Candied Yams | A Sweet Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipe
Recipe Overview
Overview
Candied yams are a beloved staple on many Thanksgiving tables, and this recipe elevates the classic dish with a few thoughtful twists. The sweet potatoes are baked in a rich glaze made from coconut sugar, which adds a unique caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the yams. The addition of orange juice and zest not only brightens the dish but also complements the spices, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
The preparation is straightforward: after peeling and chopping the sweet potatoes, they are combined with the glaze ingredients, including melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of molasses. This mixture is then poured over the yams in a baking dish, making it easy to prepare ahead of time for the busy holiday.
Baking uncovered allows the glaze to thicken and caramelize, resulting in a deliciously syrupy finish that coats each piece of sweet potato. The aroma of cinnamon and orange wafting through the kitchen is sure to evoke the warmth of family gatherings. As the dish bakes, the sweet potatoes become tender and soak up all the flavors, making them a delightful complement to savory main courses.
For those looking to impress at their Thanksgiving feast, these candied yams are a must-try. They not only taste fantastic but also add a vibrant splash of color to the table. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the holiday without the stress of last-minute cooking.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Peel the sweet potatoes and dice them into large chunks.
Place the sweet potato chunks into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Tip: You can prep this recipe the day before Thanksgiving and store it in the fridge.
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of coconut sugar, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of orange juice, 1 tbspoon of black strap molasses, 1 tbspoon of vanilla extract, 2 tspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 tspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/2 tspoon of ground ginger, and 1/2 tspoon of kosher salt.
Tip: Coconut sugar has a slight caramel undertone that enhances the flavor.
Pour the glaze over the yams and stir everything together to coat the yams.
Bake in a preheated 400°F oven uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Tip: Baking uncovered helps the glaze to thicken up.
Tip: Stir the yams to ensure even coating and caramelization.
Check that the yams are soft and fork tender.
Allow the baking dish to cool on the dinner table.
Zest a little bit of fresh orange on top before serving.
Tip: Zest fresh orange on top for a pretty garnish and to highlight the orange flavor.
Tip: If the yams will sit out for a while, consider cooking them a bit less for more bite.
Tip: Adding orange zest at the end balances the sugary sweetness.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Oil
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Candied yams are often mistaken for true yams, which have a different texture and flavor.
- •Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative to brown sugar in recipes.
- •Baking the yams uncovered helps the glaze thicken and caramelize.
- •Adding fresh orange zest enhances the flavor and presentation of the dish.
