Description
This classic Candied Yams recipe features tender slices of red garnet yams baked in a rich, spiced brown sugar glaze. Perfect as a sweet and comforting side dish for holiday dinners or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Yams
- 5-6 medium red garnet yams or sweet potatoes, about 3 pounds
Glaze
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Yams: Peel and cut 5-6 medium red garnet yams or sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick slices or 2-inch bite-size pieces for even cooking.
- Make Glaze: In a large pot, combine 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 cup dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon cloves.
- Melt and Combine: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, whisking continuously until the butter is melted and all ingredients are well combined into a smooth glaze.
- Coat Yams: Add the sliced yams to the pot with the glaze and gently stir to fully coat each piece with the brown sugar mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the coated yams into the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Stir and Continue Baking: Remove the foil, stir the yams gently to redistribute the glaze, then cover again and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the yams are fork-tender.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot as a deliciously sweet side dish.
Notes
- Use red garnet yams for their natural sweetness and moisture content; other sweet potato varieties can be substituted but may alter texture slightly.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can increase the cornstarch to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the glaze before coating the yams.
- To make ahead, prepare yams up to step 6 and refrigerate; before serving, bake covered as directed.
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans over the yams in the last 10 minutes of baking.
