There are some dishes that aren't just food; they're memories. For me, the aroma of a classic candied yams recipe baking in the oven instantly transports me back to my grandmother's bustling kitchen on Thanksgiving Day. The scent of cinnamon, brown sugar, and sweet potatoes mingling in the air was the official start to the holiday season. It wasn't just a side dish; it was the star, glistening and bubbling, promising a bite of pure, caramelized bliss. Grandma always said her secret was 'a whole lotta love, and just a touch more butter than you think you need.' This isn't just a candied yams recipe; it's a legacy, a tradition passed down through generations, embodying the warmth and comfort of family gatherings. Every time I prepare this dish, I feel her presence, stirring in the sweetness and love that made her cooking so unforgettable. It’s truly the taste of home.
Why This Candied Yams Recipe is a Must-Try
Unbeatable Flavor Profile
This candied yams recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and subtly savory. The rich brown sugar and butter glaze, infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a symphony of flavors that complements any meal, especially holiday feasts.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture
Slow baking allows the sweet potatoes to become incredibly tender, almost custardy, while the glaze thickens and caramelizes around them, creating delightful chewy edges. Each bite of these candied yams is a dream.
Versatile Side Dish or Dessert
While often served as a side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this candied yams recipe is so delicious it could easily double as a dessert. It’s sweet enough to satisfy a craving but hearty enough to be part of a main meal.
Surprisingly Simple to Prepare
Despite its impressive taste and appearance, this candied yams recipe is remarkably straightforward. With a few key ingredients and simple steps, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredient Notes for Your Candied Yams Recipe
Getting the perfect candied yams starts with understanding your ingredients. While this candied yams recipe is forgiving, a little knowledge goes a long way!
Sweet Potatoes (Often Labeled as Yams)
Technically, true yams are starchy, less sweet root vegetables found in Africa and Asia. What we typically buy in US grocery stores labeled as "yams" are actually moist-fleshed sweet potatoes, usually the Beauregard or Jewel varieties, with reddish-brown skin and vibrant orange flesh. These are perfect for this candied yams recipe because they become incredibly tender and sweet when cooked. Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes without soft spots or sprouts.
Brown Sugar
Both light and dark brown sugar work beautifully in this candied yams recipe. Dark brown sugar will impart a deeper, more molasses-like flavor and a slightly richer color to the glaze, while light brown sugar offers a milder sweetness. The brown sugar is essential for that signature caramelized flavor.
Butter
Butter is key to the luscious, rich glaze. I always recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the salt content yourself. If you only have salted butter, simply omit the extra pinch of salt in the recipe. A good quality butter will elevate the overall taste of your candied yams.
Spices
Cinnamon and nutmeg are the classic combination for candied yams. A touch of allspice or even a tiny pinch of ground cloves can add an extra layer of warmth and complexity, making your candied yams recipe truly stand out. Freshly grated nutmeg makes a noticeable difference!
Step-by-Step Guide with Pro Tips for this Candied Yams Recipe
Follow these steps closely to master this delightful candied yams recipe. Remember, patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to caramelization!
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Cut the peeled sweet potatoes into 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick rounds or wedges. Try to keep the pieces roughly the same size for even cooking. This is crucial for a consistent candied yams recipe.
- Step 3: Place the cut sweet potatoes into the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer if possible, or two layers if necessary.
Making the Glorious Glaze
- Step 4: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, water (or orange juice for a zesty twist!), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Step 5: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugars are completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. This creates the base of our incredible candied yams recipe glaze.
- Pro Tip: Don't rush this step! Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved to prevent a grainy texture in your finished candied yams.
Baking to Perfection
- Step 6: Pour the warm glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Make sure all the pieces are coated.
- Step 7: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. The foil helps steam the sweet potatoes, making them incredibly tender.
- Step 8: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the glaze has thickened and caramelized. You want to see those beautiful, sticky edges on your candied yams!
- Pro Tip: For extra caramelization and a deeper color, you can broil the candied yams for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The sugars can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly!
Final Touches and Serving Your Candied Yams
- Step 9: Remove the candied yams from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. The glaze will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
- Step 10: Garnish with fresh parsley (for color, if desired) or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon. Serve warm and enjoy the ultimate candied yams recipe experience!
Variations & Serving Suggestions for Candied Yams
This classic candied yams recipe is fantastic on its own, but it's also a canvas for creativity!
Delicious Variations:
- Marshmallow Topping: For an even more decadent treat, top your candied yams with a layer of mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking (after removing the foil). Broil briefly until golden brown and gooey.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dish when you remove the foil for the final baking stage. They'll toast beautifully in the glaze.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the glaze for a brighter, more aromatic flavor profile. This adds a lovely counterpoint to the sweetness of the candied yams.
- Spiced Rum or Bourbon: A tablespoon or two of dark rum or bourbon added to the glaze can provide a sophisticated, warm note, perfect for a festive candied yams recipe.
- Pineapple Chunks: For a tropical twist, add 1 cup of drained canned pineapple chunks along with the sweet potatoes before pouring the glaze.
Serving Suggestions:
- Holiday Feasts: Candied yams are a quintessential side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. They pair wonderfully with The Ultimate Soulful Black Eyed Peas Recipe for Good Luck, roasted turkey, ham, and green bean casserole.
- Sunday Dinners: Don't save this candied yams recipe just for holidays! It's a fantastic addition to any comforting Sunday dinner.
- Potlucks & Gatherings: Easy to transport and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, these candied yams are perfect for sharing.
- Breakfast Treat: Believe it or not, leftover candied yams can be a delightful addition to breakfast alongside eggs or even stirred into oatmeal!
For easy storage of any leftovers, consider using Basics Glass Food Storage containers. They’re great for keeping your candied yams fresh and reheating them later!
Nutrition Information
Here's a breakdown of the estimated nutrition facts for one serving of this delightful candied yams recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Sugar | 45g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 3g |
*Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods for your candied yams recipe.
Conclusion
This candied yams recipe is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of comfort, tradition, and the simple joys of sharing good food with loved ones. Whether you're making it for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, the rich flavors and tender texture are sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table. It’s a classic for a reason, and a truly essential addition to any cook’s repertoire. I hope this candied yams recipe becomes a beloved staple in your home, creating new memories with every delicious bite, just as it has for me. Don't forget to try pairing it with The Ultimate Classic Moist Banana Bread Recipe for an unforgettable dessert duo!
FAQs
Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of yams for this candied yams recipe?
Yes, absolutely! What are commonly labeled as 'yams' in US grocery stores are actually a type of sweet potato with moist, orange flesh (like Beauregard or Jewel varieties), which are perfect for this candied yams recipe. True yams are a different, starchier root vegetable.
How do I prevent my candied yams from being too watery?
To prevent watery candied yams, ensure you don't add too much liquid to the glaze. Also, make sure to bake uncovered for the final 15-20 minutes to allow the glaze to reduce and thicken properly. If it still seems thin, you can continue baking uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make this candied yams recipe ahead of time?
Yes, candied yams are a great make-ahead dish! You can prepare them completely, let them cool, and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300u00b0F (150u00b0C) until warmed through, adding a splash of water or orange juice if the glaze seems too thick.
What are some good additions or variations for this candied yams recipe?
For delicious variations, consider adding a layer of mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey topping, or sprinkle in chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch. A teaspoon of orange zest can add a bright, citrusy note, or a tablespoon of bourbon can provide a sophisticated depth of flavor to your candied yams.
Grandma's Secret Candied Yams
- Total Time: 65-70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A classic, comforting candied yams recipe featuring tender sweet potatoes drenched in a rich, buttery, spiced brown sugar glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special family meal, this dish is pure Southern comfort.
Ingredients
4 lbs sweet potatoes (or yams), peeled and sliced into 1/2 to 3/4-inch rounds
1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup water (or orange juice for extra flavor)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick rounds or wedges. Try to keep the pieces roughly the same size for even cooking.
Step 3: Place the cut sweet potatoes into the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
Step 4: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, water (or orange juice), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
Step 5: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugars are completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Pour the warm glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Step 7: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the glaze has thickened and caramelized. You can broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra caramelization, watching carefully.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the candied yams rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. The glaze will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
Step 10: Serve warm and enjoy this delicious candied yams recipe!
Notes
For best results, use moist-fleshed sweet potatoes, often labeled as yams in US grocery stores. Freshly grated nutmeg enhances the flavor significantly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Southern American
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