Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes

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Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm plate of Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes. Glazed in a rich, buttery brown sugar syrup and kissed with a hint of cinnamon, these sweet potatoes are tender on the inside with a glossy, caramelized exterior. Whether served as a holiday side dish or a weekday indulgence, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making them a beloved classic for all ages.

The natural sweetness of the yams is amplified by the silky glaze, which clings to every golden bite. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of herbs, this dish not only looks stunning on the table but also delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent without being overly complicated, making it perfect for both special occasions and casual meals.

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Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe

• Classic holiday flavor in every bite.
• A simple yet stunning side dish for dinners and gatherings.
• Made with pantry staples and minimal prep.
• Sweet, buttery, and spiced to perfection.
• Pairs well with savory mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or grilled chicken.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish shine, you’ll need a few essential tools: a sharp chef’s knife, a sturdy cutting board, a medium saucepan, and a baking dish. The knife is crucial for cutting the yams into even pieces, ensuring they cook uniformly. The saucepan is used to simmer the brown sugar glaze until it thickens and develops its deep caramel flavor. Finally, the baking dish allows for even roasting and caramelization in the oven, giving the yams their signature glossy finish.

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Preparation Tips

Select firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for even texture and flavor. Always peel them before slicing into uniform rounds or chunks—this ensures even cooking and better presentation. Simmer your glaze on low heat, stirring consistently to avoid burning the sugar. For a deeper flavor, a pinch of nutmeg or cloves can be added to the glaze. Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; the yams should be in a single layer to caramelize evenly. Baste them midway through baking to enhance that irresistible sticky finish.

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Ingredients for This Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe

• 4 large sweet potatoes (yams), peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey as a substitute)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange juice (optional, for brightness)
• Garnish: chopped pecans, mini marshmallows, or whipped cream (optional)

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Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly-sized 1-inch thick rounds or chunks. Place them in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

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Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), vanilla extract, salt, and orange juice. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

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Step 3: Coat the Sweet Potatoes

Pour the hot glaze over the sweet potatoes in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss and coat all pieces evenly with the glaze. Make sure every piece is well coated to enhance caramelization during baking.

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Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Transfer the glazed sweet potatoes into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange them in a single, even layer. Pour any remaining glaze over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

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Step 5: Uncover and Caramelize

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and baste the yams with the melted glaze from the bottom of the dish. Continue baking uncovered for another 25–30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and glossy with caramelized edges. Baste once more halfway through for extra richness.

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Step 6: Add Garnish (Optional)

If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or mini marshmallows over the top in the last 5 minutes of baking. Let the marshmallows lightly brown, or toast under a broiler for 1-2 minutes for a crisp finish. You can also add a touch of whipped cream right before serving for a dessert-style twist.

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Notes

Candied yams are traditionally made with basic pantry ingredients, but don’t hesitate to tweak the flavors to your liking. You can make them sweeter with extra maple syrup or add a savory twist by incorporating a sprig of rosemary or thyme while baking. For a creamier texture, mash the yams slightly halfway through baking so they absorb more of the glaze. Always taste the glaze before pouring it over the yams to adjust spices or sweetness.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Cutting uneven sweet potato pieces: This leads to inconsistent cooking; aim for uniform size.
• Overcooking the glaze: High heat can burn the sugar. Simmer it gently.
• Skipping the basting step: Basting ensures every bite is coated in flavor and prevents dryness.
• Overcrowding the baking dish: Spread the yams in a single layer to avoid steaming instead of roasting.
• Adding marshmallows too early: They will burn if added too soon. Wait until the last 5 minutes.

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Storage Instructions

Allow the candied yams to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual. Avoid freezing with marshmallow toppings—add those fresh after reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, assuming 6 servings)

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?

Most “yams” sold in the U.S. are actually sweet potatoes. True yams are starchier and less sweet. This recipe uses orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, often labeled as yams in stores.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake it a day in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge and reheat before serving. Add garnishes fresh for best texture.

Is it possible to make it vegan?

Absolutely. Use vegan butter and maple syrup (instead of honey) to keep it fully plant-based.

Can I use canned yams instead of fresh sweet potatoes?

Yes, but they are softer and cook faster. Reduce baking time and be gentle when tossing with glaze to avoid breaking them.

How do I keep the glaze from becoming too thick or hard?

Simmer gently and avoid overcooking. If it gets too thick, thin it with a splash of orange juice or water.

What other spices can I add?

Ground ginger, allspice, or cardamom can bring extra warmth. Just don’t overpower the natural sweetness.

Can I double this recipe for a large group?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two, and make extra glaze to coat evenly. Baking time may increase slightly.

Are candied yams served hot or cold?

They are best served warm to fully enjoy the soft texture and rich glaze, but leftovers can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

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Conclusion

Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes are a timeless comfort food that bring warmth, sweetness, and nostalgic flavor to any table. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive holiday spread or just craving something cozy, this dish delivers every time. With their buttery, caramelized coating and tender texture, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

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