yams crock pot recipe is the ultimate shortcut to a show-stopping side dish. It’s incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.
This recipe is all about taking the stress out of cooking while still delivering a dish that will impress. Imagine perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth sweet potatoes, coated in a glistening, flavorful glaze, all prepared with hardly any hands-on time. That’s the magic of this candied yams crock pot recipe. Get ready to say goodbye to kitchen stress and hello to the easiest, most delicious candied yams you’ve ever tasted.
Gathering Your Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, and that starts with the ingredients. You’ll need a few key components to create this culinary masterpiece, and you can likely find them all at your local grocery store. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and some tips for selecting the best ingredients.
Sweet Potatoes or Yams? Let’s clarify a common point of confusion: the terms “sweet potato” and “yam” are often used interchangeably, especially in the United States. Technically, yams are a different type of root vegetable, with rough, bark-like skin. What we typically call “yams” in the US are actually sweet potatoes, often with reddish-orange skin and sweet, moist flesh. For this candied yams crock pot recipe, either will work. Choose what you prefer or what you can find. The reddish-orange skinned sweet potatoes are generally the best choice, but don’t hesitate to use the varieties with lighter skin if that’s your preference!
The Core Ingredients:
* Sweet Potatoes/Yams: About 3-4 pounds, or enough to fill your crock pot comfortably. Aim for sweet potatoes that are relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking. If you have different sizes, you might need to adjust the cooking time.
* Butter (Unsalted): ½ cup. Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the final dish.
* Brown Sugar (Light or Dark): ¾ cup. Brown sugar provides the caramel-like sweetness and rich flavor. Both light and dark brown sugar work, but dark brown sugar has a more intense molasses flavor.
* Maple Syrup (Optional): ¼ cup. Maple syrup adds depth and complexity to the glaze. If you want a truly delicious and enhanced glaze, don’t skip it! Pure maple syrup is best.
* Cinnamon (Ground): 1-2 teaspoons, depending on your preference. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice.
* Nutmeg (Ground): ½ teaspoon. Nutmeg complements the cinnamon and adds another layer of flavor.
* Salt: A pinch or two (about ¼ teaspoon). Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
* Optional Enhancements: A splash of vanilla extract, a zest of orange, or a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts are fantastic additions for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredient Notes:
Quality matters! Using good-quality ingredients will result in the best tasting candied yams. Freshly ground spices, real maple syrup (not pancake syrup), and good butter can make a real difference in the final product. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment! Feel free to tweak the amounts of the spices and maple syrup to suit your tastes. Add a little more cinnamon, or a bit of orange zest, or more maple syrup…this recipe is extremely adaptable to your liking.
Crafting Your Candied Yam Masterpiece
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to turn them into something magical! The slow cooker does most of the work, making this recipe incredibly straightforward.
Preparing for the Slow Cooker
First, wash and scrub your sweet potatoes/yams thoroughly. You can use a vegetable brush to remove any dirt. Next, peel the sweet potatoes. You can use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Once peeled, cut the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces. The shape and size of your pieces will affect the cooking time and the overall look of the dish. Aim for rounds, chunks, or even diagonal slices, about 1-1.5 inches thick. This size ensures even cooking and a pleasing appearance.
Once the sweet potatoes are prepared, place them into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange them so they are reasonably evenly distributed, allowing for the glaze to coat everything.
Creating the Flavorful Glaze
In a separate bowl, this is where the flavor magic happens. Combine the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the butter has melted. The mixture should be a smooth, slightly viscous glaze that will coat the sweet potatoes beautifully.
Pour the glaze over the sweet potatoes in the slow cooker, making sure to coat the sweet potatoes evenly. If you’re adding any other ingredients, such as vanilla extract or orange zest, add them at this stage. For those who want nuts, you can add some near the end to warm up, or on top at serving time.
The Slow Cooking Process
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. This is important for trapping heat and moisture, which is essential for the sweet potatoes to cook and the glaze to caramelize. Cook on low for approximately four to six hours, or on high for two to three hours. The cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of your sweet potato pieces. Sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork or knife. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the sweet potatoes mushy. If you want extra flavor, you can stir a little near the end to make sure everything is coated evenly.
As the sweet potatoes cook, the glaze will thicken and caramelize, creating a beautiful, glossy coating. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely divine!
Finishing Touches and Serving
Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, gently stir the yams to ensure the glaze is evenly distributed. Taste a piece to check for sweetness and adjust if needed by adding more brown sugar or maple syrup. If you prefer a slightly thicker glaze, you can uncover the slow cooker and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. You could also use a broiler at this point, if your oven and slow cooker allow.
Serve the candied yams immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprig of fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and easy candied yams crock pot recipe!
Tips and Variations for Your Recipe
This candied yams crock pot recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some tips and variations to customize it to your preferences and needs.
Adjusting Cooking Times
The cooking time for your candied yams depends on a few factors, including the size of your sweet potato pieces and the specific model of your slow cooker. For the best results, start checking for doneness towards the end of the suggested cooking time. On low, a smaller piece of sweet potato may take less time than expected, whereas larger pieces will need more time. Similarly, on high, you’ll want to be diligent about checking for tenderness to avoid overcooking and a mushy texture.
Controlling Sweetness and Spice
Do you prefer a sweeter or less sweet dish? You can adjust the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup to control the sweetness. For a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup. If you want to elevate the dish with spices, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of warmth. Start small and adjust to your taste.
Texture Preferences
For a firmer texture, cook the sweet potatoes for a shorter amount of time. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can cook them a little longer, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. A little bit of stirring near the end of cooking helps to blend the sweet potatoes and coat with glaze.
Flavor Boosting Options
Want to experiment with other flavors? A splash of vanilla extract adds a lovely depth of flavor. A touch of orange zest brings a bright, citrusy note. A few star anise can add another layer of depth as well. If you want to get even more festive, add some mini marshmallows during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a delightful, gooey treat. And don’t forget about the garnishes! Toasted pecans or walnuts provide a wonderful textural contrast. A bit of fresh herbs can elevate your dish.
Making Ahead and Storing
This recipe is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare the sweet potatoes, cut them, and store them in the refrigerator, covered, for up to a day before cooking. You can also combine the glaze ingredients in advance. When ready to cook, simply assemble the recipe as directed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Candied yams are a classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your candied yams crock pot recipe.
Perfect Pairings
The most obvious pairing is with a traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Candied yams perfectly complement the savory flavors of turkey, ham, stuffing, and gravy. They add a sweet contrast that balances the other dishes.
But don’t limit yourself to just holidays! Candied yams are a delicious accompaniment to many other meals. They pair beautifully with roast chicken or pork, bringing a touch of sweetness to a simple weeknight dinner. They are also great with grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. You can even serve them alongside other seasonal vegetables.
Serving Size
The serving size for candied yams can vary, but a good guideline is about ½ to 1 cup per person, depending on the other dishes you are serving. This is a general rule, so adjust based on your guests’ appetites and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about this candied yams crock pot recipe to help you troubleshoot and make sure you get perfect results every time.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can. If using canned sweet potatoes, drain them well before adding them to the slow cooker. Reduce the cooking time significantly, as canned sweet potatoes are already cooked. Start checking for doneness after about an hour on low. You may also want to reduce the amount of glaze ingredients, as canned sweet potatoes can be softer and absorb flavors more easily.
What if my candied yams are too watery?
If your candied yams seem watery at the end of the cooking time, it could be because the sweet potatoes released a lot of moisture. To fix this, remove the lid and cook on high for another 30 minutes to an hour, or until the glaze thickens to your liking.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes! Apples, pears, or even cranberries can be added to the slow cooker with the sweet potatoes. This adds a different flavor profile to your candied yams crock pot recipe.
How do I know when the yams are done?
The yams are done when they are fork-tender. This means you should be able to easily pierce them with a fork or knife. The time will depend on the size of your sweet potatoes, so keep an eye on them and adjust accordingly.
Can I substitute honey for maple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute honey for maple syrup. Use the same amount of honey as the maple syrup called for in the recipe. Honey will add a slightly different flavor profile, but it will still work beautifully.
Embrace the Deliciousness
This candied yams crock pot recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to simplify your cooking, save time, and create a delicious side dish that everyone will love. With its simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and effortless cooking process, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
So, the next time you’re looking for a show-stopping side dish that is both easy and delicious, look no further. Get ready to enjoy the perfect sweet, tender, and flavorful candied yams, all made with ease in your slow cooker! This dish is perfect for any meal, be it a holiday or a simple weeknight meal. So try this recipe now!
