If you are searching for a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and just the right touch of sweetness to your table, look no further than this Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe. This classic Southern-inspired side blends tender sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze infused with warm spices, making every bite utterly delightful. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe promises a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both luxurious and easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a pivotal role in balancing sweetness, creaminess, and spice, resulting in glorious color and texture that’s perfect for any occasion.
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds total): Choose firm, fresh potatoes for the best texture and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps create the luscious glaze.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds brightness and balance to the glaze.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings a silky smooth texture and enhances the richness of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweet potatoes.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle, cozy depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides a fragrant sweetness to elevate the glaze to the next level.
How to Make Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thick, even chunks to ensure they cook uniformly. Arrange these pieces evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures every yam piece can soak up the delicious glaze that’s headed their way.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter completely. This is the base that will bring together your sugars and spices into a silky sauce. Keep the heat moderate so the butter melts gently without browning.
Step 3: Combine the Sugars
To the melted butter, stir in both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until they dissolve fully. This creates the sweet foundation for your glaze, ensuring a smooth, caramel-like coating on the yams.
Step 4: Add Cream and Spices
Next, add the heavy cream, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Keep stirring constantly for 3 to 4 minutes while the mixture thickens slightly and becomes irresistibly smooth. This spice-infused glaze will transform your sweet potatoes into a decadent treat.
Step 5: Coat the Sweet Potatoes
Pour the hot glaze evenly over the potatoes, making sure every chunk is lavishly coated. This step is what makes this an Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe — the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and spiced goodness clinging to each piece.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes to allow the sweet potatoes to cook through and absorb the heavenly glaze.
Step 7: Uncover and Caramelize
After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes. Remember to spoon the sauce over the yams halfway through this time. This encourages caramelization and deepens the flavor, giving you tender, fork-tender, caramelized sweet potatoes.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Once baked, let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. This final rest allows the glaze to thicken just right, so every bite carries that perfect sticky-sweet finish that makes this Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe so special.
How to Serve Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the look and add a subtle crunch, consider sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the top just before serving. Fresh chopped parsley can provide a lovely contrast of color and fresh notes against the glaze’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey, ham, or chicken, especially during festive celebrations. It also complements green vegetables like sautéed kale or steamed green beans, balancing sweet and savory flavors on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these candied yams in individual mini ramekins or cast-iron skillets to impress your guests. You could even top with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the sweet-savory contrast elegantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep deliciously well for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy the wonderful flavors again without any loss of quality.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover candied yams by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will maintain great taste and texture for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sweet potatoes gently in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel for 2 to 3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
While regular potatoes will cook similarly, this recipe specifically highlights the natural sweetness and texture of sweet potatoes. Using regular potatoes will result in a very different flavor and lack the signature sweetness of this dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use full-fat coconut milk or any other non-dairy cream in place of heavy cream. These swaps will keep the dish creamy and delicious while accommodating vegan diets.
How do I ensure the glaze is not too runny?
Cooking the glaze for the full 3 to 4 minutes with constant stirring helps it thicken properly. Also, allowing the dish to rest after baking lets the glaze set nicely instead of running off the potatoes.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can peel and chop the sweet potatoes a day ahead and store them submerged in water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Prepare the glaze fresh before baking to ensure the best flavor and texture.
What if my sweet potatoes are smaller or larger than the recipe suggests?
Using about 3 pounds of sweet potatoes ensures the right balance with the glaze. If you have smaller or larger potatoes, adjust the glaze quantities proportionally to make sure each piece is well-coated and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to warm hearts and satisfy taste buds. Its perfect harmony of sweet, spice, and creaminess makes it one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch this simple side become your new favorite!
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
Description
These irresistible candied yams are made with tender sweet potatoes baked in a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Perfectly caramelized and creamy, this classic side dish is a comforting and flavorful addition to 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 sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thick chunks. Arrange the chunks evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter completely, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
- Dissolve the sugars: Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the melted butter until completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Add remaining glaze ingredients: Pour in the heavy cream, then add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Cook the sauce while stirring constantly for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Coat sweet potatoes: Pour the hot glaze evenly over the prepared sweet potatoes, making sure to coat all the pieces thoroughly with the mixture.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. This allows the potatoes to steam and soften.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Spoon the glaze over the sweet potatoes halfway through this time to intensify the caramelization. The yams should become fork-tender and caramelized.
- Rest before serving: Let the candied yams rest for 10 minutes after removing them from the oven. This resting time helps the glaze to thicken and set for a perfect texture.
Notes
- Use firm, large sweet potatoes for best texture and flavor.
- Make sure to cover the dish during the first baking phase to keep the potatoes moist.
- Spoon the sauce back over the yams during the uncovered baking for an even caramelized finish.
- Letting it rest before serving enhances the glaze consistency and flavor.
- For a nut-free version, omit cinnamon and nutmeg or substitute with alternative warming spices.
