Brown Sugar Candied Yams are sweet, sliced yams coated in a sticky-sweet mixture of brown sugar, butter, and spices. They’re a perfect side dish for any meal!
These yams are like a warm hug on a plate. Every bite is buttery, sweet, and oh-so-comforting. I love making them when I want something cozy and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yams or Sweet Potatoes: Both work well, but I lean towards sweet potatoes for their creamy texture. If you need a swap, consider using butternut squash for a different flavor profile.
Brown Sugar: This is key for that caramel-like richness. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a little molasses for a quick substitute.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, but if you’re watching sodium, feel free to use margarine or a dairy-free alternative. Just know it might slightly alter the flavor.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth, but you can try allspice or pumpkin pie spice for a twist. If you don’t have nutmeg, just skip it or use a little extra cinnamon.
How Do I Ensure My Yams Turn Out Perfectly Tender?
The key to tender yams is cooking them just right. Here’s how:
- Cut your yams into evenly sized chunks for uniform cooking. While 1- to 2-inch pieces are great, smaller pieces will cook faster.
- Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking helps trap steam. This softens the yams while allowing them to absorb all that delicious sauce.
- Baste your yams a couple of times during the uncovered baking. This ensures they soak up more of that lovely caramel sauce, enhancing flavor and moisture.
Brown Sugar Candied Yams
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1- to 2-inch chunks
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour of baking time, including both covered and uncovered cooking. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish for delicious, sweet, and tangy candied yams!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your yams bake evenly. While the oven is heating, peel the yams or sweet potatoes and cut them into 1- to 2-inch chunks. Layer these chunks evenly in a medium to large baking dish for even cooking.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Keep stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer and the sugar is fully dissolved. If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it in now for extra flavor.
3. Combine and Coat:
Pour the warm brown sugar mixture evenly over the yams in the baking dish. Make sure every piece is well coated with that sweet and sticky sauce so they all absorb the delicious flavors.
4. Bake the Yams:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil, and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes. This will allow the yams to caramelize and the sauce to thicken. Don’t forget to baste the yams with the sauce a couple of times during this uncovered cooking time for extra flavor!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the yams are tender and have a beautiful glossy glaze, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. This will help the sauce thicken further. Serve warm as a delightful side dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Enjoy your delicious Brown Sugar Candied Yams, packed with sweetness and warmth!
Can I Use Canned Yams for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use canned yams for convenience! Just be sure to drain them well and reduce the baking time since they are already cooked. Bake for about 15-20 minutes to warm through and allow the sauce to caramelize.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can mix 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses to create a homemade substitute. Stir well until combined, and you’ll achieve a similar flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add additional spices like ginger or cloves for extra warmth, or toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor. Raisins or marshmallows can also be delicious additions!
