Easy Southern Baked Candied Yams Recipe

Welcome to my blog, where today I’m excited to share with you an Easy Southern Baked Candied Yams Recipe that is sure to bring back memories of childhood. These yams are sweet, buttery, and infused with a blend of spices that make them a true classic soul food dish. In this recipe, I’ve added a zesty twist by replacing the typical lemon or vanilla extract with orange zest. Trust me when I say that you’re going to love it! So, let’s get started and learn how to make these delicious yams step by step.

History of Candied Yams:

Candied yams are a classic dish in Southern American cuisine and have been a staple on holiday tables for generations. The sweet, buttery yams are typically seasoned with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and are often topped with marshmallows or a brown sugar glaze.

The history of baked candied yams can be traced back to the African slave trade, where yams were a staple food in many African countries. When enslaved Africans were brought to the Americas, they brought their traditional foodways with them, including the practice of candying yams.

However, the term “yam” can be misleading, as what is commonly referred to as yams in the United States are actually a type of sweet potato. Sweet potatoes were already grown in the Americas by Indigenous people, but enslaved Africans added their own spices and cooking methods to create candied yams as we know them today.

During the era of slavery, enslaved Africans were often given only scraps of food to eat, and candied yams were a way to make the most of the limited ingredients available. The dish became popular during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas when families would gather to celebrate and share a meal.

Today, baked candied yams continue to be a beloved comfort food and a symbol of African American culinary heritage. While the recipe has evolved over time to include various ingredients and techniques, the essence of baked candied yams remains rooted in the traditions and ingenuity of enslaved Africans.

Ingredients Needed For Baked Candied Yams:

• 4 lbs of yams (about 4 medium sized yams)
• 2 cups of brown sugar
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tbs cinnamon
• 1 tsp cloves
• ½ tsp nutmeg
•  Zest of 1 orange
• 2 sticks melted butter

Instructions Required For Baked Candied Yams:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
2. Wash and peel the yams. Slice them into 1/4 inch thick rounds and arrange them in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and orange zest. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
4. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and spice mixture to the saucepan and stir until the sugar has completely melted and the ingredients are well combined.
5. Pour the sugar mixture over the sliced yams in the baking dish. Use a spatula to mix everything together until the yams are coated in the sugar mixture.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
7. Bake the yams for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender and the sugar mixture has thickened and caramelized.
8. Once the yams are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, you can garnish the yams with some additional orange zest or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Variations Of Baked Candied Yams:

1. Marshmallow Topping: For a classic candied yams recipe, top your sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows and broil them in the oven until golden brown.
2. Bourbon Glaze: Add a splash of bourbon to the sugar mixture for a boozy twist on your candied yams. Let the yams cook for a few extra minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off.
3. Pecan Topping: Mix chopped pecans with the sugar and spice mixture and sprinkle them over the top of the yams before baking. This adds an extra crunch and nuttiness to the dish.
4. Maple Syrup: Instead of using all granulated and brown sugar, substitute some of it with pure maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
5. Orange Juice: Add a splash of fresh orange juice to the sugar mixture to enhance the citrus flavor and complement the orange zest.
6. Savory Twist: For a more savory twist on the traditional candied yams, try adding some chopped onions and garlic to the sugar mixture, along with some cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
7. Mini Yams: For a cute and creative twist, use mini yams instead of large ones. Simply slice them in half, spoon out some of the flesh, and fill with the sugar mixture before baking.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Holiday Dinner: Candied yams are a classic side dish for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Serve them alongside roasted turkey, ham, or other traditional holiday dishes.
2. Soul Food Feast: Candied yams are a staple in Southern soul food cuisine. Serve them alongside other soul food favorites like fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread.
3. Brunch or Breakfast: Candied yams can be a delicious addition to a brunch or breakfast spread. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a hearty breakfast.
4. Potluck or Picnic: Candied yams are a great dish to bring to a potluck or picnic. They can be served at room temperature or reheated, making them a versatile and easy-to-transport dish.
5. Dessert: Candied yams are sweet enough to serve as a dessert on their own, especially when topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
6. Leftovers: Candied yams make great leftovers and can be reheated in the microwave or oven. They also make a great topping for oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast.

Tips For Baked Candied Yams:

1. Choose the Right Yams: Look for garnet or jewel yams, which are varieties that are naturally sweeter and have a richer color than other sweet potato varieties.
2. Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to slice the yams evenly, so they cook evenly and have a consistent texture.
3. Melt the Butter First: Melt the butter in the saucepan before adding the sugar and spice mixture. This will help the sugar melt more quickly and evenly.
4. Mix Well: Make sure the sugar and spice mixture is well combined before pouring it over the yams. Use a whisk or fork to ensure that all the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Cover with Foil: Covering the yams with foil while baking helps them cook evenly and prevents them from drying out.
6. Check for Doneness: Check the yams after 45 minutes to see if they are tender and the sugar mixture has thickened and caramelized. If not, return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
7. Let Cool Before Serving: Allow the candied yams to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will give the sugar mixture time to set and will prevent anyone from burning their mouth on hot sugar.

FAQ’s Of Baked Candied Yams:

Q: What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?

A: In the United States, what is commonly referred to as “yams” are actually a type of sweet potato. True yams are native to Africa and Asia and are not widely available in the United States.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! Candied yams can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

A: Yes! To make this recipe vegan or dairy-free, simply substitute the melted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?

A: Yes! You can experiment with different types of sugar, such as honey or maple syrup, to adjust the sweetness and flavor of the yams.

Q: Can I add marshmallows to this recipe?

A: Yes! For a classic candied yams recipe, top your sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows and broil them in the oven until golden brown.

Q: How do I know when the yams are done?

A: The yams are done when they are tender and the sugar mixture has thickened and caramelized. You can check for doneness after 45 minutes by inserting a fork into the yams to see if they are tender.

Q: Can I freeze leftover candied yams?

A: Yes! Candied yams can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

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