Name: Sweet and Savory Candied Yams You'll Crave This Holiday Season
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Sweet Potatoes (peeled and sliced into ½ inch rounds); ½ cup Butter (or margarine as a dairy-free alternative); ½ cup Dark Brown Sugar (can swap with light brown sugar); ¼ cup Granulated White Sugar (omit if less sweetness is desired); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (can also use allspice or pumpkin pie spice); ½ teaspoon Nutmeg (substitute with ground ginger if needed); 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (or pure almond extract); ¼ cup Orange Juice (can substitute with lemon juice)

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As I stood in my cozy kitchen, the familiar spices of cinnamon and nutmeg danced in the air, whisking me back to festive gatherings past. These Candied Yams are not just a holiday side dish; they are a sweet tradition that warms both the heart and the belly. With their dreamy, syrupy glaze made from sweet potatoes, this recipe is refreshingly budget-friendly and easy to whip up, making it the perfect solution for busy cooks. Whether you’re looking to impress your family at Thanksgiving or add a touch of sweetness to a regular weeknight dinner, this dish promises to be a delightful crowd-pleaser. What secrets will your own kitchen share while creating this irresistible treat?

Why are Candied Yams a Must-Try?

Sweetness and Comfort: The rich syrupy glaze clings to tender sweet potatoes, resulting in a dish packed with delightful flavors that will have your family cheering for seconds.

Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, anyone can whip up this dish, making it perfect for both seasoned chefs and cooking novices alike.

Versatile Delight: Enjoy these Candied Yams as a fantastic side for holiday feasts or serve them alongside your favorite roasted meats any night of the week.

Budget-Friendly Goodness: Relishing a festive dish doesn’t have to break the bank; sweet potatoes are affordable and nutritious, making this recipe an economical choice.

Flavor Explosion: A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of orange juice elevates the taste, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that fills your home with holiday spirit.

Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Perfect for gatherings, this dish wins over both young and old, ensuring everyone leaves the table with a smile and a full stomach.

Candied Yams Ingredients

For the Yams
• Sweet Potatoes – The star of the dish; their natural sweetness and creamy texture make this a comforting favorite.
• Butter – Adds a rich, smooth finish to the glaze; margarine works as a dairy-free alternative.
• Dark Brown Sugar – Creates that desired caramel-like flavor; you can swap it with light brown sugar if necessary.
• Granulated White Sugar – Enhances sweetness; omit if you prefer a less sugary dish.

For the Glaze
• Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and spice; allspice or pumpkin pie spice can also give a delightful taste.
• Nutmeg – Offers a nutty flavor depth; substitute with ground ginger if nutmeg is unavailable.
• Salt – Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing flavor throughout the dish.
• Vanilla Extract – Brings aromatic sweetness to the glaze; pure almond extract can be a lovely substitute.
• Orange Juice – Brightens flavors with a touch of acidity; lemon juice serves as an alternative.

These Candied Yams are sure to elevate any holiday feast or simple family meal, making them a must-try!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Irresistible Candied Yams with Sweet Sugar Glaze

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, wash, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into ½ inch thick rounds. A sharp knife will help make even slices, ensuring consistent cooking. Arrange these slices neatly; they will be a beautiful base for your Candied Yams.

Step 2: Grease Your Dish
Next, take a 3-quart casserole dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it generously with butter or a non-stick spray. Layer the sliced sweet potatoes in the dish, ensuring an even spread. This careful layering will allow the sweet potatoes to cook uniformly, soaking in all that delicious glaze.

Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a light-colored pot, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Watch closely for about 5-7 minutes until the butter turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma; this is crucial for the rich flavor of your glaze. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and enjoy the warm scent filling your kitchen.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Once the butter is ready, stir in ½ cup of dark brown sugar, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. The sugar should dissolve completely, creating a glossy, syrupy texture that will enhance your Candied Yams.

Step 5: Add Flavor Enhancers
Remove the pot from the heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract along with ¼ cup of fresh orange juice. The vanilla will add aromatic sweetness, while the orange juice brightens the flavor profile. Stir until these ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a luscious glaze that will coat the sweet potatoes beautifully.

Step 6: Pour the Glaze
Pour the rich glaze evenly over the layered sweet potatoes in your baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring a snug fit to retain moisture. This step is crucial as it allows the yams to steam and become tender while baking, contributing to the overall texture of the Candied Yams.

Step 7: Initial Bake
Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. During this time, the sweet potatoes will soften, absorbing the sweet glaze. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil to check for tenderness; the yams should start to become fork-tender but still hold their shape.

Step 8: Final Bake and Stir
Gently stir the yams to ensure they are evenly coated with the glaze, then place the dish back in the oven uncovered for another 30 minutes. Bake until the sweet potatoes are completely tender and the glaze has thickened slightly. The yams should have a delightful caramelized appearance, a beautiful golden hue signaling they are ready to be served.

Step 9: Optional Glaze Finish
(Optional) If you’d like an extra flourish, transfer the yams to a serving dish. Simmer any remaining glaze in the pot until it’s thickened, about 5 minutes. Drizzle this concentrated glaze over the yams before serving to enhance the presentation and the flavor of your Candied Yams.

Candied Yams Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to let your creativity shine while making these Candied Yams; each twist can awaken new flavors and textures.

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft yam texture. The nuttiness not only enhances flavor but adds a pleasant bite.
Fruity Surprise: Toss in dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of sweetness and chewy texture. Their tangy notes can balance the rich glaze, making each mouthful a delightful experience.
Toasty Top: For a nostalgic touch, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top during the last few minutes of baking. They’ll puff up and create a toasted layer, adding an extra sweet treat to your yams.
Zesty Upgrade: Try replacing orange juice with fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor profile. The zing can elevate the taste experience, providing a wonderful contrast to the sweetness.
Herbal Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a savory twist—perfect for those who relish both sweet and herbal notes in their dishes. These herbs can create an aromatic flair.
Ginger Kick: Swap in ground ginger instead of nutmeg for a spicier twist. It offers a warming flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the yams, creating a cozy dish perfect for gatherings.
Sugar Choices: Adjust the sweetness level by using coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of regular granulated sugar. This can impart unique flavor notes while keeping things healthy and delicious.
Syrup Swirl: Drizzle a bit of cinnamon syrup or honey over the yams for an extra layer of sweetness and warmth. It enhances the visual appeal and flavor complexity, making for a stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead Options

These Candied Yams are perfect for meal prep! You can slice the sweet potatoes and prepare the glaze up to 24 hours in advance. Simply slice the sweet potatoes and soak them in water to prevent browning, refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake. The glaze can also be made ahead; let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, layer the prepped sweet potatoes in your baking dish, pour the cold glaze over them, cover with foil, and bake with the same instructions. You’ll enjoy the comforting flavors of your Candied Yams with minimal last-minute preparation!

How to Store and Freeze Candied Yams

Fridge: Store leftover Candied Yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, place the cooled Candied Yams in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. Stir occasionally to distribute the glaze evenly.

Avoid Temperature Fluctuations: To preserve their texture and flavor, do not refreeze previously frozen Candied Yams once they have been reheated.

What to Serve with Irresistible Candied Yams?

Experience a delightful medley of flavors by pairing these sweet, syrupy treats with complementary dishes that will elevate your meal.

Roasted Turkey: This classic holiday main dish pairs beautifully, offering savory contrast to the sweet yams.
Baked Ham: The savory, slightly salty notes of ham balance the sweetness of the yams, creating a delicious harmony.
Green Bean Casserole: Crunchy and creamy, this dish provides a contrasting texture, making your holiday spread more exciting.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: The nuttiness of roasted Brussels sprouts offers a delightful earthiness that complements the sweet glaze of the yams.
Cornbread: This classic Southern staple adds a slightly sweet and crumbly texture, providing the perfect backdrop to your candied yams.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: The sweet, sticky glaze of carrots mirrors the flavors of the yams, enhancing the overall sweetness of the meal.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes create a comforting contrast to the syrupy texture of the yams, making for a satisfying plate.
Chardonnay: A glass of chilled white wine complements the sweetness while adding a crisp refreshment to your dining experience.
Pumpkin Pie: Finish your meal with a slice of pumpkin pie, where the spices resonate beautifully with the warmth of the yams, extending the festivity.

Expert Tips for Candied Yams

Understand Your Potato: Choose firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin for the best results. Avoid those with soft spots or blemishes to ensure a great texture.

Watch the Glaze: Simmer the glaze until it thickens slightly, as this intensity enhances flavor and infuses the yams. Under-simmering can lead to a watery finish.

Don’t Overbake: Ensure you check the yams for tenderness after the first 30 minutes. They should be soft but not falling apart; overcooked yams lose that delightful texture.

Proper Layering: When arranging sweet potatoes, layer them evenly to allow for uniform cooking. This ensures every bite gets coated in the sweet glaze.

Keep It Light: If you’re concerned about too much sweetness, consider reducing the granulated sugar or opting for just dark brown sugar. Balance is key for perfect Candied Yams.

Experiment with Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch, enhancing both the flavor and texture of your Candied Yams.

Candied Yams Recipe FAQs

What type of sweet potatoes should I use for Candied Yams?
Absolutely! Look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin, as these provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid those with soft spots or dark blemishes, which can affect the dish’s overall quality. If sweet potatoes are unavailable, you can easily substitute them with yams, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How long can I store leftover Candied Yams?
You can keep leftover Candied Yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to maintain the yams’ rich flavor and moist texture, allowing you to enjoy this delightful dish even after the holiday feast!

Can I freeze Candied Yams, and how should I do it?
Yes, you can freeze Candied Yams! First, allow the yams to cool completely. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.

What should I do if my glaze isn’t thickening?
Very! If you find your glaze is too thin, don’t worry. Just simmer it on low heat for an additional few minutes to help reduce and thicken. This process will condense the flavors and create a luscious syrup that clings to the yams beautifully. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Are Candied Yams suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, indeed! Candied Yams are naturally gluten-free as the ingredients used—sweet potatoes, butter, and sugar—contain no gluten. Just be sure to check any additional ingredients or substitutes you may add, such as almond extract or specific brands of sugars, to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Can I make Candied Yams ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the yams ahead of time up to the point before baking. Assemble them in the baking dish with the glaze, cover tightly with foil, and store in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them according to the recipe instructions, adjusting the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge. This way, you can enjoy the sweet aroma in your kitchen right before serving while still saving time!