Candied yams are a must-have side dish for many family gatherings, especially during the holiday season. This classic candied yams recipe combines tender sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery syrup infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The result? Sweet, caramelized yams that melt in your mouth and complement savory mains like turkey, ham, or roast chicken.
Whether you’re making this dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because, this recipe is quick, simple, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal steps and ingredients, this dish is straightforward to make.
- Classic Comfort Food: Sweet, buttery yams are the perfect comfort side dish.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or add toppings like pecans for extra crunch.
- Great for Holidays: This timeless recipe will fit right in with your holiday meal planning.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 Medium Sweet Potatoes (Yams): These should be peeled and cut into thick slices. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the spiced syrup.
- 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the yams in the oven.
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar (Packed): Gives the yams their signature sweet and sticky coating.
- 1/4 Cup Water: Helps to create the syrup that coats the yams.
- 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the sweetness of the dish.
- 1/4 Tsp Nutmeg: Adds a hint of depth and earthiness to the syrup.
- 1/4 Tsp Vanilla Extract (Optional): A nice touch that brings out the flavors of the brown sugar and spices.
- 1/4 Tsp Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the yams bake evenly once coated with the syrup.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thick slices. Boil the slices for about 10 minutes until they’re slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain the water and transfer the sweet potatoes into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Tip: Parboiling the sweet potatoes ensures they bake evenly and absorb the syrup better.
3. Make the Syrup
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla (if using), and salt. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly into a syrup.
Tip: Keep stirring the syrup to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.
4. Coat the Sweet Potatoes
Pour the syrup evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss the yams, ensuring they’re fully coated with the buttery, spiced syrup.
5. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, basting the yams occasionally with the syrup. This will help them caramelize and become soft and flavorful. Once the yams are fork-tender and the syrup has thickened, they’re ready!
Tips for Perfect Candied Yams:
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your yams less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar. For those with a sweeter tooth, you can add an extra 1/4 cup.
- Add Pecans: For added crunch and a nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans over the yams before baking. This adds a delightful texture contrast.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the syrup and parboil the yams ahead of time, storing them separately. Combine and bake just before serving for easy holiday prep.
Serving Suggestions:
Candied yams are a versatile side dish that pairs well with many main courses. Here are a few ideas:
- Roast Turkey or Chicken: These sweet yams are the perfect complement to savory roasted meats.
- Ham: The sweetness of the yams balances beautifully with the salty flavors of baked ham.
- Green Beans or Brussels Sprouts: Add a green veggie side for a balanced and colorful meal.
- Cornbread: Pairing yams with cornbread creates a true Southern-inspired feast.
Storage and Reheating:
- Store Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and become even more delicious over time!
- Reheat: Reheat the yams in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
Final Thoughts:
This Classic Candied Yams Recipe is a simple, delicious, and essential addition to any holiday table. The buttery, caramelized syrup with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg creates an irresistible side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you're making these for a festive feast or as a sweet side for a regular dinner, these candied yams are sure to impress. Try them out and let me know how they turn out in the comments below!
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this recipe without boiling the sweet potatoes first?
A: Yes, but parboiling helps speed up the baking process and ensures the yams cook evenly. If you skip this step, you may need to bake the yams longer to reach the desired tenderness.
Q: Can I use less sugar?
A: Absolutely! You can reduce the brown sugar to 3/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet version.
Q: How do I prevent the yams from becoming mushy?
A: Boiling the sweet potatoes just until they’re slightly tender (not fully cooked) will help prevent them from becoming too soft after baking.
Q: Can I use other types of sweet potatoes?
A: Yes, you can use any variety of sweet potato or yam. Keep in mind that the cooking times may vary slightly depending on the variety.
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