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Candied Yams Recipe

Candied Yams Recipe - Easy Meals To Cook

Picture this: it’s holiday season, family and friends gather, laughter fills the air, and there’s a beautiful aroma wafting through the kitchen. That aroma is likely coming from a bubbling dish of candied yams. As a food enthusiast, I’ve found that this recipe takes center stage on many tables and for good reason. It’s not just a side; it’s a sweet, comforting hug in a dish.
Candied yams are more than just sweet potatoes with a few marshmallows on top. The right recipe unveils the vibrant flavors of sweet potatoes, elevating them with spices, orange juice, and a hint of vanilla. Over the years, I’ve tried many versions, and I’m here to share one that works seamlessly every time!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 424
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 stick unsalted butter 1/2 cup
  • 2 lb sweet potatoes
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp thawed frozen orange juice concentrate
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
  1. Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature lets the sugars caramelize without burning. While it warms up, take the sweet potatoes, peel and cut them into even chunks. This ensures they cook uniformly.
Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Spices
  1. In a bowl, melt the butter (either in a microwave or on the stove). Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and maple syrup until everything is combined. The mixture should look like a sweet, sticky paste. Adding the orange juice concentrate at this stage brightens everything up and adds a tangy kick.
Step 3: Combine the Sweet Potatoes and Sauce
  1. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato chunks with the butter and sugar mixture. Ensure every piece is coated. It’s like giving your sweet potatoes a delightful spa treatment that promises flavor perfection.
Step 4: Baking Time
  1. Transfer the coated sweet potatoes into a greased baking dish. You want the chunks to be in a single layer for even baking. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake for 30 minutes.
Step 5: The Final Crown
  1. After 30 minutes, remove the foil. Gently stir the sweet potatoes, ensuring each piece is coated in the bubbly sauce. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Watch them closely! You want them soft and caramelized, not mushy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Once they’re perfectly cooked, remove the yams from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving. Trust me; the experience of taking that first bite is unmatched.

Notes

  • Uniform Cutting: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking.
  • Don’t Rush the Baking: Patience is key. Baking them too quickly can result in uneven texture.
  • Layering Flavors: Experiment with adding a splash of bourbon for a richer taste, if you’re feeling adventurous.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allow the yams to sit for a few minutes after coming out of the oven. This helps the syrup thicken up a bit more.
  • Use Fresh Spices: Freshly grated nutmeg and quality cinnamon will elevate your dish dramatically.