Candied Yams

Candied yams are a classic American side dish, particularly popular in the Southern United States and during holidays like Thanksgiving. The dish typically consists of sliced or cubed yams (often sweet potatoes) baked in a syrupy glaze made from brown sugar, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, sometimes topped with marshmallows.

🍳 View the full Candied Yams recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in carbohydrates and sugar, primarily from the yams and the added sweeteners, and is also a significant source of fat due to the butter. A standard serving provides a good amount of vitamin A (from beta-carotene) and some fiber, with a rough calorie count of 300-400 calories per cup.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	250 kcal
Protein	2.5 g
Carbs	50 g
Fat	6 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	30 g
Sodium	100 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin A	1200 IU
Vitamin C	15 mg
Calcium	60 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Vitamin B6	0.2 mg
Manganese	0.5 mg
Vitamin E	2 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, candied yams are a centerpiece of American comfort food and holiday feasts, symbolizing abundance and tradition. Nutritionally, while the preparation adds significant sugar and fat, the base ingredient—sweet potatoes—is a nutrient-dense superfood packed with antioxidants and vitamins.