Candied Yams
Candied yams are a comforting, old-fashioned side dish made with sweet potatoes that bake in a buttery, warmly spiced glaze until caramelized and irresistibly soft, perfect for family meals and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds Sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and cut into thick slices or chunks Fresh sweet potatoes for best texture, or canned yams when in a hurry.
- 1/2 cup Butter Melted for the glaze.
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar Adjust quantity based on desired sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Added near the end of glaze preparation.
- 1/4 cup Water or orange juice Use if needed to loosen the glaze.
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized slices or chunks.
Make the Glaze
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low to medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, cooking gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract at the end.
Arrange the Yams
- Place the sweet potatoes in a greased baking dish, spreading them into an even layer.
- Pour the warm butter-and-sugar glaze over the top and gently toss or spoon the glaze over the pieces.
Bake until Tender
- Cover the dish with foil and bake until the sweet potatoes are nearly fork-tender.
- Remove the foil and continue baking so the glaze can thicken and caramelize.
Baste Before Serving
- Spoon the glaze over the yams once or twice during baking.
- Let the finished dish rest briefly before serving.
Notes
Cut evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking. Do not use excessive heat for the glaze to prevent burning. Baste during baking and taste the glaze for adjustments.