Description
This classic Candied Yams recipe features tender sweet potatoes baked in a luscious, spiced orange glaze made with brown sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh rosemary. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a delightful crunch, making it a perfect side for holiday meals or any comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Yams and Toppings
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices)
- 1/2 cup pecan halves (chopped)
Syrup Mixture
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine freshly squeezed orange juice, dark brown sugar, unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts completely, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and finely chopped fresh rosemary to infuse rich, aromatic flavors.
- Combine and Prepare for Baking: Place the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes into the prepared baking dish. Pour the orange juice syrup mixture over the yams, ensuring they’re well coated.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and absorb the syrup flavors.
- Uncover, Baste, and Continue Baking: Remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes. Baste the yams with the syrup every 7 to 8 minutes to keep them moist and encourage a syrupy glaze to develop. The yams should become tender, and the syrup thick and glossy.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Serve the candied yams immediately, garnished with the chopped pecan halves for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For an extra touch of flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice into the syrup mixture.
- Make sure not to overbake the yams to keep them tender but not mushy.
- Use fresh orange juice rather than concentrated or bottled for the best citrus flavor.
- Chopped pecans can be toasted lightly before garnishing for more crunch and aroma.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; reheat covered in the oven and baste again before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
