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

Scale

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