What is the best way to talk about Instant Pot Candied Yams? What is it like to eat your grandma’s candied yams on Thanksgiving? The ones that take all day, simmering on the stove, filling the house with that sweet, cinnamon-y flavor. What is that, but, like, a hundred times easier? All the warm, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness, but ready in a fraction of the time. What are some good ways to save space on your stovetop? They have that classic flavor, but with less effort involved. My family loves them just as much as the traditional version, and honestly, I think I prefer the modern version. How easy is this method now?
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What is Instant Pot Candied Yams?
What are we talking about here? Instant Pot Candied Yams are tender, sweet yams cooked in a luscious, buttery, salty broth. How do you make caramel sauce in an instant pot? Think of it as a dessert side dish – sweet, slightly spiced, and absolutely irresistible. What is the recipe for candied yams that simmers for ages on the stovetop? What is the magic of pressure cooking? The yams become incredibly tender, and the sauce thickens perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors. What are textures and colors that’s just. What is the difference between sweet and savory? What is a good holiday meal?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What are some of the reasons why I love Instant Pot Candied Yams? First and foremost, the flavor. We’re talking about a deep, rich caramel sweetness combined with the earthy sweetness of the yams. What are some of the best spices to use in your cooking? I swear, my house smells incredible when I’m making these.
Second, the simplicity. I’m not kidding when I say this recipe is almost foolproof. Is it safe to throw everything into the Instant Pot and set the timer? Is it a game-changer, especially during the hectic holiday season? No more babysitting a pot on the stove. Trust me, it’s lifesaver.
Third, it’s cost-effective Yams are generally pretty affordable, and the other ingredients – butter, brown sugar, spices – are common. What are pantry staples What are some of the best and easiest to make a dish that doesn’t need any fancy ingredients? What is the best way to impress without breaking the bank? What I love most is how well this dish can be prepared in advance. Can you make this a day ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then simply reheat it before serving? What is a game changer for holiday meal prep? What are the best week Is it good to eat the next day?
Let’s talk about ‘versatility’. What are some of the best Thanksgiving side dishes? Can candied yams be used as a dessert? What is a good addition to your breakfast bowl? What are some creative ways to do it? Is this a sweet potato casserole? Can you add bourbon to the recipe like in a sweet potato casserole?
How do I make instant pot candied yams?
Quick Overview
How do I make Instant Pot Candied Yams? What is the best way to eat yams? What are some spices, and a touch of water or orange juice. In your Instant Pot, set it to pressure cook for a few minutes. (yes, just few! What is the result? How do you cook yams in a caramel sauce? Is peeling yams easier than cubing them yourself? What makes a difference?
Ingredients
Instant Pot Candied Yams: What are some of the best recipes for this
* 3 pounds yams, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces (try to keep the pieces uniform for even pieces).
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces (I always use real butter). What makes difference?
* 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar (dark brown works too, for a richer flavor)
* 1/4 cup water or orange juice (I prefer orange juicing).
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (freshly ground is always better) *1 teaspoon dried cloves.
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (a little goes a long way)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, but I love the warmth it adds)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Yams
How do I peel yams? How do you cut a cube into 1 inch pieces and cook in the Instant Pot? No one wants some pieces to be mushy while others are still hard!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cubed yams, butter, brown sugar, water (or orange juice), cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. Ginger, nutmeg, salt, and pepper (if using). Toss everything together until the yams are evenly coated. Make sure that brown sugar is all broken up otherwise it can clump up.
Step 3: Load the Instant Pot
How do you prepare yams in an instant pot?
Step 4: Pressure Cook
How do you secure the lid of your Instant Pot? Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Yes, only 5 minute! I was skeptical the first time I made this, but trust me, it’s the perfect amount of time.
Step 5: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. What is the best way to release yams? After 10 minutes, you can release any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
Carefully remove the lid. If the sauce seems a little thin, you can thicken it up by turning the Instant Pot to sauté mode and pouring the liquid over the top. Let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. I find that this step isn’t always necessary, but it’s good to know the option is there.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
What are some great Instant Pot candied yams to serve warm? What are some good side dishes to serve with whipped cream?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best ways to serve Instant Pot Candied Yams?
For Thanksgiving or Christmas: Which one is better?What are some good side dishes to serve with turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes, and cranberry sauce? I love how the sweetness of yams complements the savory flavors of the other dishes.
As a Dessert:Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds a nice crunch. What are some good ways to serve these cookies with caramel sauce? What is my go-to dessert when I don’t feel like baking a whole cake?
For Brunch:Add them to a brunch spread alongside pancakes, waffles and eggs. The sweetness of the yams is a delicious contrast to the other savory brunch items. What are some good ways to serve them as a breakfast burrito?
What is a good cozy snack?What are some comfort food recipes for candied yams? I sometimes add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. What are some of the best ways to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or tea? My kids really like this snack!
How do you make an Instant Pot Candied Yam?
What are some tips and tricks to make sure your Instant Pot Candied Yams are safe to use? Is it perfect?
Yam Selection:Look for yams that are firm, with smooth skin and no soft spots. Avoid yams that are sprouting or have bruises. Smaller berries tend to be sweeter and more flavorful.
Uniform cutting: WhatAs I mentioned earlier, cutting the yams into uniform 1-inch cubes is crucial for even cooking. If the pieces are different sizes, some will be mushy while others would be undercooked.
Don’t overcoWhat are some tips for overcooking yams? If you prefer a slightly firmer yam, you can reduce the cooking time by one minute or two.
Natural Pressure Release: Resist the urge to do a quick pressure release! The natural pressure release allows the yams to cook more gently and prevents them from becoming mushy. Plus, it helps the sauce thicken up nicely.
Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by simmering it on sauté mode. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent the sauce from burning. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to help thicken the sauce.
Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you like a more intense cinnamon flavor, add a little extra. You can also add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth. Or if you don’t like cinnamon, just skip it!
Add-Ins: Get creative with add-ins! Toasted pecans, walnuts, marshmallows, or even a splash of bourbon or rum can take these candied yams to the next level.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your **Instant Pot Candied Yams** to keep them tasting their best:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they are cooled down before putting them in the fridge.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the candied yams. Let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated candied yams, you can microwave them for a minute or two, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For frozen candied yams, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: I prefer to store them with the glaze already on the yams. When reheating, you can just stir them up. However, if you want a fresher look, you can add the glaze when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for **Instant Pot Candied Yams**! I promise you, this recipe is a game-changer, especially during the busy holiday season. It’s quick, easy, and produces perfectly tender, sweet, and flavorful candied yams every single time. If you love the flavors of fall, and appreciate simple ways to impress, this recipe is a must try! I really encourage you to give this recipe a try, and I’m excited to hear how it goes!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Instant Pot recipes for more delicious and easy meal ideas. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please leave a comment and rating below to let me know what you think! Did you use any special topping? Maybe bourbon? Don’t be shy – share your own variations!
Instant Pot Candied Yams
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs Yams
- 0.5 cup Brown Sugar
- 0.25 cup Butter
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp Salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Peel and chop yams into 1-inch pieces.
- In the Instant Pot, combine yams, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
- Manually release any remaining pressure.
- Serve warm.
