Candied Yams: A Sweet Tradition for Every Family Table

Name: Candied Yams: A Sweet Tradition for Every Family Table
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds sweet potatoes; ½ cup light brown sugar; ¼ cup pure maple syrup; ½ cup orange juice; ¼ cup salted butter; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

I have to say, candied yams are one of those dishes that bring warmth and coziness to our dinner table. The sweetness of the yams combined with spice is something my family always looks forward to, especially during the holidays. Plus, it’s a real crowd-pleaser that even gets Alex, my typically yam-averse kid, asking for seconds! If you’re looking for that one dish that wraps love in every bite, this is it.

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Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Candied Yams: A Sweet Tradition for Every Family Table

Last Thanksgiving, I was determined to add something extra special to our traditional spread, and these candied yams were a hit! The best part? They are super easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertainment. [Check out another holiday favorite: gluten-free lemon crinkle cookies.]

Why you’ll love this recipe

Simple and easy: With few ingredients, it's a breeze to put together.
Kid-approved: Even picky eaters can't resist the sweet, soft yams.
Perfect for holidays and family dinners: Impresses guests with little effort.
Minimal cleanup: One-pot preparation keeps kitchen duties to a minimum.
Versatile flavor: Enjoy the combination of sweet, spicy, and citrusy notes.
Prep ahead: Ideal for those busy weeks when time is short.

Ingredients

3 pounds sweet potatoes
½ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup pure maple syrup
½ cup orange juice
¼ cup salted butter
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 9×13” baking dish, and set it aside.
Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into ¼” thick round pieces. Layer them in the prepared baking dish.
In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, orange juice, salted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and sea salt. Bring to a boil, whisking often.
Boil for exactly 1 minute, then remove from heat and whisk until smooth.
Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove and baste with the sauce from the dish.
Cover again and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are soft.
After 15 minutes, uncover and baste again. Raise the oven temperature to 425 degrees F.
Bake uncovered for another 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the yams are lightly browned.
Allow to cool slightly before serving, drizzling extra sauce from the pan on top.

Recipe tips & variations

Want extra crunch? Add some chopped pecans during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Spice it up! If you love a spicy kick, a dash of cayenne pepper does wonders.
Substitute alert: No maple syrup? Use honey as a natural sweetener.
Make it vegan: Swap the butter with a plant-based alternative, and you’re all set.

Storage & reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. These yams freeze well, too. Just reheat in a 350-degree oven until warmed through—about 20 minutes. Remember, reheating enhances the flavors even more!

FAQs

How do you keep candied yams from becoming too mushy?

To keep them from turning mushy, ensure you don’t overcook them. Remember, they need to hold their shape, so check them about halfway through baking.

Can you make candied yams without maple syrup?

Absolutely! Honey or even agave syrup works as great substitutes if maple syrup isn’t on hand.

Why is my candied yams sauce not thickening?

If the sauce isn't thickening, try letting it simmer on the stove a little longer before pouring over the yams. The syrup should reduce a bit, offering a thicker sauce.

Can candied yams be prepared ahead and reheated for the holidays?

Yes! You can prepare and bake these yams a day ahead. Just cover, refrigerate, and reheat in the oven the next day.

Recipes you may like

Enjoy bringing these sweet and savory candied yams to your table—it's a dish that wraps family love in every bite!