When the vibrant hues of autumn begin to paint the world outside, there’s nothing quite like the rich, sweet aroma of candied yams wafting through the kitchen. This dish, with its warm notes of ginger and cinnamon, transforms the humble sweet potato into a celebration of flavor that warms the heart and lifts the spirits. The first time I served this masterpiece at a family gathering, I watched as faces lit up with delight, each forkful a perfect blend of sweetness and comforting nostalgia.
This recipe for The Best Candied Yams is not just your typical side dish; it’s a crowd-pleaser that has the ability to steal the show. With simple ingredients like sweet potatoes, orange juice, and a touch of brown sugar, you can easily whip up a dish that feels fancy yet is incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re boxing up leftovers or serving them fresh from the oven, these candied yams will have everyone saying, “What’s your secret?” Get ready to elevate your cooking game and add a little magic to your table!
Why Are The Best Candied Yams So Special?
Mouthwatering flavors: The perfect blend of sweet potatoes, orange juice, brown sugar, and spices creates a symphony of flavor that will enchant every guest.
Effortless preparation: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning dish on the table that looks as good as it tastes.
Crowd favorite: This dish has the power to unite family and friends, with everyone returning for seconds (or thirds!).
Versatile pairing: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a casual weeknight dinner, these yams complement any meal beautifully.
Nostalgic comfort: Each bite brings warmth and nostalgic happiness, reminding you of cozy family gatherings and cherished moments.
Indulge your loved ones with this delightful recipe; they’ll be raving about it!
The Best Candied Yams Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes
• 3 pounds garnet or ruby sweet potatoes – These varieties are known for their natural sweetness and creaminess, perfect for candied yams.
• Kosher salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes during boiling.
For the Mixture
• 2 cups orange juice – Adds brightness and a citrusy zing to balance the sweetness of the dish.
• 1 to 1 1/4 cups brown sugar – Sweetens the yams for that delightful candied glaze; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – Introduces a warm and spicy note that perfectly complements the sweet potatoes.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – Infuses your yams with a cozy aroma, enhancing the nostalgic comfort of this classic dish.
For Topping
• 4 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and helps achieve that lovely, golden-brown topping while baking.
Enjoy making The Best Candied Yams; your family will feel the love in every delicious bite!
How to Make The Best Candied Yams
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Prep the Potatoes: Start by peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes into 2-inch chunks. This size helps them cook evenly and absorb all those loving flavors.
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Boil with Care: Place the sweet potato chunks in a large pot, cover with water, and add a generous pinch of kosher salt. Boil until they’re tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Drain them well!
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Mash with Love: In a mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Then, mix in 2 cups of orange juice, 1 to 1 1/4 cups of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir until perfectly combined and deliciously fragrant.
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Transfer & Dot: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a baking dish, leveling it out with a spatula. Dot the top with 4 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt and create a lovely glaze during baking.
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Bake to Perfection: Slide the dish into a preheated oven set at 350°F. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until heated through and slightly browned on top. Keep an eye out for that tantalizing golden color!
Optional: Drizzle with a little more orange juice before serving for an extra citrusy kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze The Best Candied Yams
Fridge: Keep leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This ensures the flavors meld beautifully while maintaining freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the yams in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure to label with the date for easy tracking!
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy. Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Serving Fresh: While the yams are fantastic as leftovers, serving them fresh from the oven allows everyone to savor their warm sweetness at its best!
Tips for the Best Candied Yams
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Choose the Right Potatoes: Select garnet or ruby sweet potatoes for their sweetness and creaminess. Avoid using less sweet varieties for optimal flavor.
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Salt the Water: Adding kosher salt to the boiling water enhances the sweet flavor of the potatoes. Don’t skip this step to achieve yummy candied yams!
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Mash Thoroughly: Ensure your sweet potatoes are mashed smoothly to avoid lumps. This creates a creamy and delightful texture in your final dish.
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Adjust Sweetness: Taste your sweet potato mixture before baking and adjust the brown sugar to your preference. Trust your palate!
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Watch Baking Time: Monitor the dish as it bakes; the goal is a golden-top and heated through, ideally 25-30 minutes. Avoid overbaking to maintain that perfect texture!
Make Ahead Options
These The Best Candied Yams are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save precious time on busy days! You can peel and cut the sweet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance and store them submerged in water in the refrigerator (this prevents browning). Additionally, you can mash the sweet potato mixture (with orange juice, brown sugar, spices, and butter) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer the mixture to a baking dish, dot with butter, and bake it at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through and golden. This way, you can serve a delicious, homemade dish without the last-minute hustle!
What to Serve with The Best Candied Yams?
Transform your mealtime into a heartwarming gathering as the rich sweetness of candied yams creates the perfect ambiance for family and friends.
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Roasted Turkey: The savory flavors and juicy meat of roast turkey beautifully contrast the sweetness of the yams, making for an iconic holiday pairing.
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Creamy Green Bean Casserole: The crunchiness of the green beans and the creamy texture create a delightful contrast that enhances the overall meal experience.
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Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots: These glazed carrots add a burst of freshness and a tangy edge, perfectly complementing the rich sweetness of the yams.
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Spicy Cornbread: The kick of spice from a homemade cornbread balances the sweetness, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures on the table.
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Herb-Roasted Chicken: This juicy dish pairs wonderfully with the sweet notes of the yams, while fragrant herbs elevate the entire meal to a festive occasion.
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Caramel Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm caramel apple crisp brings together autumnal flavors, creating the perfect ending that echoes the warmth of the yams.
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Mulled Cider: Sip on a warm mug of mulled cider, infused with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, enhancing the cozy vibe of your dinner gathering.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creaminess of the mashed potatoes combined with the savory garlic flavors creates a hearty texture that harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of the yams.
Experience the full joy of your family gatherings by pairing these delightful options with The Best Candied Yams!
The Best Candied Yams Variations
Feel free to get creative with this beloved recipe and make it your own!
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Vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based twist that retains all the rich flavors.
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Nutty Crunch: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for added texture and a delightful nutty flavor. The crunch complements the creamy yams perfectly!
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Zesty Citrus: Mix in lemon or lime zest to brighten the flavors, adding a refreshing zing that balances the sweetness beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising heat that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the yams. It’s an unexpected flavor explosion!
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Creamy Delight: For an indulgent twist, incorporate a splash of heavy cream or cashew cream into the mixture for extra creaminess and richness.
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Pumpkin Spice: Substitute ground ginger and cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a festive fall flavor that’s simply irresistible.
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Maple Bliss: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Tropical Twist: Mix diced pineapple or shredded coconut into the sweet potato mixture for a fruity, tropical flair that transports you to paradise!
Unlock the full potential of The Best Candied Yams and let your culinary creativity shine!
The Best Candied Yams Recipe FAQs
What kind of sweet potatoes should I use for the best candied yams?
Absolutely! I recommend using garnet or ruby sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness and creamy texture. These varieties make a delightful base for your dish, while other types, like white or Japanese sweet potatoes, may not provide the same depth of flavor.
How should I store leftover candied yams?
After the meal, store your leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their delicious flavor and prevents them from drying out.
Can I freeze candied yams?
Yes, you can freeze them! Transfer your cooled candied yams into a freezer-safe container, and they should keep well for up to 2 months. Be sure to label the container with the date, so you know when to enjoy them. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then heat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
What if my sweet potatoes turn out lumpy when mashing?
Not to worry! If your sweet potatoes are lumpy, simply continue mashing them until you achieve a smooth consistency. A hand mixer or potato ricer can also help to create that velvety texture. Remember, the smoother the mash, the creamier the final dish will be!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of when serving candied yams?
Yes, definitely! If you’re cooking for guests with dietary restrictions, keep in mind that this recipe contains brown sugar and butter, which may not be suitable for those with specific dietary needs or allergens. You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use maple syrup or coconut sugar for a healthier sweetener option.
The Best Candied Yams Your Family Will Devour
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes into 2-inch chunks.
- Place the sweet potato chunks in a large pot, cover with water, and add a generous pinch of kosher salt. Boil until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Mix in orange juice, brown sugar, ground ginger, and cinnamon. Stir until combined.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into a baking dish, level it out, and dot the top with butter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, until heated through and slightly browned on top.