In my family, I am in charge of cooking for Thanksgiving and candied yam casserole with brown sugar streusel is one recipe that must be on the menu every year.
I don’t want to say much because this video speaks volumes but I must assure you that this Candied Yam Casserole recipe is just as good as it looks. I remember the first time I created this recipe for our family Thanksgiving back in San Diego and mouths just dropped.
We were at my mom’s home with a handful of family members and plates were packed to the brims with all Thanksgiving regulars. Everybody dug in and did the typical “rotation of the plates,” critically tasting each dish. Turkey, check. Mac & cheese, on point. Greens, ok you did that. Candied yam casserole … hmmm … FIYAAAAAAAAA! Immediately it was like the day of Pentecost. The Holy Ghost, in true form, fell upon the saints and they started speaking in tongues as the yams hit their palates.
Naturally I’m sitting in my seat pretending to be humble but mentally popping my collar because I knew I brought the heat. It’s my special ingredient is what truly separates my casserole from all the other sweet potato casseroles out there.
Ginger + Yams whaaaa???
The addition of fresh grated ginger makes all the difference. Boom I said it. Whaaa???? The other day I just went to the store with my best friend to get the ginger and her first response was, “I don’t even know what that thing is.” It made me realize that everyone has heard of ginger but few people even know what it looks like in its natural form.
Yes, it is this little oddly shaped root vegetable elevates the flavor of all the other ingredients in the candied yam casserole. Additionally, the brown sugar crumble adds just enough contrast and buttery sweetness to make your tongue start hitting the quan. I would also like to add that this dish only takes 25 minutes to blow your mind. Trust me when I say you want this on you Thanksgiving menu.
Do you plan on making the recipe? Be sure to tag @meikoandthedish on Instagram and hashtag #meikoandthedish.
What is Candied Yam Casserole?
Candied yams are a classic southern dish that is made with red-skinned sweet potatoes.
How to make Candied Yams Casserole?
This candied yam recipe follows easy instructions. The only appliance you will need is an oven. Start by preheating the oven. Then, drain and mash yams until smooth with little chunks. You will need two separate bowls to mix ingredients. You will then spread the yam on a casserole and sprinkle it with brown sugar crumble before covering with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then bake on broil for 1-3 minutes, and you are done.
Canned Yam vs Fresh?
Canned yams tend to be sweeter with syrup. If you’re seeking a more natural flavor and a better texture, fresh yam is your ideal choice.
Difference between yam and sweet potato?
Are yams and sweet potatoes the same thing? No, both are different. Real yams are entirely different and are similar to yucca in texture and flavor. A real yam’s skin looks like tree bark with tough and bumpy skin, while that of the sweet potato is tawnier. Also, yams are not sweet.
Can I make Candied Yam in advance?
Yes, you can make the dish the night before and store it in the refrigerator. You can also cut the potatoes a day or two in advance and keep them fresh by storing in cold water in the fridge. Left with leftovers? Store the candied yam in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
More Delicious Dessert Recipes
Still, craving more? Check out these dessert recipes next:
- Everything But The Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Strawberry Cornbread Skillet Cobbler + Juneteenth Takeover
- Grilled Peaches with Salted Caramel and Toffee Crumble
- 7UP Pound Cake– Grandbaby Cakes
Ingredients
Candied Yams
- 8½ cups canned yams drained
- 1 zest large orange
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 zest large lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Brown Sugar Streusel
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter frozen & cut (1 stick)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees
- In a large bowl, add yams (drained) and mash until smooth with light chunks. Stir in orange juice, lemon juice, lemon zest, orange zest, brown sugar, vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper and salt.
- In a separate bowl or food processor add pecans, flour, brown sugar, salt and butter and mix until combined into moist clumps.
- In a greased casserole dish, pour yam mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle brown sugar crumble over top and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes then carefully remove aluminum foil.
- Bake on broil for another 1-3 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it while it broils – it can go from perfectly browned to burnt very quickly.
Notes
also pulse in a food processor.
You can substitute in any nuts that you prefer in the streusel.
Nutrition
Equipment
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
**The equipment section above contains affiliate links to products I use and love. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
17 thoughts on “Candied Yam Casserole with Brown Sugar Streusel”
I’m excited to experiment with this recipe. The best feeling in the world is the moment you know you brought the fire and nobody else realizes it yet. Again, I can’t wait to get it in with this recipe!
Chef Dorien!!! You know what it is. Let me know if you give it a try. #teamgreedy
Adding to collection! Thanks girl!
@chardae It’s so yummy. Trust me you won’t regret it.
My mother makes a similar candied yams recipe, but includes marshmallows and pecans– crazy!
I’m going to try your recipe, Meiko. Pray for me.
Brace,
I knew I would get some slack because of the lack of marshmallows. To be honest I’ve never been a big fan. The brown sugar crumble is a better substitute for me. Give it a try its super easy so you won’t even need prayer. LOL
This sounds so amazing and I bet it makes the house smell so good!! Adding to recipe book!
Will try this! Love that it’s with canned yams – easy peasy
E. Marie, I am definitely pro “RELIABLE AND TASTE FRIENDLY” shortcuts when it comes to Thanksgiving cooking. For this recipe canned yams are the way to go.
I’m trying this today! Can you tell me the servings for this recipe?
Hey Temka,
This recipe makes somewhere between 15-20 servings as a side.
Help! In the middle of making it – is it 3/4 cup of flour and brown sugar or 3/4 tablespoons? The recipe says 3/4 cup tablespoons flour.
TIA
Sherrie, I’m so sorry for the typo. It should have just read 3/4 cup of flour and brown sugar. I hope you were able to figure it out. How did it turn out?
If I could give this recipe 6 stars, I would. I made it for Thanksgiving and my family LOVED it.
April I am so very happy you enjoyed it!!!
I made this for Christmas. It was awesome. Going to make it again for Easter Dinner.
YAAAAASSSSS Valerie!!! I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Enjoy your weekend!