If you’re looking to bring a comforting, soulful side to your holiday table, look no further than this Crock Pot Candied Yams Recipe. These tender, sweet potatoes are simmered low and slow in a luscious blend of brown sugar, butter, warm spices, and a touch of maple syrup, all crowned with gooey marshmallows that melt into pure magic. It’s that perfect harmony of sweet, buttery, and spicy flavors, infused with a wonderful caramelized texture that elevates any festive meal or cozy dinner. Once you make this recipe, it’s sure to become a treasured classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple list of ingredients fool you—each one plays a vital role in achieving the rich taste and velvety texture of this dish. From the naturally sweet potatoes to the melting marshmallows, every component adds a layer of flavor and visual appeal that makes this recipe so irresistible.
- Sweet potatoes (4 pounds, peeled and diced): The star of the dish, providing that creamy, sweet base with lovely color.
- Salted butter (½ cup): Adds richness while balancing the sweetness with a slight savory note.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Gives a deep molasses flavor and contributes to the caramelization.
- Maple syrup (½ cup): Introduces natural sweetness and a fragrant, woody essence.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Warms up the dish with a classic autumn spice kick.
- Ground nutmeg (a pinch): Complements the cinnamon with a subtle nutty spice.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Elevates all the flavors with its sweet, floral aroma.
- Mini marshmallows (10 ounces): The crowning glory, melting into a golden, fluffy topping.
How to Make Crock Pot Candied Yams Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and dicing your sweet potatoes into neat ½ inch pieces. This size ensures they cook evenly and soak up the flavors without turning too mushy. Placing them in a bowl early keeps things organized and ready for the flavorful syrup.
Step 2: Make the Candied Syrup
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together salted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely and the sugar dissolves into a silky, fragrant syrup. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract for that delightful aroma that hints at homemade goodness.
Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Syrup
Pour the warm syrup over the diced sweet potatoes and stir gently so every piece gets coated with this luscious glaze. The syrup not only infuses flavor but helps tenderize the potatoes as they cook low and slow.
Step 4: Cook in the Crock Pot
Spray your 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then transfer the yam mixture inside. Set the crock pot to low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 4 to 5 hours. Stir every 30 minutes if you can to avoid burning and ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when the yams are tender and the liquid thickens into a shiny, rich sauce.
Step 5: Add the Marshmallows
Once the yams are cooked, stir in half of the mini marshmallows, letting them melt into the warm mixture. Then sprinkle the remaining marshmallows on top. You can cover the slow cooker for a few minutes to gently melt them or, for a beautifully toasted finish, pop the yams under the broiler just until the marshmallows are browned and bubbly. Serve immediately for that irresistible gooey topping.
How to Serve Crock Pot Candied Yams Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of freshly grated orange zest adds texture and a bright contrast to the sweet richness of the yams. A small drizzle of warm maple syrup right before serving can amplify their decadent sweetness as well.
Side Dishes
This Crock Pot Candied Yams Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a hearty vegetarian main like stuffed acorn squash. It’s the quintessential holiday side that brings balance with its sweet notes alongside savory mains and crisp greens.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the yams in a rustic ceramic dish to bring warmth to your table setting. Alternatively, individual ramekins with the warm candied yams topped with mini marshmallows make a charming personal treat. For a more casual vibe, place the yams in a festive casserole dish right from the crock pot, letting guests scoop their own servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, though the marshmallow topping is best added fresh before serving again.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked candied yams without the marshmallows for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then portion and seal in freezer-safe containers to preserve flavor and texture. Add fresh marshmallows after reheating for the best experience.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If desired, sprinkle on fresh mini marshmallows and warm briefly to revive that melty, golden topping you love. Stirring occasionally while reheating helps keep the syrup luscious and even.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Regular potatoes won’t provide the same natural sweetness or texture and generally don’t work as well for traditional candied yams. Sweet potatoes are key to achieving the classic flavor and tender softness.
Do I have to add marshmallows?
Marshmallows add a wonderful gooey, toasted topping, but they’re optional! If you prefer a less sweet version or want to avoid marshmallows, the yams themselves are delicious on their own with the spiced syrup.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the salted butter for a plant-based margarine or vegan butter, and use maple syrup to keep it naturally sweet. Just make sure to skip the marshmallows or find vegan marshmallows if desired.
How do I prevent the yams from burning in the crock pot?
Stirring every 30 minutes if possible helps avoid burning, as does spraying the crock pot with cooking spray. Also, cooking on low heat and not letting the liquid completely evaporate keeps the yams moist and tender.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a holiday meal?
Yes! You can prep everything the day before, store it in the refrigerator, then cook it on the day of serving. Adding the marshmallows at the end ensures they’re perfectly melty and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Candied Yams Recipe is truly one of those comforting dishes you’ll want to share year after year. Its sweetness, spice, and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a perfect companion for special occasions or simple family dinners alike. Give it a try, and get ready to create warm memories around your table.
Print
Crock Pot Candied Yams Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crock Pot Candied Yams are a classic holiday side dish featuring tender sweet potatoes cooked slowly with brown sugar, butter, maple syrup, warm spices, and topped with gooey mini marshmallows. The slow cooker method ensures easy prep and perfectly caramelized yams that complement any festive meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch pieces
Sauce
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping
- 10 ounce bag mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch pieces, then place them in a large bowl and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together salted butter, light brown sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves to create a smooth mixture. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the sauce over the diced sweet potatoes and stir thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
- Load Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the slow cooker.
- Cook Yams: Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to avoid burning. The yams are done when they are tender and the liquid has thickened.
- Add Marshmallows: Stir in half of the mini marshmallows to incorporate them into the warm yams.
- Top and Melt Marshmallows: Sprinkle the remaining marshmallows on top. Place the slow cooker lid back on for a few minutes to let the marshmallows melt, or remove the yams and broil in the oven briefly until the marshmallows are browned and toasted.
- Serve: Serve warm as a sweet, comforting side dish perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Notes
- The marshmallows add a delightful sweetness and texture but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a smoother texture, mash the yams slightly after cooking.
- There is no need to precook the sweet potatoes before adding to the slow cooker.
