Glazed Glorious Candied Yams with a Hint of Spice
Learn how to make candied yams My easy glazed Southern Candied Yams recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving Homemade never tasted so good Get the secret now ... Heritage Kitchen
Recipe Introduction: Gettin' Down with Candied Yams
Ever wondered how to make candied yams that actually taste good? Like, really good? This ain't your run-of-the-mill, gloopy, overly sweet stuff.
We're going for flavour, baby! This recipe hits all the right notes. It's sweet, it's spiced, and it's got that classic comfort food vibe.
Sweet Potato Soul Food: An Overview
Okay, let's talk about the Southern Candied Yams Soul Food connection. This dish has serious roots. It's been a Thanksgiving staple in many homes for generations.
It's an Easy Candied Yams Recipe that's beginner-friendly and won't take all day. We're looking at about an hour from start to finish.
This recipe should feed around six hungry folks.
Why This Best Candied Yams Recipe Rocks
Honestly, what makes this recipe special is the balance. We're not just dumping sugar on yams. Candied Yams Homemade are supposed to be tender, with a kiss of sweetness.
The warm spices take it to another level. Plus, yams are packed with vitamin A. So, you can feel slightly less guilty about the indulgence.
Serve this on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any Sunday dinner. I promise, it will be a hit.
Now, before we get to the step-by-step, let's gather the ingredients.
Glazed Glorious Candied Yams with a Hint of Spice Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, so how to make candied yams that'll knock your socks off? The secret, honestly, is all in the ingredients.
Good stuff in, good stuff out. We are aiming for the Best Candied Yams Recipe . It is really easy.
Main Ingredients: The Yam Fam
First, you'll need 3 pounds (1.4 kg) of yams. I reckon the quality matters here. Look for firm yams, without any soft spots.
Peel them, chop them into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Don't stress about perfect cubes. We also need 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
For the glaze, the star of the show: 1/2 cup (115 g) of unsalted butter is crucial. Please don't substitute margarine here.
Trust me. Also, grab 1/2 cup (100 g) of packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of real maple syrup and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Finally 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
The cinnamon and nutmeg combo is pure autumn magic. It's the backbone of any Southern Candied Yams . Want more depth? A pinch of ground ginger won't hurt.
I am feeling something Spiced Candied Yams . No maple syrup? Honey or agave nectar work in a pinch. For true soul food vibes, a dash of bourbon added to the glaze when removing from the heat makes it even better!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen to nail this recipe. Here's the essential stuff: A large baking sheet, a large bowl for tossing the yams, and a medium saucepan for the glaze.
Parchment paper for the baking sheet is optional, but it makes cleanup a breeze. I used it because you know, I'm lazy!.
No fancy equipment is needed for the Easy Candied Yams Recipe . Let's make Candied Yams Homemade .
Cooking Method: Southern Candied Yams Soul Food , Simplified!
Right then, let's talk about how to make candied yams . Forget those bland, boring versions, we're aiming for the best candied yams recipe you've ever tasted.
Think proper Southern Candied Yams , but totally achievable at home. Honestly, candied yams homemade are easier than you think.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Mate!
Before you even think about switching on the oven, get your stuff sorted. Peel and cube 3 pounds of yams into roughly 1-inch pieces.
Now, in a bowl, they get a toss in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, plus 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
Easy peasy.
This is where that mise en place comes into play. Measure out all your glaze ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup real maple syrup – none of that fake stuff, alright? Also get a 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg ready.
Don't forget that pinch of salt! Last but not least, have 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract close by. This is also a very easy candied yams recipe .
Step-by-Step: Glazing Glory
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Spread the yams on a baking sheet. Line it with parchment for even easier cleanup.
- Roast for 30 minutes , flipping halfway. You're looking for tender yams with slight caramelisation.
- While those are roasting, melt 1/2 cup butter in a pan.
- Stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Simmer until smooth, about 3- 5 minutes. Whisk to avoid burning and a grainy texture.
- Take off the heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Pour the glaze over the roasted yams and toss. Make sure they are totally coated.
- Pop them back in the oven for another 5- 10 minutes for a stickier glaze. Keep a close eye to avoid them burning. This is what makes these special for Candied Yams Thanksgiving !
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Yams
Honestly, real maple syrup is non-negotiable for an old fashioned candied yams taste. It makes a big difference. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you're feeling brave and want spiced candied yams.
The key to avoiding soggy yams is not overcrowding the baking sheet. Give them room to breathe! If you follow these steps this candied yams baked recipe it's going to be a blast!
Now, I remember one Thanksgiving where I tried to rush the roasting time. Disaster! The yams were crunchy on the outside and raw in the middle. Lesson learned: patience, darling, patience.
Recipe Notes for the Best Candied Yams Recipe
Alright, you've got the recipe for this Southern Candied Yams masterpiece. But before you dive in, let's chat about a few extras to make your life easier and your yams even more amazing.
Honestly, it's all about those little touches, innit?
Serving Up Sunshine: Plating & Pairings
Presentation matters, even if it's just for you. To take your Southern Candied Yams Soul Food up a notch, consider garnishing with chopped pecans after plating.
A sprinkle of sea salt is also a banger idea for bringing out the sweetness. For a full-on Candied Yams Thanksgiving spread, these Easy Candied Yams Recipe yams go brilliantly with roasted turkey or ham.
Green bean casserole and cranberry sauce are also perfect partners. A crisp white wine or sparkling cider would also be a great drink pairing to help balance the richness.
Storing Your Stash: Tips for Leftovers
So, you've managed to not eat all the yams in one go. Respect. If you've got leftovers, you should refrigerate your Candied Yams Homemade dish, in an airtight container within two hours.
They'll happily keep for up to three days. If you want to freeze them, let them cool completely first. Then, portion them into freezer-safe bags and they'll be good for up to two months.
Reheating is easy: bung them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through, or give them a quick blast in the microwave.
Remix Time: Playing with Flavours
Fancy a twist on the classic? Easy peasy. For a vegan version, simply swap the butter for vegan butter and maple syrup for honey.
Boom! You've got Candied Yams Baked that everyone can enjoy. Or, for a touch of festive warmth, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a little kick to create Spiced Candied Yams.
If you are looking for a Roasted Candied Yams recipe, you can add a bit of olive oil before putting them in the oven.
Another idea is to add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the glaze for a boozy twist of Old Fashioned Candied Yams .
Nutrition Nuggets: Quick & Dirty
Each serving of these glazed yams has around 320 calories. It also packs about 2g of protein, 15g of fat, and 45g of carbs (25g of which is sugar).
Yams are a cracking source of Vitamin A and fiber. They are also good for keeping your digestion happy. Keep in mind that nutritional info are estimates.
So, there you have it. Everything you need to how to make candied yams that'll impress everyone. Get in the kitchen and have a go! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to store leftover candied yams? I made way too much, and now what?
Leftover candied yams can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them in short intervals, or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. They might not be quite as good as fresh, but still delicious!
Can I make candied yams ahead of time? I'm trying to streamline my Thanksgiving prep, you know?
Absolutely! You can roast the yams and make the glaze a day or two in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply toss the roasted yams with the glaze and reheat in the oven. This is a brilliant way to get ahead, a real "bake-off" strategy.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup in this recipe? My budget is more "Paul Hollywood handshake" than "Michelin Star".
No worries, you can absolutely substitute honey or agave nectar for the maple syrup. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. You could also use a dark corn syrup for a similar sweetness, though real maple syrup does give that extra layer of flavour. It's all about what you've got in the cupboard, eh?
Help! My candied yams turned out mushy. What did I do wrong, and how to make candied yams that are perfectly tender?
Mushy yams usually mean they were overcooked or steamed instead of roasted. Make sure to roast the yams in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow for proper caramelization. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan. If they touch, they tend to steam instead of roast. The high temperature is key to getting the best colour and flavour, so stick to that!
Can I add nuts to the recipe? Pecans, walnuts, or something else?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts are a fantastic addition. You can toss them with the yams and glaze during the last few minutes of baking for a toasty flavor. Or, sprinkle them on top as a garnish when serving for a bit of crunch. A little bit of texture can really elevate the dish.
What are the best Yams to use, and can I substitute with Sweet potatoes?
The terms "yam" and "sweet potato" are often used interchangeably in the US, but technically, true yams are different and harder to find in most supermarkets. The recipe works well with either, so use what's readily available! If you are curious, the color will deepen if you roast true yams.
