The Perfect Candied Yams Warm Spices Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Sweet potatoes dance with warm spices in this mouthwatering candied yams recipe that promises pure comfort.

Layers of golden-brown sugar melt into soft, velvety roots for an irresistible side dish.

Cinnamon and nutmeg whisper memories of cozy autumn gatherings around the table.

Rich butter caramelizes each tender slice, creating a luxurious texture that melts on your tongue.

Fragrant aromas will fill your kitchen with anticipation of delicious warmth.

Southern traditions inspire this simple yet elegant recipe that transforms humble ingredients into something magical.

You cannot resist diving into this delectable celebration of seasonal flavors.

Candied Yams with Warm Spices – Sweet and Comforting

• Boost Family Comfort: Warm spices and sweet glaze create a nostalgic, heartwarming dish that brings everyone together around the table with pure deliciousness.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Straightforward steps and basic ingredients make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring minimal culinary expertise.
• Maximize Flavor Complexity: Layered spices like cinnamon and nutmeg transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a rich, sophisticated side dish with depth and character.
• Celebrate Versatile Occasion: Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or potluck events, these candied yams elevate any meal with their irresistible sweetness and aromatic profile.

Ingredient List for Candied Yams with Spices

• Sweet Potatoes: Fresh root vegetables that create the base of this classic holiday side dish.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: A sweet and rich combination that forms the sticky caramel-like coating for the sweet potatoes.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and traditional holiday flavor to the glaze.

• Vanilla: A smooth flavoring that enhances the overall sweetness of the dish.
• Salt: A small pinch that balances and intensifies the sweet flavors.

How to Make Candied Yams for Holidays

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Turn your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice Sweet Potatoes

Wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly.

Peel off the skin and slice them into beautiful half-inch thick pieces.

Arrange these golden slices evenly in your prepared dish.

Step 3: Create a Magical Glaze

Grab a saucepan and melt butter over medium heat.

• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Tiny pinch of salt

Stir this delightful mixture constantly for about 5 minutes until it transforms into a smooth, glossy sauce.

Pull from heat and splash in vanilla extract for an extra flavor punch.

Step 4: Coat Potato Slices

Pour your warm, fragrant glaze all over the sweet potato slices.

Use a spatula to ensure every single piece gets a luxurious coating.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Cover the dish with aluminum foil, leaving a small vent for steam.

Slide into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Stir and Continue Cooking

Pull out the dish, give those potatoes a gentle stir to redistribute the glaze.

Re-cover and return to the oven for another 25 minutes.

Step 7: Final Crispy Finish

Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

This helps create a slightly caramelized, crispy top.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let your candied yams rest for 10 minutes.

This allows the glaze to set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy the warm, spicy-sweet goodness!

Helpful Tips for Tender, Spiced Candied Yams

• Add a splash of bourbon or dark rum to the glaze for a rich, complex taste that elevates the traditional sweet potato profile.
• Stir the sweet potatoes carefully during baking to ensure even caramelization and prevent any burnt edges.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top during the final uncovered baking stage for a delightful textural contrast.
• Prepare the dish a day in advance and reheat gently in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify overnight.
• Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains the same luscious, caramelized coating.

Yams Variations for Sweet and Spicy Fans

• Vegan Sweet Potato Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a plant-based version that's equally rich and creamy.
• Gluten-Free Spice Blend: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and swap regular sugars with coconut sugar for a clean, allergen-friendly option.
• Reduced Sugar Comfort: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia to cut down on sugar content while maintaining the warm, comforting flavors of the original recipe.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top during the final baking stage for added texture and nutty depth.

Serving Candied Yams for Thanksgiving Tables

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Place the candied yams in a beautiful ceramic dish surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks for a stunning thanksgiving or christmas table presentation.
• Topping Paradise: Sprinkle chopped pecans, toasted marshmallows, or a light dusting of additional ground cinnamon right before serving to add crunch and extra flavor layers.
• Complementary Pairings: Serve alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or as a delightful side to your main protein, creating a balanced and delectable meal experience.
• Leftover Magic: Repurpose remaining candied yams by warming them slightly and using as a sweet topping for morning pancakes or blending into a smooth breakfast smoothie for unexpected morning delight.

Storing Candied Yams with Warm Spices Best

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the dish sealed to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer cooled candied yams to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.
• Warm in 350F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying, then uncover last 5 minutes to restore slight caramelization.

FAQs

• What makes candied yams different from regular sweet potato dishes?

Candied yams have a rich, sweet glaze made with brown sugar, granulated sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a caramelized coating that transforms simple sweet potatoes into a decadent side dish.

• Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

No, sweet potatoes are essential for this recipe. They have a natural sweetness and creamy texture that regular potatoes lack, which is crucial for achieving the classic candied yam flavor and consistency.

• Is this recipe considered a side dish or a dessert?

Candied yams are traditionally served as a side dish, often accompanying main courses like roasted turkey or ham, especially during holiday meals. However, its sweet profile makes it similar to a dessert.

Candied Yams Warm Spices Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern comfort meets culinary magic in Grandma’s Candied Yams, a soul-warming dish brimming with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Creamy orange-glazed yams deliver nostalgic holiday flavors you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 sweet potatoes, medium-sized, peeled and sliced into 1/4 – 1/2 inch pieces
• 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) salted butter (unsalted can also be used)

Sugars:

• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon real vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Thoroughly wash and peel sweet potatoes, then slice them into uniform 1/2-inch thick pieces, arranging them evenly across the prepared baking dish.
3. Create a rich glaze by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then incorporating brown sugar, granulated sugar, aromatic cinnamon, warm nutmeg, and a delicate pinch of salt. Simmer and whisk continuously for 5 minutes until the mixture transforms into a silky, harmonious blend.
4. Stir vanilla into the glossy glaze, then carefully drizzle the entire mixture over the sweet potato slices, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and luxuriously coated.
5. Shield the dish with vented aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become tender and absorb the sweet spices.
6. Carefully remove the foil, gently stir the potatoes to redistribute the glaze, then re-cover and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes.
7. Uncover the dish for the final 10 minutes of baking, allowing the edges to caramelize and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
8. Remove from the oven and let the candied yams rest for 10 minutes, enabling the glaze to set and intensify in flavor before serving.

Notes

• Customize sweetness by adjusting sugar amounts to suit personal taste preferences.
• Create a lighter version by using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for a more natural glaze.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and healthy fats.
• Try spice variations by incorporating ground ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern Cuisine

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 354 kcal
• Sugar: 43 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg