Candied Yams Mashed Butter Cinnamon (Printable version)

Tender yams mashed with butter, cinnamon, and hints of brown sugar, creating a warm sweet-savory side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Yams

01 - 2.5 lbs yams (sweet potatoes), peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks

→ Flavorings

02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Garnish

09 - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
10 - Additional cinnamon for sprinkling

# Directions:

01 - Place peeled and cubed yams in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt.
02 - Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until yams are very tender when pierced with a fork.
03 - Drain yams thoroughly and return them to the warm pot.
04 - Add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, milk, and vanilla extract to the yams.
05 - Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk for desired consistency.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Transfer to serving bowl, garnish with chopped nuts and cinnamon if desired, and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Effortlessly easy: With a difficulty level of Easy and only 15 minutes of prep, this dish is accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
  • Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian: A crowd-pleasing choice that suits a wide range of dietary needs right out of the box.
  • Deep, warming flavor: The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract creates layers of cozy, holiday-ready taste.
  • Beautifully adaptable: Easily made vegan by swapping butter for plant-based margarine and using non-dairy milk.
  • Perfect for any occasion: Equally at home on a Thanksgiving table or a quiet Tuesday dinner alongside roasted meats.
02 -
  • Drain thoroughly: Make sure to drain the yams very well after boiling—excess water leads to a watery mash rather than a creamy one.
  • Warm your milk: Adding warm milk (or half-and-half) rather than cold helps achieve a smoother, silkier texture.
  • Adjust sweetness to taste: Start with the stated amount of brown sugar, then taste before adding more—yams vary in natural sweetness.
  • Make it ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and gently reheated on the stovetop or in the oven, covered with foil, before serving.
  • Maple syrup swap: Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a subtly different, equally delicious flavor profile.
  • Toast the nuts: For maximum flavor, lightly toast the chopped pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet before using them as garnish.
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