Name: Southern Baked Candied Yams Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 5 medium sized sweet yams, peeled, washed, and cut into pieces; 7 tablespoons butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

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Introduction

These Southern Baked Candied Yams are a delightful side dish that melts in your mouth with just the right balance of sweetness and warm spices. Perfect for holiday meals or any time you crave a comforting and flavorful treat.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with golden-brown roasted sweet potato chunks, coated in a shiny, sticky glaze. The sweet potatoes are cut into uneven pieces with a caramelized texture on the edges. A spoon with a dark handle is partly submerged in the dish, scooping some of the glazed sweet potatoes. The dish sits on a white marbled surface that reflects some light, enhancing the warm tones of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

5 medium-sized sweet yams, peeled, washed, and cut into pieces
7 tablespoons butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a deep skillet over low to medium heat, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir quickly to blend the butter and sugars together.
Step 3: Add the ground nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, ground ginger, and vanilla extract to the skillet. Continue stirring until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 4: Allow the mixture to come to a slow simmer, then turn off the heat.
Step 5: Pour the candied syrup mixture over the cut yams, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Step 6: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes.
Step 7: Uncover the yams, gently stir or rotate them to distribute the syrup evenly, and bake for an additional 25 to 35 minutes, checking for tenderness.
Step 8: When the yams are tender and glazed with the candied syrup, remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, try adding a splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of chopped pecans before baking.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar by half.
Use fresh spices for the best flavor impact.
Covering the dish tightly keeps the yams moist, but uncovering for the last portion of baking helps caramelize the syrup.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to maintain the syrup’s texture. Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the yams.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a white rectangular baking dish filled with cooked sweet potatoes cut into chunks, covered in a shiny, thick, caramel-colored sauce. The chunky pieces have a slightly charred, crispy texture on some edges, and the sauce glistens under the light, pooling a bit at the bottom. A large metal spoon rests inside the dish, partially submerged in the sauce and sweet potatoes, with a woman's hand holding it from the top left corner. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean, elegant background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of yams?

Yes, regular sweet potatoes work perfectly in this recipe and will yield a similar sweet, spiced flavor.

How do I know when the yams are done baking?

Test the yams by piercing them with a fork or knife. They should be tender and easily pierced but not mushy. The syrup should be bubbly and thickened.