Some dishes just feel like a warm hug, or if you’re in the mood for supper, eat something that’s been wrapped up in your memory. You know, there are some dishes that just seem like they are. What is my candied yam recipe? What is the most important thing my kids ask for when they have a family gathering? What is my secret weapon when I need something truly comforting after a long day of work? I remember my grandmother making these, the kitchen filling with this incredible sweet. What a magical cinnamon-spiced aroma. Is it better than a store bought pie? If you’ve ever felt intimidated by making sweet potato casseroles or those elaborate holiday sides, now is the time to make them. What is your new best friend Candied Yams? It’s simple, utterly delicious, and tastes like pure sunshine and happiness. What is the real deal with a traditional French dessert?
What are candied yams?
What exactly are candied yams? Think of them as a celebration of Sweet Potatoes, elevated. They’re tender, fork-soft yams that have been simmered and baked in a rich, syrupy glaze, usually boiled, fried or roasted. infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and often finished with a hint of butter or sugar. Often served with fresh lemon or lime. Is there a touch of vanilla It’s not quite a pie, not really roasted sweet potato, but something wonderfully in between. What is caramelized in the glaze? Is it possible to make a single bite, making them irresistibly sweet and glossy? Is it a classic? What is a vegetable that is transformed into something truly special? I always feel like a treat, no matter how much I serve it.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, there are so many reasons why this candied yams recipe has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen rotation, and I just know you’re going to feel the same way. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. We’re talking sweet, but not cloyingly so, with that perfect balance of warm spices that just sings on your palate. The yams themselves become incredibly tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth, and that glaze? Oh, that glaze is pure liquid gold. It’s that comforting, nostalgic taste that reminds you of home. Then there’s the simplicity. I know sweet potato dishes can sometimes seem complicated, but this one is truly forgiving. You don’t need any fancy techniques, and the ingredients are all things you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly! Sweet Potatoes are usually pretty affordable, and the other ingredients are staples. What I love most, though, is its versatility. I’ve served these candied yams at Thanksgiving, Easter, casual weeknight dinners, and even just as a treat when I’m craving something sweet. They pair perfectly with savory dishes like roasted chicken or pork, but they’re also fantastic as a stand-alone dessert. If you enjoy my baked sweet potato fries, you’ll adore the deeper, more complex flavors here. It’s the kind of dish that makes people ask for the recipe, and that’s always a good sign!
How do I make candied yams?
Quick Overview
How do you make candied yams? How do you prepare sweet potatoes for a spiced glaze? If the yams are tender and the glaze is thick, put them in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Cover and let cool. What is the best way to make caramelized caramel It’s a fuss-free process that delivers maximum flavor, making it ideal for busy days or when you’re on the go. How do you make a simple sweet treat in the oven? What are some of the best ways to incorporate potatoes into a comforting dish?
Ingredients
For the Main Yams:
3 lbs sweet potatoes (also known as yams), about 3-4 medium ones. Look for ones that are firm and relatively smooth-skinned. You want them to be sweet, so avoid any with green spots or soft patches. I usually aim for a mix of sizes to get some variety in texture after baking. Is it necessary to peele a person’s skin? What is the best way to give your skin a good scrub? If you prefer, you can peel them, but I find it’s an extra step that isn’t really necessary for this.
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted. How do you control the saltiness of unsalted butter? How do you melt the glaze? It adds that lovely richness that makes the whole dish sing.
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar. Why is brown sugar important for candied flavor and texture? How does it caramelize in the oven? Is this a good starting point for sweets?
1/4 cup water. This helps create the liquid base for the glaze and ensures it spreads evenly.
What is the best way to ground cinnamon? Cinnamon brings warmth and that quintessential sweet potato spice. Don’t skimp here.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. A little nutmeg will add depth and a cozy aroma. What is the best combination of cinnamon and rye?
1/4 teaspoon salt. In food, salt is important for flavor. Even in sweet dishes, a little salt can make everything pop. Is it really necessary to add sweetness?
What is vanilla extract? 1 teaspoon. When added at the end, vanilla extract provides a subtle layer of flavor that can be easily absorbed. What is the best way to make a glaze?
How do I get
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
What should I do first, get my oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)? While that’s heating up, grab a sturdy baking dish. A 9×13 inch dish is usually perfect for this amount of yam. If you are going to cover it with foil, you don’t necessarily need to grease it, but if you’re feeling the urge to do that, just let it dry. If you want extra caramelization on the bottom, a light buttering or greasing would be ok. I sometimes use a good quality non-stick spray, just to be safe.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. Make sure there are no big clumps of brown sugar, and that the spices are evenly distributed. This dry mix is the flavor foundation for our beautiful glaze, so taking a moment to get it right. What makes a difference?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate, slightly larger bowl, combine the melted butter, water, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Give this a good whisk to combine. What is the best way to add vanilla when things aren’t piping hot, so mixing it with the other wet ingredients. Now is perfect. This liquid base will help dissolve the sugar and create that smooth glaze.
Step 4: Combine
Now, add the dry spice and sugar mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir it all together until it forms a smooth, syrupy glaze. What is the best way to make a smooth paste? What is the luscious syrup that coats our yams?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
What are the stars of Sweet Potatoes? I like to cut mine into uniform pieces, about 1-inch cubes or thick rounds. This helps them cook evenly. If you prefer them sliced, make sure the slices are about 1/2 inch thick. Give sweet potatoes a quick rinse and pat them dry with ice. Why does glaze adhere better?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Arrange the prepared sweet potato pieces in a single layer in your baking dish. Try not to overcrowd them, as this can lead to steaming instead of roasting and glazing. How do you prepare a glaze for sweet potatoes? How do you toss a couple of tablespoons of glaze into tupperware? You want every surface to be touched by that sweet, spiced goodness.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is important to trap the steam and help the sweet potatoes cook through and become super tender. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. You’ll see that the sweet potatoes are starting to soften and the glaze is bubbling. Now, continue baking, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes. What is the magic of a glaze on yams? What are the irresistible candied edges? You want them to be fork-tender and the glaze slightly syrupy, not watery. How do you keep an eye on them to prevent burning, especially if your oven tends to run hot?
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
When they’re done, remove the dish from the oven. The glaze will be quite liquidy at first, but it will thicken as it cools slightly. Let the candied yams sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the glaze to reach its perfect consistency. If you want an extra shine, you can spoon a little extra glaze from the bottom of the pan over the top.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Serve candied yams warm. They are beautiful as they are, with the glossy glaze coating each piece. Can you garnish with fresh chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch? They’re perfect on their own. What is the best aroma to make your mouth water?
What should I serve it with?
What are candied yams? Is there a better way to elevate your meal? I sometimes make a smaller batch and serve it alongside omelet or some other breakfast. I also like to make small batches. What is the sweetness of this savory note? At a weekend brunch, they are incredibly popular, especially when paired with some fluffy pancakes or topped with whipped cream. What are some of the best waffles with maple syrup? I like to put them in a nice serving bowl. For a more formal dessert, especially after Thanksgiving, they’re wonderful served warm in small bowls. ramekins with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of the warm, spiced yams and the cool creaminess is divine. And for those cozy, relaxed evenings, they’re the ultimate comfort food. I like to serve them with grilled cheese sandwich or just a cup of tea. My kids love fried chicken or barbecue pulled pork – pretty much anything savory and delicious. We often have them at our family potlucks, and they’re always the first dish to disappear. They’re universally loved.
How do you perfect candied yams?
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference when making these candied yams. First, for the sweet potato prep, really pay attention to the quality of your yams. Fresher, firmer ones will yield the best texture. If you’re cutting them into cubes, try to keep them as uniform as possible – this ensures they all cook at the same rate, preventing some from being mushy while others are still firm. Don’t be afraid to give them a good scrub; the skin adds lovely flavor and texture if it’s nice and clean. When it comes to mixing the glaze, ensure your brown sugar is packed properly. If it’s clumpy, a quick pulse in a food processor or even just breaking it up with your fingers before measuring works wonders. This ensures a smooth, even glaze without grainy bits. I’ve also learned that the water content can vary slightly, so if your glaze seems a little too thick before you bake, add another tablespoon of water; if it seems too thin, a touch more brown sugar is fine, but usually, the ratio is pretty spot on. For the baking, the foil-covered step is crucial for tenderizing the yams. Don’t skip it! Once you uncover them, watch them carefully. Ovens vary, and you want that beautiful caramelization, not burnt edges. If you see some pieces getting too dark too quickly, you can always gently stir them or even carefully remove them from the pan and let the rest finish. I’ve also experimented with spice levels – some people like a lot of cinnamon, others prefer a hint of ginger. Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your personal preference. A pinch of ground ginger is also a lovely addition if you like that extra warmth. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use a mix of granulated sugar and molasses, but the texture will be slightly different. For ingredient swaps, I’ve found that a good quality maple syrup can partially substitute for some of the brown sugar for a different flavor profile, but it will be less “candied” and more “syrupy.” Pecans or walnuts are my go-to for a crunchy topping added in the last 10 minutes of uncovered baking; they toast up beautifully and add a fantastic texture contrast.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Properly storing and reheating these candied yams ensures they remain just as delicious as when they’re fresh out of the oven. If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they’re best kept in an airtight container. At room temperature, they’re generally safe to leave out for a couple of hours, especially if they’ve cooled down significantly, but for longer storage, the refrigerator is your best bet. Pop them into an airtight container or wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. They’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. The glaze will firm up a bit when chilled, which is totally normal. When it comes to reheating, there are a few ways to do it. The easiest is usually in the microwave, just for a minute or two, stirring halfway through, until heated through. For a more even reheating that brings back some of that lovely texture, I prefer to use the oven. Place the desired amount in a small oven-safe dish, cover with foil (this helps keep them moist), and reheat at around 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You might need to add a tiny splash of water or orange juice to loosen up the glaze if it’s hardened too much. I’ve never tried freezing these, as the texture of sweet potatoes can change quite a bit after freezing and thawing, often becoming a bit watery. The glaze might also separate. So, I generally recommend enjoying them fresh or storing them in the refrigerator.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite way to make candied yams. It’s a recipe that’s truly made with love, and I think you can taste it in every bite. It’s comforting, it’s forgiving, and it brings a little bit of sweetness and joy to any table. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, I’m positive it will become a beloved dish in your home too. If you enjoy this, you might also like my recipe for sweet potato casserole or my spiced apple crumble – they both have that same cozy, comforting vibe. I can’t wait to hear how your candied yams turn out! Please leave a comment below with your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even just to say hello. Happy baking!
Candied Yams
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Sweet Potatoes (yams) peeled and sliced into 0.5 inch rounds
- 0.5 cup Butter
- 1 cup Brown Sugar packed
- 0.25 cup Orange Juice
- 0.5 tsp Cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg
- 0.125 tsp Salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in a single layer in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until tender and the sauce is bubbling.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
