We’ve rounded up 11 popular yam recipes for you to get inspired. From sweet candied yams, to creamy mashed yams and crispy fries, yams truly are a versatile vegetable!
Whether you call them sweet potatoes or yams, there are a lot of delicious dishes that you can make with this healthy vegetable.
Best Yam Recipes

Perfectly Baked Yams
Baked yams are a delicious alternative to regular white potatoes. They’re fluffy, flavorful and can be enjoyed fully loaded with butter, sour cream, bacon bits, and chopped green onion!
Savory Mashed Yam Recipes
Serve these creamy mashed yams alongside your favorite meatloaf recipe and sauteed green beans! This dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
Candied Yams
These yams are perfectly flavored with orange juice, brown sugar, ginger, and cinnamon! Serve them with pork chops and steamed broccoli for a delicious weeknight meal.
Golden Yam Cake
Shredded yam makes a delicious cake that’s similar in texture to carrot cake! It’s sweet, tender, and topped with a thin layer of creamy icing.
Jamaican Yellow Yam Stew
Jamaican yams have a rough brown skin and a starchy yellow flesh. They’re not the same as the orange sweet potatoes that are also labeled as yams in many grocery stores. This delicious stew is vegan-friendly, hearty, and delicious! Serve it with steamed rice for a tasty and comforting meal.
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Follow the tips in this recipe for sweet potato fries that bake up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! Serve them with your favorite spicy dip.
Cranberry Yam Muffins
These tender yam muffins are easy to make and are flavored with warm spices. Enjoy them as a grab & go breakfast or as a delicious mid-morning snack!
Tuna Yam Balls
Serve these savory tuna yam balls as an appetizer at your next get-together! They’re soft on the inside and have a crispy coating.
Cinnamon-Roasted Sweet Potato and Apples
Apples and cinnamon are the perfect complement to the creamy sweet potatoes in this dish! Serve it with pork chops and roasted Brussels sprouts for an easy week-night meal!
Candied Yam with Marshmallows
This holiday favorite is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors! The recipe also includes some tasty variations that you’ll want to try!
Yellow Yam Fries
Try these tasty yellow yam fries for something different! They’re perfectly seasoned and would be delicious served with baked chicken or pork chops.
How to Cook Yam Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb yams
- 2 tablespoon olive oil optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and set aside a baking sheet.
- Scrub the yam under cold running water to remove dirt and debris. Cut off any blemishes with a paring knife.
- Using a small skewer or paring knife, poke each yam 4-5 times about an inch deep. Then place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for roughly 70-90 minutes. Halfway through, you can brush with butter or olive oil for added flavor if you wish. When they are done, a fork should slide easily into the center and the internal temperature will be 205-210°F.
- Remove the yam from the oven using oven mitts.
- Using a paring knife, slice halfway through each yam lengthwise. Then give it a gentle squeeze to open. Fluff the insides lightly with a fork and top with your favorite toppings to serve.
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