If you’re craving a cozy, sweet dish that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this classic Candied Yams Recipe. With tender, buttery yams glazed in a rich, cinnamon-spiced syrup, this dish shines with simplicity and heartwarming flavor. It’s the perfect treat to bring comfort to any meal, combining the natural sweetness of yams with a luscious sugary glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight side, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step toward creating the perfect balance of sweet and spice in your Candied Yams Recipe. Each component adds a layer of flavor or texture, turning simple yams into a show-stopping side dish that everyone will adore.
- Yams: 2 pounds peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and the perfect tender bite.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup to add straightforward sweetness that mixes well with the spices.
- Light brown sugar: 1/2 cup firmly packed for that deep, molasses-like richness that gives the glaze its beautiful color.
- Water: 1/2 cup to help dissolve sugars and create the luscious syrup coating the yams.
- Butter: 1/4 cup melted for that silky mouthfeel and buttery flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon adds warmth and a subtle spicy note that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon for an earthy touch that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Candied Yams Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate heat is just right for slowly cooking the yams to tenderness while allowing the sugary glaze to caramelize without burning.
Step 2: Combine Yams and Sugars
In a large bowl, toss together the peeled and cut yams with the granulated sugar and brown sugar. This ensures every piece starts absorbing sweetness early, helping the yams to become evenly glazed later on.
Step 3: Stir in Remaining Ingredients
Next, add the water, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the sugar-coated yams. Stir everything gently but thoroughly, making sure the yams are fully coated in this aromatic, buttery mixture.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes until the yams are tender and the glaze turns glossy and caramelized. Halfway through cooking, it’s a good idea to gently stir to deepen the coating and prevent sticking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the yams are tender and beautifully glazed, pull the dish from the oven and serve immediately. The sticky, sweet coating paired with soft, warm yams is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Candied Yams Recipe
Garnishes
To add contrast and a fresh flair, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top before serving. A light dusting of extra cinnamon or a few fresh herb sprigs like rosemary can also elevate the dish with unexpected aroma and texture.
Side Dishes
Candied yams make a fantastic companion to roasted turkey, glazed ham, or fried chicken. Their sweet richness pairs beautifully with savory mains and can balance out hearty greens or simple starches like mashed potatoes or fluffy rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Candied Yams Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a dollop of whipped cinnamon cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist. Alternatively, layering them in a casserole with marshmallows on top can take your presentation straight to festive glam.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover candied yams in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making next-day servings even better.
Freezing
If you want to store yams longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, ensure the yams have cooled completely to maintain the best texture and flavor upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the yams in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and glossy again, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry them out and affect texture.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams in this Candied Yams Recipe?
Absolutely! While true yams and sweet potatoes are different tubers, in many recipes including this one, sweet potatoes work perfectly and are often what people refer to as yams anyway. Just choose firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best texture.
Do I need to peel the yams before cooking?
Peeling is recommended since the skin can be tough and affect the smooth texture of this dish. Plus, the sweet glaze adheres better to peeled, cut yams.
Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
Yes! You can reduce the granulated and brown sugar slightly or substitute part of the sugar with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. However, the balance of sweetness and spice is what gives this dish its signature charm.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Definitely! Simply swap the butter with a high-quality plant-based margarine or coconut oil. The taste and texture remain deliciously satisfying.
How can I make this dish ahead for a holiday gathering?
You can prepare and bake the yams a day in advance, then reheat gently on the day of serving. This helps save time and lets the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Final Thoughts
This Candied Yams Recipe is one of those comforting classics that never gets old. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet, buttery side dish, it’s straightforward to make and always a crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find it becoming your go-to recipe for warmth and sweetness any time of year.
Print
Candied Yams Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Candied Yams recipe features tender, sweet yams baked in a rich, buttery glaze with cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect as a comforting side dish for holiday dinners or any special occasion, it combines warm spices and caramelized sugars to create a deliciously indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Yams and Sugars
- 2 pounds yams, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
Liquids and Spices
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the yams.
- Combine Yams and Sugar: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cut yams with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to evenly coat the yam pieces with sweetness.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the water, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the yam mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well combined to create the glaze.
- Spread in Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading the yams evenly so they cook uniformly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the yams are tender and the glaze has thickened and caramelized beautifully.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the candied yams immediately while warm to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves.
- Use a fork to check the yams’ tenderness during baking to avoid overcooking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and holiday meals.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated the next day.
