Most Delicious Candied Yams Recipe
Introduction
Candied yams are a comforting, sweet side dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. This recipe combines tender yams with a rich orange and honey glaze, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table or everyday dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 yams, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch discs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Sea salt, to finish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a medium-sized baking dish.
- Step 2: In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the yams, orange juice, brown sugar, honey, olive oil, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss or shake to coat all the yams evenly.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 45 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the foil, stir the yams gently, then continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
- Step 5: When the yams are fork-tender and the glaze has caramelized, remove from the oven. Sprinkle with sea salt to finish, let cool slightly, and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze before baking.
- If you prefer a softer texture, cut the yams into thinner slices or cook covered for a bit longer before uncovering.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweet note.
- Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a crunchy finish.
Storage
Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To retain moisture, cover the dish while reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Yes, sweet potatoes work perfectly and will yield a similar sweet and tender result.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan as it uses honey for sweetness, but you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make it fully plant-based.
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Most Delicious Candied Yams Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This recipe for Most Delicious Candied Yams offers a delightful balance of sweet and spiced flavors with tender slices of yams caramelized in a glossy orange juice and honey glaze. Perfect as a comforting side dish for holiday meals or everyday dinners, these oven-baked yams are infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the natural sweetness.
Ingredients
Yams
- 4 yams, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch discs
Glaze & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a medium-sized baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine the yam discs with orange juice, brown sugar, honey, olive oil, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss or shake well until all the yam slices are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Bake Covered: Transfer the coated yams into the greased baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture, then bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the yams to cook through and start softening.
- Uncover and Stir: Remove the foil carefully, stir the yams gently to redistribute the glaze and promote even caramelization. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the sauce and let the yams caramelize beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Once the yams are fork-tender and the sauce has developed a glossy caramelized texture, remove from the oven. Allow to cool slightly, finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt, and serve warm as a deliciously sweet and spiced side dish.
Notes
- You can use sweet potatoes as an alternative to yams if desired.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg according to your preferred spice intensity.
- For a vegan version, ensure the honey is substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
- Adding a splash of orange zest can enhance citrus flavor if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: candied yams, baked yams, sweet potato side dish, holiday side, glazed yams, sweet and spiced yams
