How to Cook Candied Yams? Easy Steps for Perfect Sweetness

Are you ready to transform simple sweet potatoes into a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love? Learning how to cook candied yams is easier than you think, and the result is pure comfort on a plate.

Whether you’re aiming to impress at your next family dinner or just craving something sweet and satisfying, this guide will walk you through every step. Imagine tender, caramelized yams infused with warm spices and rich brown sugar glaze—sounds delicious, right?

Keep reading, and you’ll discover the secrets to making perfect candied yams that will have your guests asking for seconds.

Ingredients Needed

Sweet potatoes should be firm and free from spots or bruises. Choose medium-sized yams for even cooking. Avoid very large or small ones as they cook unevenly.

Sugar and sweeteners include brown sugar for rich flavor and white sugar for sweetness. Maple syrup or honey can also be used to add a natural sweet taste.

Use butter for a creamy texture and rich flavor. Some recipes use vegetable oil or margarine as alternatives. Butter helps create the glossy glaze on yams.

Common spices and flavorings are cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Vanilla extract adds a nice aroma. These spices give candied yams their warm, sweet taste.

Preparing Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling the sweet potatoes to remove the skin completely. Use a sharp peeler or knife carefully. After peeling, slice the sweet potatoes evenly into thick rounds or cubes. This helps them cook evenly and soak up the flavors better.

Par-cooking means boiling the sweet potatoes until they are just tender but not fully cooked. Place the slices in boiling water for about 5 to 7 minutes. This softens them slightly and speeds up the baking process. Drain the water well before moving to the next step.

Making The Glaze

Start by melting butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in brown sugar until it dissolves completely, creating a smooth and shiny glaze. This mixture forms the sweet base for your candied yams.

Next, sprinkle in warm spices like cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. These spices add a cozy and rich flavor that complements the sweetness. For extra depth, a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt can be added.

Mix everything well. The glaze should be thick but pourable. This sticky glaze will coat the yams, making them tender and flavorful after baking.

Arranging In Baking Dish

Slice the sweet potatoes evenly to help them cook well. Arrange the slices in a baking dish so they fit closely but do not overlap too much. This helps the heat reach all pieces for even cooking.

Next, pour the glaze slowly over the sweet potatoes. The glaze is a mix of butter, brown sugar, and spices. Make sure the glaze covers the slices well to add sweetness and flavor to each piece.

Spreading the glaze evenly is important. It will melt and thicken while baking, coating the yams with a shiny, tasty layer. This step makes the dish both sweet and soft.

Baking Process

Cover the yams tightly with foil to keep moisture in. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. This helps the yams cook evenly and stay soft.

Remove the foil after 30 minutes to let the syrup thicken. Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes. This step creates a golden, caramelized glaze on top.

Watch carefully so the yams do not burn. The syrup should be thick and bubbly, coating each piece well.

Checking Doneness

Check the yams by poking them with a fork or knife. The fork should slide in easily without much resistance. If they feel hard or firm, they need more baking time.

For testing tenderness, try pressing a slice gently. It should be soft but not mushy. This ensures the yams are cooked just right.

If the yams are still firm, adjust the bake time by adding 5 to 10 more minutes. Cover the dish again to keep moisture inside. Check again after the extra baking time to avoid overcooking.

Serving Tips

Garnishing candied yams adds color and flavor. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Fresh parsley or cilantro can add a fresh touch. A little orange zest brightens the dish. Some like a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Storing leftovers properly keeps yams fresh. Cool them to room temperature first. Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge. They last well for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of water to keep moist when reheating. Avoid leaving leftovers out for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Slicing yams unevenly causes some pieces to cook faster than others. This leads to a mix of overcooked and undercooked pieces on the same dish. Use a sharp knife or a slicer to get slices of similar thickness. This helps all pieces cook evenly and taste better.

Overcooking makes yams mushy and dry, while undercooking leaves them hard. Keep an eye on cooking time and test with a fork. Yams should be tender but still hold their shape.

Glaze consistency is key to good candied yams. If the glaze is too thin, it won’t stick well. If too thick, it can burn easily. Aim for a smooth, syrupy glaze that coats the yams evenly for the best flavor and texture.

Variations And Add-ins

Nuts like pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch to candied yams. Marshmallows melt on top, giving a soft, sweet finish. Both can be used alone or together for extra texture.

Sugar choices affect flavor and health. Brown sugar gives a deep, rich taste. Honey adds natural sweetness, while maple syrup gives a unique, earthy flavor. Try using different sweeteners to find your favorite.

Spices bring warmth and depth. Cinnamon is classic, but nutmeg or allspice work well too. For a little kick, add a pinch of ground ginger. These alternatives change the taste without being too strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Boil Candied Yams?

Yes, boil candied yams briefly to soften them before baking. Boiling ensures tenderness and even cooking.

What Temperature Do You Cook Candied Yams At In The Oven?

Cook candied yams in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 60 minutes until tender and caramelized.

What Is The Best Cooking Method For Yams?

The best cooking method for yams is baking. Slice yams, coat with butter and spices, cover with foil, then bake until tender and caramelized. This method enhances sweetness and texture perfectly.

Do You Bake Candied Yams Covered Or Uncovered?

Bake candied yams covered with foil initially to retain moisture. Then uncover to caramelize the glaze and thicken the sauce.

Conclusion

Candied yams bring sweet warmth to any meal. Preparing them is simple and rewarding. Slice yams evenly for even cooking. Use brown sugar, butter, and spices for rich flavor. Bake covered first, then uncover to caramelize the glaze. This method keeps yams tender and delicious.

Serve them hot for the best taste. Enjoy this classic side dish any time you want. Cooking candied yams adds a cozy touch to your table. Try it today and savor every bite.