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If you have a soft spot for comforting, richly flavored dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, then this Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend. The tender chunks of sweet potatoes bathed in a luscious, buttery brown sugar glaze infused with warm spices create a heavenly balance of sweetness and depth. It’s the kind of dish that turns any meal into a celebration, perfect for holiday tables or cozy family dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe is simplicity at its finest. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that luscious texture and magical flavor combination that makes this dish so unforgettable.
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds total): Choose firm, smooth-skinned yams for the best texture and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the caramelized glaze.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Brings deep molasses notes that complement the sweet potatoes perfectly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps form a shiny glaze.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds a creamy smoothness that makes the sauce velvety and indulgent.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the dish with warm, comforting spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle hint of nutty aroma that rounds out the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant depth and a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel your sweet potatoes and chop them into thick, hearty chunks. Arrange these pieces evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish so they cook uniformly, soaking up all the fantastic glaze later.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
On medium heat, melt the butter in a saucepan completely. This is your base for that rich, buttery sauce that will coat every bite of the sweet potatoes beautifully.
Step 3: Dissolve the Sugars
Next, stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until they fully dissolve into the melted butter, creating a silky sweet base that will caramelize wonderfully in the oven.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Spices
Pour in the heavy cream, then whisk in the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Keep stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is smooth and thickened slightly—this warm glaze is what transforms the sweet potatoes into a tender, candied delight.
Step 5: Coat the Sweet Potatoes
Pour the hot, fragrant glaze evenly over the sweet potato chunks, making sure every piece is well-coated. This ensures each bite is rich in flavor and perfectly caramelized.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven. Let it bake for 40 minutes while the yams absorb all that luscious glaze and start to soften beautifully.
Step 7: Uncover and Caramelize
After uncovering, continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through, spoon some of the sauce over the sweet potatoes to encourage an irresistible caramelized top. You’ll know they’re done when tender enough to pierce with a fork and glistening with a sticky, golden finish.
Step 8: Let it Rest
Once out of the oven, give the yams a 10-minute rest. This short pause allows the glaze to thicken perfectly before serving, creating those luscious, sticky bites everyone will love.
How to Serve Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped pecans or toasted walnuts on top for a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender sweet potatoes. A scattering of fresh parsley or a light dusting of extra cinnamon can also brighten the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with savory mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or herb-rubbed chicken. For a vegetarian meal, try serving it alongside sautéed greens or a hearty lentil dish to complement the sweetness and texture here.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve this dish in individual ramekins or a rustic cast-iron skillet right from the oven. Mixing in mini marshmallows just before baking or drizzling with a little bourbon glaze after baking can elevate the dish for special occasions and impress every guest at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The sweet potatoes will keep their flavor and texture nicely, making for convenient, delicious meals later on.
Freezing
This Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe freezes well. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, covered to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power until heated through, giving the sauce time to warm back to its luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
While you can, this recipe shines with sweet potatoes because of their natural sweetness and creamy texture. Regular potatoes won’t offer the same candy-like flavor and richness that make this dish so special.
Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling ensures the glaze coats the sweet potatoes evenly, making each bite deliciously tender and smooth. The skin can also sometimes become tough or chewy during baking, so peeling is recommended for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy non-dairy alternative. It will still be deliciously satisfying!
What’s the best way to get a caramelized top?
Uncovering the dish for the last 20-25 minutes and spooning the sauce over the yams during baking encourages wonderful caramelization. This step is key for that irresistible sticky, browned glaze.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a holiday meal?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and glaze, combine them in the baking dish, and refrigerate covered overnight. Just bring to room temperature before baking for the times listed, adjusting slightly if needed.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe a try because it’s one of those heartwarming dishes that makes everyone gather around the table with smiles. From the tender sweet potatoes to that rich, sticky glaze, every bite is a celebration of flavor. It’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or whenever you want a taste of cozy magic in your kitchen.
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Print
Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these irresistibly sweet and tender Candied Yams made with rich butter, brown sugar, and warm spices. Perfectly baked to achieve a caramelized glaze, this classic sweet potato dish is a comforting treat for any holiday or family meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds total)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thick chunks. Arrange them evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter completely to create the base of the glaze.
- Add Sugars: Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the melted butter until fully dissolved, forming a sweet syrup.
- Make the Glaze: Add the heavy cream, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract to the saucepan. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Coat Sweet Potatoes: Pour the hot glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Initial Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes to allow the sweet potatoes to soften and absorb the glaze.
- Caramelize: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20–25 minutes, spooning the sauce over the potatoes halfway through to ensure caramelization and a tender texture.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the candied yams rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the glaze to thicken and fully develop its rich flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use firm sweet potatoes to prevent them from becoming too mushy during baking.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar for a less sweet or sweeter dish according to your preference.
- Covering with foil at first prevents the glaze from burning and helps cook the potatoes properly.
- Spoon the glaze over the yams during the uncovered bake time to promote an even caramelized coating.
- Allow resting time to avoid the glaze being too runny when served.
