Effortless Elegance: Slow Cooker Candied Yams Recipe

Candied yams are a classic side dish, especially around the holidays. But let’s face it, oven space is precious, and no one wants to babysit a pot on the stovetop while juggling a million other things. That’s where the slow cooker swoops in to save the day! This slow cooker candied yams recipe is incredibly easy, freeing up your oven and stovetop, and resulting in perfectly tender, sweet, and caramelized yams every time.

This recipe leverages the slow cooker’s low and slow cooking method to transform humble yams into a decadent treat. The gentle heat allows the yams to become incredibly tender while the sugary glaze slowly caramelizes, creating a rich, flavorful coating. It’s a hands-off approach that delivers exceptional results.

## Why Slow Cooker Candied Yams?

* **Convenience:** Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work. You can literally toss everything in and walk away for a few hours, freeing up your time and oven space.
* **Effortless Tenderness:** The slow cooking process guarantees perfectly tender yams that practically melt in your mouth.
* **Deep Flavor:** The extended cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
* **Minimal Monitoring:** Unlike stovetop or oven methods, you don’t need to constantly stir or check the yams. This recipe is truly hands-off.
* **Perfect for Holidays:** Perfect for holidays where oven and stove space are at a premium. This frees you up to make other dishes.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Yams:** 3 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes. Opt for true yams (with reddish skin and deep orange flesh) for the best flavor and texture. Sweet potatoes can be used but the texture will be different.
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted, cut into pats. Butter adds richness and helps create a luscious sauce.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 cup, packed. Brown sugar provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the yams perfectly. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference.
* **Maple Syrup:** 1/4 cup. Maple syrup adds another layer of sweetness and complexity, enhancing the overall flavor. Use pure maple syrup for the best taste.
* **Orange Juice:** 1/4 cup. Orange juice adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors. Freshly squeezed or store-bought is fine.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Vanilla extract enhances the other flavors and adds a warm, aromatic note.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1/2 teaspoon. Cinnamon adds a warm, comforting spice that complements the yams and other ingredients.
* **Ground Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon. Nutmeg adds a subtle, nutty spice that enhances the overall flavor.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon. A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
* **Optional: Pecans or Walnuts:** 1/2 cup, chopped (for topping). These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious slow cooker candied yams:

1. **Prepare the Yams:** Thoroughly wash the yams. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the yams completely. Cut the peeled yams into approximately 1-inch cubes. Aim for even sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
2. **Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:** In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the cubed yams, butter pats, brown sugar, maple syrup, orange juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. **Stir Gently:** Using a large spoon, gently stir all the ingredients together until the yams are evenly coated with the mixture. Be careful not to mash the yams.
4. **Cook on Low:** Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the yams are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness after 3 hours.
5. **Check for Tenderness:** After 3 hours, check the yams for tenderness. They should be easily pierced with a fork. If they are not yet tender, continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes, checking periodically.
6. **Optional: Thicken the Sauce (if needed):** If the sauce is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by removing the lid from the slow cooker during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate, resulting in a thicker, more concentrated sauce. Alternatively, you can carefully drain some of the excess liquid before serving.
7. **Add Nuts (Optional):** If using, stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This will allow them to toast slightly and release their flavor.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once the yams are tender and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, carefully transfer the candied yams to a serving dish. Spoon the sauce over the yams. Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Candied Yams

* **Choose the Right Yams:** Look for true yams with reddish skin and deep orange flesh. These have a naturally sweeter flavor and a slightly firmer texture than sweet potatoes.
* **Cut Yams Evenly:** Cut the yams into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked yams can become mushy. Check for doneness after 3 hours and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
* **Use Real Butter:** Real butter provides the best flavor and texture. Avoid using margarine or butter substitutes.
* **Don’t Peek Too Often:** Resist the urge to open the slow cooker lid too often during cooking. This will release heat and moisture, which can affect the cooking time and results.
* **Slow Cooker Variations:** Each slow cooker cooks a little differently. Monitor closely the first time you make this recipe in your slow cooker to gauge cooking time. You may need to adjust the time slightly on subsequent attempts.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ginger for a subtle kick.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Experiment with different toppings, such as toasted coconut flakes, mini marshmallows, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

Slow cooker candied yams are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Holiday Dinners:** Candied yams are a classic addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter feasts. They complement roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib beautifully.
* **Weeknight Meals:** Add color and sweetness to weeknight dinners with a side of candied yams. They pair well with roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled salmon.
* **Vegetarian Meals:** Candied yams can be a flavorful and satisfying addition to vegetarian meals. Serve them with lentil soup, vegetable curry, or a hearty salad.
* **Dessert:** While technically a side dish, candied yams can also be served as a dessert. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

These slow cooker candied yams are perfect for making ahead of time, especially for holiday gatherings. Here’s how:

* **Prepare Ahead:** You can peel and cut the yams up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container filled with water in the refrigerator to prevent browning.
* **Assemble Ahead:** You can combine all the ingredients (except the nuts, if using) in the slow cooker insert up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove the insert from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker base.
* **Reheat:** If you’ve already cooked the yams, you can reheat them in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave them in individual portions.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, you can freeze candied yams. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Recipe Variations

* **Add Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as ginger, cardamom, or allspice.
* **Use Different Sweeteners:** Try using honey, agave nectar, or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar and maple syrup.
* **Add Dried Fruit:** Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates for extra sweetness and texture.
* **Make it Boozy:** Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the slow cooker for a boozy twist.
* **Savory Candied Yams:** For a savory version, reduce the amount of sugar and add ingredients like garlic, herbs, and balsamic vinegar.
* **Vegan Candied Yams:** Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

## Slow Cooker Candied Yams Recipe

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 3-4 hours
**Yields:** 6-8 servings

**Ingredients:**

* 3 pounds yams, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pats
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/4 cup maple syrup
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

**Equipment:**
* 6-quart slow cooker

**Instructions**

1. Prepare the Yams: Thoroughly wash the yams. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the yams completely. Cut the peeled yams into approximately 1-inch cubes. Aim for even sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the cubed yams, butter pats, brown sugar, maple syrup, orange juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Stir Gently: Using a large spoon, gently stir all the ingredients together until the yams are evenly coated with the mixture. Be careful not to mash the yams.
4. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the yams are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness after 3 hours.
5. Check for Tenderness: After 3 hours, check the yams for tenderness. They should be easily pierced with a fork. If they are not yet tender, continue cooking for another 30-60 minutes, checking periodically.
6. Optional: Thicken the Sauce (if needed): If the sauce is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by removing the lid from the slow cooker during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate, resulting in a thicker, more concentrated sauce. Alternatively, you can carefully drain some of the excess liquid before serving.
7. Add Nuts (Optional): If using, stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This will allow them to toast slightly and release their flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once the yams are tender and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, carefully transfer the candied yams to a serving dish. Spoon the sauce over the yams. Serve hot and enjoy!

## Nutrition Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 6-8g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 4-5g
* Sugar: 25-30g
* Protein: 2-3g

*Please note that nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

## Final Thoughts

This slow cooker candied yams recipe is a foolproof way to create a delicious and impressive side dish with minimal effort. The tender yams, rich sauce, and warm spices make it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. So, ditch the stovetop and oven, and let your slow cooker do the work! Enjoy!