American Candied Yams
American Candied Yams are a classic side dish, particularly popular in the Southern United States and a staple at holiday meals like Thanksgiving. Despite the name, they are almost always made with orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, which are baked or boiled until tender and then coated in a rich, sweet glaze typically made from butter, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is very high in carbohydrates and added sugars, with a significant amount of fat from the butter in the glaze. It provides a good source of fiber, vitamin A, and potassium from the sweet potatoes, but a typical serving can easily range from 300 to 500 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Carbs | 70 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 45 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1200 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 50 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
| Manganese | 0.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, the dish is a beloved part of the American holiday table, representing comfort and tradition. Nutritionally, it's a fascinating example of how a nutrient-dense vegetable is transformed into a decadent treat, making it a centerpiece of debates about 'healthier' versus 'traditional' holiday recipes.
