How to Make Perfectly Candied Yams in the Oven

Candied yams are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but they can be enjoyed year-round. They’re sweet, savory, and satisfying, making them perfect for any dinner table. If you’re looking to make them at home, there’s no need to be intimidated – the process is actually quite simple and straightforward, and with a little bit of patience and practice, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of delicious candied yams in no time.

To start, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, including yams or sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. You’ll also need a baking dish and an oven. The key to making delicious candied yams is to first boil the sliced yams until they’re tender, then bake them in a mixture of butter, sugar, and spices until they’re golden brown and caramelized. This recipe is perfect for a crowd or as a comforting side for a weekday dinner.

Choosing the Right Yams for Candying

Before getting started with making candied yams in the oven, it is important to consider the type of yams you’ll be using. While there are a variety of yam types available, not all are created equal when it comes to candying. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Look for sweet potatoes labeled “yams”. While sweet potatoes are technically not yams, many grocery stores will label them as such. This can be confusing, but as long as you’re purchasing sweet potatoes with this label, you’ll be good to go.

2. Choose yams that are uniform in size. This will ensure that they cook evenly in the oven.

3. Look for yams that are firm and free of bruises or soft spots. This will ensure that they’re fresh and not overripe.

4. Keep in mind that yams with a reddish skin tend to be sweeter in flavor than those with a lighter skin.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a store employee if you’re unsure about which type of yams to purchase. They can often provide guidance and answer any questions you may have.

By taking the time to choose the right type of yams, you’ll set yourself up for success when it comes to making delicious and perfectly candied yams in the oven.

Tools and Ingredients You’ll Need

Candied yams in the oven are a perfect addition to any holiday meal, but they take some preparation to make just right. You’ll need the appropriate tools and ingredients to make these yams come out perfectly cooked, soft, sweet, and delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

Tools

1. A large baking pan
2. A mixing bowl
3. A potato peeler
4. A sharp knife
5. A wooden spoon
6. A measuring cup

Ingredients

1. 5-6 large sweet potatoes or yams
2. 1 stick (8 tablespoons) of unsalted butter
3. 1 cup of brown sugar
4. 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
5. ½ tsp of ground nutmeg
6. 1 tsp of vanilla extract
7. ¼ tsp of salt
8. 1 cup of water

The above items are essential to help you make the best candied yams in the oven. You cannot substitute the tools to get good results. Additionally, it’s important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients to give a mouth-watering flavor that will leave everyone asking for more.

Before you begin cooking, double-check that you have everything you need to get started. Once you are certain you have everything, preheat your oven to 350°F. This gives your oven enough time to reach the required temperature, which will ensure evenly cooked yams.

Ingredients for Candied Yams

Making candied yams is easy when you have all the necessary ingredients. Here are some of the ingredients that you will require when making candied yams.

How to Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes for Candied Yams

Before you start making candied yams, you need to properly prepare your sweet potatoes. The first step is to thoroughly wash them and scrub off any dirt or debris. Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform chunks to ensure they cook evenly. After cutting, you can soak the sweet potatoes in cold water for at least two hours or overnight. This helps to remove the excess starch and makes your candied yams creamier. Rinse the sweet potatoes under running water and pat dry them using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Preheating Your Oven

Now that you have your sweet potatoes prepared, it’s time to preheat your oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving that appealing texture and taste. While the oven is preheating, start making your candied yams mixture.

Making Your Candied Yams Mixture

The candied yams mixture is made by combining butter, brown sugar, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, salt, and vanilla extract. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, and salt to the melted butter. Stir continuously until everything is combined and the sugar has dissolved. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Baking Your Candied Yams in the Oven

Once you have your sweet potatoes and candied yams mixture ready, it’s time to bake your candied yams. In a baking dish, arrange your sweet potatoes in a single layer. Pour your candied yams mixture over the sweet potatoes, making sure to coat them evenly. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure to seal the edges. Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until tender. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is crispy and golden brown.

In conclusion, making candied yams in the oven is quite easy and straightforward. Just make sure to follow the above steps, and you will be on your way to enjoying a delicious and satisfying side dish with your meals.

Simply Delicious Candied Yams

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make candied yams in the oven with me today! Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back soon for more mouth-watering recipes! Remember to keep it simple, and keep it delicious!