Best Candied Yams Recipe: Sweet, Spicy, and Simply Irresistible
Looking for the best candied yams recipe that will impress your family and friends? Look no further! This recipe delivers perfectly sweet and subtly spicy candied yams, with a gorgeous glaze that's impossible to resist. Forget those bland, boiled yams – this recipe elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Why This Candied Yams Recipe is the Best
This isn't just a candied yams recipe; it's the best for several reasons:
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness and Spice: We achieve the ideal balance between sweet and spicy, ensuring a flavor profile that's both comforting and exciting. No overpowering sweetness here!
- Stunning Glaze: The glaze is the star of the show, creating a beautiful, glossy finish that's both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.
- Easy to Follow Instructions: Even beginner cooks can master this recipe. We've broken down each step clearly and concisely.
- Versatile: Adjust the spice level to your preference. Want more heat? Add more cayenne! Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce the amount of spice.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 3 pounds yams (or sweet potatoes), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and cube your yams into roughly 1-inch pieces.
- Boil Yams (Optional): For extra tender yams, you can parboil them for about 5-7 minutes before roasting. This step is optional but recommended.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cubed yams, butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss until the yams are evenly coated.
- Roast to Perfection: Spread the yams in a single layer in a large baking dish. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the yams are tender and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly. Stir halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let the candied yams cool slightly before serving. These are delicious as a side dish with roasted meats, poultry, or even as a delightful dessert.
Tips for the Best Candied Yams:
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish: Ensure the yams are in a single layer to promote even cooking and browning.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices to customize the flavor to your liking. A pinch of allspice or cloves would also be delicious.
- Make it ahead: These candied yams can be made ahead of time and reheated. They actually taste even better the next day!
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