Description
At its heart, brown sugar candied yams is a dish where peeled, sliced sweet potatoes or yams are slow-baked in a spiced, buttery sugar sauce until they transform into meltingly tender morsels. The term candied refers directly to the slow roasting process that reduces the pan juices into a thick, shiny glaze that clings to every single piece of yam.
Ingredients
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2 lb (900 g) yams or orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
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½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
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¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
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2 tablespoons water
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
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Mini marshmallows (optional, for topping)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish.
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Prepare the yams: Peel the yams or sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized rounds. Arrange them in the baking dish.
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Make the glaze: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, salt, and maple syrup if using. Stir until well mixed.
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Coat the yams: Pour the brown sugar mixture over the sliced yams, tossing gently to coat each piece.
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Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the yams to soften and absorb the glaze.
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Bake uncovered: Remove the foil, spoon the glaze over the yams, and bake for another 15–25 minutes until fork-tender and glossy. Baste once or twice during this stage.
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Add marshmallows (optional): Sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking and bake until lightly golden.
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Serve: Let the yams rest for 5 minutes so the glaze thickens slightly. Spoon the buttery brown sugar sauce over the yams before serving.
Notes
Pair these candied yams with roasted vegetables, baked chicken, turkey, or other savory main dishes for a delicious sweet-and-savory combination.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 200 g
- Calories: 320 kcal
Keywords: candied sweet potatoes, baked candied yams, southern candied yams