There’s a warm, inviting comfort that envelops you when the sweet aroma of sweet potatoes caramelizing with orange juice wafts through your kitchen. I discovered this delightful recipe for the best candied yams during a family gathering, where everyone was craving a little taste of nostalgia. You know, the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table, each bite bursting with luscious sweetness, a touch of spice, and that unmistakable citrus zing.
After several rounds of trial and error to perfect this dish, I can confidently say that you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create this spectacular centerpiece for any meal. With just a handful of ingredients—sweet potatoes, orange juice, and brown sugar—you’ll transform humble roots into a stunning, crowd-pleasing delight. Perfect for holiday feasts or as an everyday side that impresses, these candied yams are bound to earn a special spot on your dinner menu. Let’s get cooking!
Why are The Best Candied Yams so irresistible?
Warm, Inviting Aroma: The delightful scent of sweet potatoes caramelizing with orange juice creates a cozy atmosphere in your kitchen.
Bursting with Flavor: A perfect blend of sweet and tangy with just the right hint of spice from ground ginger and cinnamon.
Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, it’s perfect for home cooks of all levels.
Versatile Dish: Ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or as a comfort food staple throughout the year.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Your guests will rave about this dish, making it a guaranteed star on your dinner table.
The Best Candied Yams Ingredients
• Discover the essentials to make The Best Candied Yams in your kitchen!
For the Sweet Potatoes
- 3 pounds garnet or ruby sweet potatoes – These varieties provide a beautiful color and rich flavor profile.
- Kosher salt – Helps enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
For the Sauce
- 2 cups orange juice – Adds a delightful citrus zing that perfectly complements the sweetness.
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups brown sugar – This sweetener adds a warm, caramel flavor to your yams.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – Introduces a subtle spice that enhances the overall flavor balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – A classic spice that warms up the dish and adds depth.
- 4 tablespoons butter – Provides richness and helps everything meld beautifully together.
How to Make The Best Candied Yams
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Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into 2-inch chunks, embracing their vibrant colors. This will help them cook evenly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
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Cover the sweet potatoes with water in a large pot and sprinkle in kosher salt. The water should just cover the sweet potatoes to ensure they get tender without overcooking.
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Boil the water over medium-high heat, waiting for the sweet potatoes to become fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You want them soft, but not falling apart.
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Drain the sweet potatoes carefully and return them to the pot. This step is crucial for locking in the flavors.
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Mix in the orange juice, brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, and butter. Stir gently until these ingredients are well combined, and the sweet potatoes are coated.
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Cook over medium heat for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want everything to be heated through and for the sugar to begin to caramelize slightly, creating a glossy finish.
Optional: Garnish with toasted pecans for an extra crunch and flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for The Best Candied Yams
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Choose Quality Sweet Potatoes: Opt for garnet or ruby varieties for the best flavor and vibrant color. Avoid using bland or starchy types for this recipe.
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Don’t Overcook: When boiling, check for fork-tenderness around 15-20 minutes—overcooked yams can become mushy, affecting the final texture and sweetness.
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Balance Sweetness: Adjust brown sugar to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet dish, start with 1 cup and add more if desired.
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Ginger and Cinnamon: Fresh spices can elevate your dish! Grind your ginger and cinnamon to freshness to enhance the flavors of your candied yams.
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Sauce Consistency: Let the mixture simmer for a few extra minutes to achieve a syrupy consistency—this brings out the rich, candied flavor and glossy appearance.
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Experiment with Toppings: For a delightful twist, try adding toasted nuts or mini marshmallows when serving your candied yams—they add both texture and an extra layer of flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful The Best Candied Yams are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts craving a head start on tasty dinners! You can peel and chop the sweet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance—just store them in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Additionally, you can mix the orange juice, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and butter in a separate container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply drain and cook your sweet potatoes until tender, then heat the prepared sauce in a pot, add the sweet potatoes, and stir gently to coat them before serving. Enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal last-minute effort!
How to Store and Freeze The Best Candied Yams
Fridge: Store any leftover candied yams in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their delicious flavors and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the candied yams in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure to let them cool completely before freezing to avoid ice crystals.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. This keeps them soft and tasty, just like when you first made them!
Serving Tip: If the yams seem dry after reheating, add a splash of orange juice to revive their flavor and moisture, making them irresistible all over again!
What to Serve with The Best Candied Yams?
The perfect meal starts with a delightful balance of flavors and textures that complement each other beautifully.
- Savory Roast Chicken: Juicy, golden-brown chicken is a classic pairing that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet, caramelized notes of the yams.
- Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic add a refreshing crunch and vibrant color to your plate, enhancing the meal’s overall appeal.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, these glazed carrots echo the sweetness of the yams, creating a visually appealing harmony on your dining table.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts: The nutty flavor and crisp texture of roasted Brussels sprouts provide a lovely savory balance alongside the sweet candied delight.
- Stuffing or Dressing: A flavorful stuffing, perhaps with herbs and sausage, adds an earthy depth that pairs beautifully with the vibrant sweetness of the yams.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture and subtle creaminess of mashed potatoes provide a comforting counterpoint to the vibrant flavors of this seasonal dish.
- Maple-Glazed Pork Chops: The sweetness of maple and the richness of pork contrast nicely with the candied yams, making for a wonderful fusion of flavors.
- Sparkling Cider: A glass of chilled sparkling cider adds a festive touch, with its crisp acidity brightening the rich flavors of your meal.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For dessert, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream drizzled with warm leftover sauce from the yams creates a sensational finish to your feast.
Let these pairings inspire your next gathering, turning simple moments into sweet memories!
The Best Candied Yams Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize this delightful dish with your own personal touch!
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Maple Syrup: Replace brown sugar with an equal amount of pure maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness. This swap brings a cozy flavor reminiscent of autumn!
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Nut Butter: Stir in 1/4 cup of almond or peanut butter for a creamy texture and added protein. The nutty flavor enhances the sweetness beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you’re craving some heat. Just a touch adds an exciting contrast to the sweetness of the yams.
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Coconut Bliss: Substitute half of the butter with coconut oil and sprinkle with shredded coconut for a tropical twist. This creates a delightful flavor combination that transports you to paradise.
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Pineapple Orange: Use pineapple juice instead of orange juice for a fruity twist that pairs well with the sweet potatoes. It gives your yams a vibrant, tangy edge.
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Slow-Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, prepare the yams in a slow cooker. Combine ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours, resulting in soft, flavorful results.
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Nutty Topping: Top with toasted pecans or walnuts before serving for a crunchy texture contrast. The added crunch and flavor make every bite delightful.
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Herbal Infusion: Experiment by adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the mix for an herby twist. The aromatics will elevate the dish, adding depth and freshness.
With these variations, you can enjoy The Best Candied Yams in endless delightful ways!
The Best Candied Yams Recipe FAQs
What type of sweet potatoes should I use for The Best Candied Yams?
Absolutely! I recommend garnet or ruby sweet potatoes, as they provide a wonderful color and a rich, sweet flavor that’s ideal for this recipe. Avoid using bland or starchy varieties, which can detract from that sweet, caramelized taste we’re aiming for.
How should I store The Best Candied Yams?
Store any leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help retain their delicious flavors and textures. I find that keeping them sealed is key to avoiding any drying out.
Can I freeze The Best Candied Yams?
Yes, you can! For freezing, place the candied yams in a freezer-safe container, making sure they cool completely before sealing. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, label the container with the date, so you know when to enjoy them again!
What’s the best way to reheat frozen candied yams?
To reheat, start by transferring the container to the fridge and letting it thaw overnight. Then, warm the yams gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If they seem a bit dry, add a splash of orange juice to restore their moisture and flavor!
How can I avoid mushy sweet potatoes in my candied yams?
Very good question! To prevent mushy sweet potatoes, make sure to check them for fork-tenderness around the 15-20 minute mark when boiling. If they overcook, they can break down and lose their texture. A gentle touch when stirring during preparation goes a long way, too!
Are The Best Candied Yams suitable for those with dietary allergies?
While sweet potatoes and the other ingredients used are naturally gluten-free and nut-free, always check for specific allergies before serving. If cooking for guests, you might consider substituting butter with a dairy-free alternative to accommodate lactose allergies, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish!
The Best Candied Yams with Orange Bliss and Sweet Spice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into 2-inch chunks.
- Cover the sweet potatoes with water in a large pot and sprinkle in kosher salt.
- Boil the water over medium-high heat until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the sweet potatoes carefully and return them to the pot.
- Mix in the orange juice, brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, and butter.
- Cook over medium heat for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.