Yummy Yams or Sweet Potatoes

This recipe post has been updated. There are new photos, and more information has been added.

Many years ago, my mom always made the old typical Thanksgiving dish. You know, the really sweet candied yams covered in marshmallows. A holiday recipe that was a standard in a lot of homes. I didn't really like it.

Thankfully, one year, she brought home a recipe she called Yummy Yams. I have been making it every Thanksgiving for years! Using sweet potatoes, of course.

The whole yam vs. sweet potato has been confusing to me. Different grocery stores seem to have a different idea of what is what. Then I read this information at Bon Appetit, and it explained it a bit for me. What's the Difference Between a Sweet Potato and a Yam?

Other recipes you might like

• Cranberry Bliss Bars
• Pumpkin Cake with Orange Glaze
• Simple Broccoli Casserole
• Butternut Squash Pie

Ingredients needed

• Yams or sweet potatoes
• Butter
• Orange juice
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Nutmeg
• Vanilla
• Flour

You can find the ingredient amounts and complete directions below in the printable recipe card.

How to make yummy yams

Wash, peel, and cube around 2 - 2 ½ pounds of yams or sweet potatoes. Cover with water and boil gently until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Drain the potatoes well and return to the pan. Add the butter and mash up the potatoes.

You can use either a hand masher as shown, or for a creamier texture, use a hand electric mixer. Do not mix too long, though.

Now it is time to add the orange juice, some brown sugar, salt, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix well.

Place the mashed potatoes in a casserole dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.

In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and butter. You can add a little more spice if you like. Use a fork and mix well.

Sprinkle the crumb topping over the mashed potato mixture. If you want a little richer topping, use a bit more butter than I do.

Now it is time to bake.

My kids say that this old family recipe for Yummy Yams or Sweeet Potatoes tastes like pumpkin pie. Maybe it seems more like dessert than a side dish, but this is Thanksgiving after all. Indulge a bit.

Want to kick it up?

Mom's recipe called for bourbon, something I never have on hand. And when the kids were younger, I doubt they would have liked it anyway. If you want to kick it up, add some bourbon to taste. I would start with one tablespoon and give it a taste. Adjust to your personal preference.

How to prepare this recipe

• Peel and cube up the yams or sweet potatoes into cubes, place in a large saucepan, and cover with water. (The smaller the cubes, the faster they will cook)
• Boil the yams or sweet potatoes until fork tender. Drain off all the water and put the potatoes back into the same pan.
• Add the butter and mash the potatoes. You can use a potato masher or an electric mixer.
• Add the orange juice, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla. Whip them up.
• Scoop the whipped yams/sweet potatoes in a casserole dish that has been coated with non-stick spray.
• Mix the flour, brown sugar, and butter to make the crumb topping. (Add additional spice here if you like)
• Sprinkle the crumb topping over the whipped potatoes and bake in a 375-degree oven for about 35-40 minutes. The top will be a nice golden brown.

More holiday favorites

• Cinnamon Apple Pie
• Kiss Crinkle Cookies
• Holiday Date Roll
• Gingerbread Sticky Rolls

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