Candied Yams Recipe

Growing up, Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday. The rich aromas of roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and simmering gravy would fill the house, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. But the star of the show, at least in my opinion, was always the Candied Yams Recipe. My grandma would make it every year, and I swear she put a little bit of magic in every bite.

As I got older and started hosting my own Thanksgiving dinners, I knew I had to master that Candied Yams Recipe. It took some trial and error, but I finally cracked the code, and let me tell you, this recipe is a total game-changer. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a side dish that’ll have your guests raving.

Why This Candied Yams Recipe Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Candied Yams Recipe

The secret to making the perfect Candied Yams Recipe is all in the technique. It’s not just about tossing the sweet potatoes with some butter and sugar – it’s about creating a caramelized, gooey, and irresistible glaze that coats every bite. The key is to roast the yams at a high temperature, which allows the natural sugars to caramelize and the edges to get a delightful crispness. And the addition of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg takes the flavor profile to a whole new level, making this dish truly irresistible.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Candied Yams Recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes – The sweet potatoes are, of course, the star of the show. You want to use a variety that’s rich, creamy, and naturally sweet.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – The butter provides a beautiful richness and helps the glaze cling to the yams.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – The brown sugar caramelizes and creates that irresistible, gooey texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Nutmeg adds a subtle complexity and depth of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – A touch of salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out the natural flavors.
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans – The pecans add a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the candied yams.

Step-by-Step Candied Yams Recipe Instructions

Preparing Your Candied Yams Recipe

Preparing this Candied Yams Recipe is a breeze. With just 15 minutes of hands-on prep time and a 30-minute bake in the oven, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in just 45 minutes total. All you need is a baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and a few kitchen tools to get started.

1- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating up, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl.

2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Pour this sweet, spiced butter mixture over the cubed sweet potatoes and use your hands to toss everything together until the yams are evenly coated.

3- Spread the coated sweet potato cubes out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as you want the yams to have room to roast and caramelize.

4- Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast the Candied Yams for 25-30 minutes, or until the yams are fork-tender and the edges are crispy and caramelized. The kitchen will be filled with the most incredible aroma during this time.

5- Once the yams are perfectly cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the pecans are evenly distributed.

6- Serve the Candied Yams immediately while they’re hot and gooey. Trust me, your guests won’t be able to resist diving in!

Pro Tips for Success

• Cut the sweet potatoes into even, 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• Toss the yams in the butter-sugar mixture thoroughly to make sure they’re all evenly coated.
• Spread the yams out in a single layer on the baking sheet – don’t overcrowd them, or they won’t get that nice caramelization.
• Keep an eye on the yams during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to prevent them from burning.
• Let the yams rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set slightly.
• Feel free to adjust the spices to your personal taste – a little more cinnamon or nutmeg can really amp up the flavor.
• Don’t skip the pecans – they add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that takes this dish to the next level.

Serving and Storing Your Candied Yams Recipe

Perfect Pairings for Candied Yams Recipe

This Candied Yams Recipe serves 6 people, making it the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving feast or any special occasion. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even a simple roast chicken. And don’t forget the classic Thanksgiving sides – mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce all make wonderful accompaniments.

As for beverages, a crisp white wine or a full-bodied red would be lovely. Or, for a cozy, autumnal vibe, try serving the Candied Yams with a mug of warm apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

The great thing about this Candied Yams Recipe is that it’s easy to make in advance and reheats beautifully. Once the yams have cooled completely, you can transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the yams in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed to your liking.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the Candied Yams for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the yams in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed above.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Candied Yams Recipe

Creative Candied Yams Recipe Variations

While this classic Candied Yams Recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a festive twist, try adding a splash of orange juice or a teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze. You could also swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds, or even add a sprinkle of chopped rosemary or thyme for an earthy, herbaceous note.

In the fall, consider roasting the yams with a medley of other autumn veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or parsnips. And for a bit of a kick, you could stir in a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze.

Making Candied Yams Recipe Diet-Friendly

If you’re looking to make this Candied Yams Recipe a little more diet-friendly, there are a few easy swaps you can try. For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. To make it vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or olive oil, and use maple syrup or agave in place of the brown sugar.

For a lower-carb take, you can swap out some of the sweet potatoes for an equal amount of roasted cauliflower or butternut squash. And if you’re watching your calories, you can reduce the amount of butter and sugar in the glaze, or skip the pecans altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of potato instead of sweet potatoes?
A: While you can certainly use regular potatoes, the recipe is specifically designed for sweet potatoes. The natural sweetness of the yams is what makes this dish so irresistible. If you want to experiment, you could try using a combination of sweet and regular potatoes, but the flavor profile won’t be quite the same.

Q: How long does it take to prepare and cook the Candied Yams Recipe?
A: The total time for this recipe is 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time. The quick prep and hands-off baking make this a great side dish for busy holidays or weeknight meals.

Q: Can I make the Candied Yams Recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This recipe reheats beautifully, so you can make it up to 5 days in advance. Simply store the cooled yams in an airtight container in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes when you’re ready to serve.

Q: How many servings does this Candied Yams Recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 6 servings, making it the perfect amount for a family gathering or small holiday meal. If you’re serving a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to feed a larger group.

Q: What if my Candied Yams come out too dry or too soggy?
A: If your yams come out too dry, you may have overcooked them or the oven temperature was too high. Next time, keep a closer eye on them and consider reducing the oven temp slightly. If they’re too soggy, it’s likely that you overcrowded the baking sheet, causing the yams to steam rather than roast. Be sure to spread them out in a single layer next time.

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Conclusion

This Candied Yams Recipe is an absolute must-try for your Thanksgiving spread or any special occasion. With its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crunchy, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. The key is in the technique – roasting the yams at a high temperature to achieve that irresistible caramelized glaze.

Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your holiday repertoire. So go ahead, give it a shot, and get ready to have your guests raving. And don’t forget to snap a photo and share it with me – I can’t wait to see how your Candied Yams turn out!