Description
This recipe for irresistible candied yams sweet potatoes features tender, thick chunks of sweet potatoes baked in a buttery, spiced brown sugar glaze. The dish is a perfect balance of sweet and warm spices, ideal as a comforting side for holiday meals or everyday dinners. With a rich caramelized topping and a creamy texture, these candied yams are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds total)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thick chunks. Arrange them evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter completely, creating the base for the glaze.
- Add Sugars: Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the melted butter until both sugars dissolve fully, forming a smooth sweet mixture.
- Add Cream and Spices: Pour in the heavy cream, then add ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Cook this mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened to form a rich glaze.
- Glaze Potatoes: Immediately pour the hot glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes, making sure to coat every piece with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook in the steam and absorb the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered and Caramelize: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through this time, spoon the sauce over the potatoes to enhance their caramelization until they are fork-tender and beautifully glazed.
- Rest and Serve: Let the candied yams rest for 10 minutes after removing them from the oven. This resting time helps the glaze thicken and set, ensuring the best flavor and texture when served.
Notes
- To make peeling easier, soak the sweet potatoes in warm water for a few minutes before peeling.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the glaze will be less rich.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the glaze mixture.
- Covering the dish tightly during initial baking keeps the potatoes moist; removing foil later helps caramelize the glaze perfectly.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, turkey, or can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet side.
