Candied yams are a sweet and cozy side dish that brings a smile to any meal. Made with tender sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, they are warm and comforting!
I love how they fill the kitchen with a delicious aroma while baking. You can’t help but sneak a few bites before serving—who can resist those glazed, sugary bites? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes (Yams): Use large sweet potatoes for the best flavor. If you’re looking for a twist, try using butternut squash instead, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Brown Sugar: For added depth, use dark brown sugar; it has more molasses and will enhance the flavor. If you’re out of brown sugar, a mixture of white sugar with a bit of molasses can work, or use honey as a natural sweetener.
Unsalted Butter: You can use coconut oil or margarine instead, but butter adds richness to the dish. If dairy is a concern, a dairy-free butter alternative is perfect.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and depth. If you don’t have nutmeg, consider using allspice or even pumpkin pie spice for a different kick.
How Do I Ensure My Yams Are Perfectly Cooked?
The key to perfectly cooked candied yams lies in slicing and baking. Make sure the sweet potatoes are roughly uniform in size for even cooking. Here are some tips:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds or chunks; this helps them cook evenly.
- Be patient while cooking! Covering the dish with foil traps steam, helping the potatoes become tender.
- Don’t skip the uncovered baking step! It allows the syrup to thicken and caramelize, giving a lovely glaze.
- Basting the yams with syrup during the uncovered baking will enhance the flavor and texture.
These steps ensure your candied yams come out soft and delicious, with a glossy finish that everyone will love!
Candied Yams Recipe
Ingredients you’ll Need:
For the Yams:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (yams), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour to bake. So, plan on about 1 hour and 10 minutes for a delicious, sweet dish that will impress everyone at the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot. While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds or chunks. It’s important to keep the pieces even in size so they cook perfectly.
3. Arrange in Baking Dish:
Spread the sweet potato slices evenly in the greased baking dish. You can layer them slightly if needed, but try to keep it as uniform as possible.
4. Make the Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, water, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbling.
5. Pour the Syrup:
Once your syrup is ready, pour it evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Make sure every piece gets a good coating!
6. Bake Covered:
Next, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 40 minutes, or until the yams are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Bake Uncovered:
After 40 minutes, remove the foil. Allow the yams to bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes. This is essential for thickening the syrup and creating that beautiful caramelized finish. Baste the yams a couple of times with the syrup during this time for extra flavor!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re golden and bubbly, pull the baking dish out of the oven. If you’d like, you can garnish your candied yams with a fresh sprig of rosemary for a lovely presentation. Let them sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
9. Enjoy Your Yams!
Serve your warm, sweet, and glossy candied yams as a perfect side dish. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats and are sure to be a hit!
This recipe results in delicious candied yams that are beautifully caramelized, tender, and oh-so-sweet. Trust me, you’ll want to have seconds! Enjoy! 😊
Can I Use Canned Yams for This Recipe?
While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned yams if you’re short on time. Just drain and rinse them, then reduce the baking time to about 20 minutes since they’re already cooked.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Candied Yams?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Can I Make Candied Yams in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the yams and the syrup ahead of time, layer them in the baking dish, cover, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing them in the oven.
Are There Any Alternatives to Butter?
Yes! If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. You can also try using olive oil for a different flavor, but it may change the overall taste of the dish slightly.