Candied Yams Recipe

Growing up, Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday. The cozy smells of roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and fragrant spices would waft through the house, signaling the start of the most wonderful time of the year. But the dish I always looked forward to the most? Candied yams.

My grandma would spend hours carefully peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes, then lovingly coating them in a rich, caramelized glaze that was equal parts crunchy and gooey. As the bubbling pan came out of the oven, the aroma of brown sugar and warm spices would fill the air, making our mouths water in anticipation. I can still remember the first time I sunk my teeth into those soft, syrupy yams – it was like biting into a little slice of Thanksgiving heaven.

Even now, as an adult, that nostalgic flavor profile is the one I crave the most during the holiday season. Candied yams have become my go-to side dish, the one that I insist on making every single year. And let me tell you, this Candied Yams Recipe is the absolute best – it’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery, with a texture that’s out of this world.

Why This Candied Yams Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Candied Yams Recipe

There are a few key things that set this Candied Yams Recipe apart from the rest. First and foremost, it’s all about the right ratio of ingredients. Many recipes can end up overly sweet or one-dimensional, but this one strikes the perfect balance between the caramelized brown sugar glaze and the natural sweetness of the yams.

The secret is in the careful layering of flavors – the cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth and depth, while the touch of salt helps to enhance the other components and prevent the dish from becoming cloying. And of course, the generous amount of melted butter is what gives these yams their unbelievably rich, velvety texture.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the all-star cast of ingredients that make this Candied Yams Recipe so special:

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds: The foundation of the dish, sweet potatoes provide a naturally sweet and starchy base that’s the perfect canvas for the other flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: This is what gives the yams their signature creamy, indulgent mouthfeel. The butter also helps the brown sugar and spices caramelize to perfection.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: The star of the show! Brown sugar contributes a deep, molasses-y sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warming spice that adds cozy, autumnal notes to the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle, earthy spice that rounds out the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Candied Yams Recipe Instructions

Preparing Your Candied Yams Recipe

This Candied Yams Recipe couldn’t be easier to make – the total time from start to finish is just 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cook time. All you’ll need is a baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and a few kitchen tools like a sharp knife and a vegetable peeler.

1- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. This will help them cook evenly and develop a nice caramelized exterior.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced sweet potatoes, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss everything together until the yams are evenly coated.
3- Spread the coated sweet potato slices out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Be sure not to overcrowd them, as you want the edges to get nice and crispy.
4- Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the yams roast for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and caramelized around the edges.
5- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the candied yams cool for a few minutes. Carefully transfer them to a serving dish, spooning any extra glaze from the pan over the top.
6- Serve the Candied Yams Recipe warm, either as a side dish or as a sweet and savory topping for roasted meats or hearty mains. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

• For the best texture, be sure to slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds. This will help them cook evenly and develop a nice caramelized exterior.
• Don’t be afraid to let the yams get nice and golden brown – the deeper the caramelization, the more flavor you’ll get.
• If the glaze seems to be browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with foil to prevent burning.
• For extra richness, try drizzling a bit of maple syrup over the top of the candied yams before serving.
• Leftover Candied Yams Recipe make an amazing topping for vanilla ice cream or a decadent breakfast hash.

Serving and Storing Your Candied Yams Recipe

Perfect Pairings for Candied Yams Recipe

This Candied Yams Recipe is the perfect side dish for any holiday meal, especially Thanksgiving. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even a juicy pork tenderloin. The sweet, spicy flavors also complement savory stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and tangy cranberry sauce.

For beverages, I love serving Candied Yams Recipe with a crisp, dry white wine or a cozy mug of mulled cider. And don’t forget the Classic Pecan Pie for dessert – the nutty, caramelized flavors are a match made in heaven!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this Candied Yams Recipe is that it reheats and stores incredibly well. If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely, let’s be honest), you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, simply pop the yams back in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed up.

If you want to get a head start, you can even make the whole dish in advance. Simply assemble the candied yams on the baking sheet, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. On the day of, just pop them in the oven and you’re good to go!

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Candied Yams Recipe

Creative Candied Yams Recipe Variations

While this classic Candied Yams Recipe is pretty hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and nuttiness. For a more savory twist, you could swap the brown sugar for maple syrup and add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

You could also get creative with the spices – try using pumpkin pie spice instead of just cinnamon and nutmeg, or add a touch of ginger for a little zing. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even roast the yams with fresh rosemary or thyme for an herbaceous element.

Making Candied Yams Recipe Diet-Friendly

Now, I know what you’re thinking – with all that butter and brown sugar, this Candied Yams Recipe can’t possibly be diet-friendly. But fear not, there are plenty of ways to make it a little more figure-friendly without sacrificing any of the flavor.

For a gluten-free version, simply use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour. You can also swap the butter for an equal amount of coconut oil or olive oil to make it dairy-free and vegan.

If you’re watching your carbs, you can cut the brown sugar in half and use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit instead. And for a lower-calorie option, try roasting the yams with just a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg.

No matter how you customize it, this Candied Yams Recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser – and a new holiday tradition in your household.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of potato instead of sweet potatoes?
A: While you could technically use regular potatoes, I would strongly recommend sticking with sweet potatoes for this recipe. The natural sweetness of the yams is essential to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

Q: How long do the Candied Yams take to cook?
A: This recipe has a total time of 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cook time. The yams will be tender and caramelized around the edges when they’re done.

Q: Can I make the Candied Yams in advance?
A: Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully. You can assemble the yams on the baking sheet up to 3 days in advance, then just pop them in the oven on the day you want to serve them.

Q: How many servings does this Candied Yams Recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 6 servings, making it the perfect side dish for a holiday meal or a cozy family dinner.

Q: What if my Candied Yams come out too dry or burnt?
A: If the yams are starting to look too dry or caramelized, you can tent the baking sheet loosely with foil to prevent further browning. And if they end up a little too crispy, you can try tossing them with a bit of extra melted butter or maple syrup before serving.

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Conclusion

Trust me, once you try this Candied Yams Recipe, it’ll become your new go-to holiday side dish. The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

This is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aromas and puts everyone in a cozy, festive mood. Whether you’re serving it up for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a regular family dinner, these Candied Yams are sure to be the star of the show.

So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fall in love with this holiday classic all over again. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!