Ina Garten’s Golden Candied Yams Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Triumph

Warm, golden candied yams speak directly to the comfort of home cooking, with Ina Garten’s candied yams recipe promising a delectable side dish that sparks joy at any gathering.

Southern kitchens know the magic of sweet potato magic, and this version elevates the classic comfort food with rich, caramelized edges.

Brown sugar and butter blend into a luscious coating that turns ordinary sweet potatoes into an extraordinary treat.

Garten’s approach balances sweetness with subtle depth, creating a dish that sings with pure, honest flavor.

Maple syrup adds a luxurious note that makes these yams irresistibly good.

Soft, tender sweet potatoes melt beneath a glistening glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Serve these yams alongside roasted meats or holiday favorites, and watch as they become the star of your meal.

Serving Ideas for Ina Garten Candied Yams

• Elevate Your Candied Yams Dining Experience
• Pair with Protein: Serve alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or crispy roasted chicken for a delightful holiday meal combination.
• Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle chopped pecans, toasted marshmallows, or fresh orange zest on top to add texture and enhance the sweet flavor profile.
• Complement with Sides: Create a balanced plate by adding green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, or a light leafy salad to balance the rich, sweet yams.
• Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the candied yams a day in advance and gently reheat in the oven, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for an even more delicious dish.

Storing and Planning Ahead with Ina Garten Candied Yams

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover candied yams to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Refrigerate Quickly: Cool the yams completely before storing in the refrigerator, where they'll stay delicious for 3-4 days without losing their sweet, syrupy texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm the yams gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of orange juice to restore moisture and prevent drying out during reheating.
• Freeze for Later: Pack cooled candied yams in freezer-safe containers, leaving a small space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months for a convenient make-ahead side dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 6

What’s in Ina Garten Candied Yams

• Sweet Potatoes: Vibrant, orange-fleshed root vegetable that provides the hearty foundation for this classic dish, selecting fresh and firm tubers ensures the best texture and flavor.
• Orange Juice Concentrate: Bright citrus essence that adds a tangy depth and helps create a luscious syrupy coating for the yams.

• Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Caramel-like sweeteners that transform the yams into a decadent side dish, creating a rich, glossy glaze.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm, aromatic spices that infuse the dish with cozy, holiday-inspired flavors and enhance the natural sweetness of the yams.
• Salt: Subtle seasoning that balances and intensifies the overall taste profile.

• Butter: Creamy, luxurious component that adds richness and helps create a silky, glossy coating.
• Vanilla Extract: Fragrant flavor enhancer that rounds out the sweetness and adds complexity to the dish.

Tools You’ll Need for Ina Garten Candied Yams

• Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking and coating sweet potatoes with sugar-butter mixture.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for peeling and cutting yams into half-inch rounds.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for preparing yams.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Fork: Useful for checking yam tenderness during cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
• Oven: Used for keeping candied yams warm before serving.

How to Make Ina Garten Candied Yams Easily

• Preparation Ritual

Gather your sweet potato treasures and transform your kitchen into a cozy culinary haven. Wash and slice these orange beauties into delightful half-inch rounds with care and precision.

• Flavor Symphony

Combine a magical blend of sugars, warm spices, and silky butter in a medium saucepan. This aromatic mixture will create a luxurious coating that transforms humble yams into a decadent side dish.

• Cooking Dance

Simmer the yams over medium-high heat, gently stirring to ensure each slice becomes beautifully glazed. Allow the liquid to bubble and caramelize, creating a rich, golden syrup that clings to every morsel.

• Patience and Perfection

Cover the pan and let the yams soften slowly, about 50-60 minutes. Test their tenderness with a fork – they should yield easily but not fall apart. The goal is a perfect balance between soft and structured.

• Final Touch

Reduce the cooking liquid until it becomes a glossy, thick sauce. Remove from heat and let the yams rest, absorbing the final moments of sweet, spicy goodness. Serve warm and watch as your guests marvel at this comforting dish.

Tips to Change Up Ina Garten Candied Yams

• Expert Tips & Twists
• Choose firm, unblemished yams with smooth skin and vibrant orange color for maximum sweetness and perfect texture.
• Experiment with warm spice combinations like pumpkin pie spice or replace ground ginger with fresh minced ginger for a zesty kick.
• Drizzle dark rum or bourbon into the cooking liquid for sophisticated, complex undertones that elevate the traditional recipe.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans or toasted marshmallows over the finished yams during the last 5 minutes of cooking for delightful textural contrast.
• Prepare candied yams up to two days in advance and reheat gently in the oven, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for an even more delicious side dish.