Quick & Delightful Ina Garten Candied Yams Recipe

Ina Garten’s candied yams transform ordinary root vegetables into a sublime culinary experience that dances between sweet and savory.

Sophisticated home cooks recognize this dish as a phenomenal side that elevates any meal with its rich, caramelized essence.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg intertwine with brown sugar, creating a luxurious glaze that coats each tender slice.

Magical kitchen alchemy occurs when butter melts into the syrupy mixture, producing a deeply complex flavor profile.

The orange juice adds a bright, unexpected note that cuts through the sweetness, ensuring a balanced taste sensation.

Roots become something extraordinary under careful preparation, turning simple ingredients into a memorable comfort food.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this decadent side dish that feels like a warm culinary embrace: prepare to be amazed.

Why Ina Garten’s Candied Yams Are a Holiday Favorite

• Infuse Sweet Sophistication: Transform ordinary yams into a luxurious side dish that elevates any meal with rich, caramelized flavors and elegant bourbon-enhanced syrup.
• Master Simple Gourmet Techniques: Create restaurant-quality results using basic kitchen skills, requiring minimal culinary expertise while delivering maximum taste complexity.
• Experience Sensational Texture Symphony: Enjoy yams that are perfectly tender inside with a gloriously sticky, slightly crisp exterior, creating an irresistible mouthwatering contrast with each delectable bite.

All You Need for Ina Garten Candied Yams

• Yams: Starchy root vegetable that serves as the base of the dish, best when firm and smooth with no soft spots.
• Orange Juice: Adds bright citrus flavor and helps create the candying syrup.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create thick caramelized coating for yams.
• Bourbon, Orange Juice: Adds depth of flavor and helps create smooth syrup.
• Cinnamon Stick, Nutmeg: Provides warm, aromatic background notes to enhance the sweet flavor.

• Butter: Adds richness, helps create smooth syrup, and prevents sticking in baking dish.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

How to Prepare Ina Garten Candied Yams

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to 400°F. Generously coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with softened butter, ensuring every corner gets some love.

Step 2: Craft Delectable Syrup

• Granulated sugar
• Fresh orange juice
• Unsalted butter
• 1 whole cinnamon stick
• Bourbon (optional)
• Ground nutmeg
• Kosher salt

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick.

Step 3: Transform Yams

Carefully peel 4-5 medium yams, then slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange the yam circles in a single layer within the buttered baking dish. Pour the warm, fragrant syrup evenly over the yams.

Step 4: Bake with Precision

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 50-60 minutes. Every 15 minutes, lovingly baste the yams with additional syrup using a large spoon.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the yams are golden, caramelized, and tender, remove from oven. Allow to rest for 10-15 minutes. The syrup will continue to thicken and develop deeper flavors. Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Chef’s Tips for Ina Garten Candied Yams

• Customize Flavor Boldly: Sprinkle nutmeg or ground ginger for a unique taste profile that makes the dish your own.
• Preserve Moisture Expertly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container, ensuring gentle reheating to maintain tenderness.
• Rest and Settle Wisely: Allow yams 10-15 minutes after baking so syrup thickens and flavors meld beautifully.
• Select Yams Carefully: Pick firm, fresh vegetables to guarantee sturdy texture during extended baking process.
• Adapt Bourbon Creatively: Swap bourbon with apple cider or extra orange juice for a kid-friendly alternative.

Safekeeping Ina Garten Candied Yams

• Fridge Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight glass container with a tight-sealing lid. Protect the sweet caramelized surface by placing a piece of parchment paper directly on top before closing the container, which prevents moisture buildup and preserves the yams' delicate texture.
• Reheating Method: Warm gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Drizzle a few tablespoons of fresh maple syrup or butter over the top to restore moisture and reinvigorate the caramelized glaze, ensuring the yams taste just as delicious as when first prepared.
• Shelf Life: Consume refrigerated candied yams within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and quality.

Fun Twists on Ina Garten Candied Yams

• Maple Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the yams during the last 15 minutes of baking for added texture and nutty flavor. Drizzle pure maple syrup instead of orange juice for a deeper sweetness.
• Spiced Rum Caribbean Style: Replace bourbon with dark rum and add a pinch of allspice and ginger. Include some orange zest to brighten the flavor profile and create a tropical-inspired side dish.
• Savory Herb Infusion: Swap sugar with honey and add fresh thyme and rosemary to the syrup. Reduce the sweetness by using less sugar and incorporating minced garlic for a more complex, herbal undertone.
• Apple Cider Glazed Version: Substitute orange juice with fresh apple cider and add a dash of ground cloves. Sprinkle brown sugar on top before the final baking stage to create a caramelized crust that adds depth and richness.

Concluding Note on Ina Garten Candied Yams

Culinary magic emerges from Ina Garten’s candied yams, a symphony of sweet and spice dancing across plates.

Southern comfort meets sophisticated flavor through carefully caramelized orange-bourbon glaze.

Warm kitchen aromas whisper nostalgic memories of festive gatherings and shared meals.

Elegant yet unpretentious, these yams elevate simple ingredients into memorable experience.

Complex layers of cinnamon, nutmeg, and bourbon create depth beyond traditional side dishes.

Passionate cooks can elevate their holiday tables – share this delectable recipe, sprinkle comments with your twists, and spread deliciousness across social networks.

Ina Garten Candied Yams Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s candied yams bring Southern comfort to holiday tables with rich, caramelized sweetness. Buttery marshmallow topping and warm spices create a luxurious side dish that turns simple root vegetables into a memorable culinary experience you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 medium yams (about 3 pounds / 1.36 kilograms)
• 3 tablespoons butter, plus more for the pan
• 1 cinnamon stick

Sweeteners and Liquids:

• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• ½ cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons Bourbon (optional)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 pinch of nutmeg
• 1 pinch of kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Generously coat a baking dish with unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Craft a luxurious syrup by combining granulated sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, melted butter, a whole cinnamon stick, optional bourbon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid slightly thickens (approximately 8-10 minutes). Remove and discard the cinnamon stick.
3. Transform whole yams by carefully peeling and slicing them into uniform half-inch (1.27 centimeters) circular medallions. Arrange the yam slices in an even layer within the prepared baking dish. Lavishly drench the yam slices with the aromatic syrup, ensuring complete coverage. Securely shield the dish with aluminum foil.
4. Position the covered dish in the preheated oven. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil, exposing the yams to direct heat. Continue baking for an additional 50-60 minutes. Every 15 minutes, tenderly baste the yams with the remaining syrup, promoting caramelization and enhanced flavor development.
5. Once baking is complete, remove the dish and allow the yams to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling the syrup to slightly set and the yams to reach a perfect serving temperature. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, glossy result.

Notes

• Make this dish ahead of time to let flavors deepen and meld, creating an even more delicious side.
• Room temperature serving works wonderfully, offering flexibility for busy holiday meal preparations.
• Swap bourbon with apple juice for a kid-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Crispy tops develop naturally when foil is removed midway through baking, adding textural intrigue.
• Deep orange sweet potatoes promise maximum natural sweetness and a luxuriously creamy consistency.
• Frequent basting creates a stunning glossy exterior with complex, rich flavor layers that will impress everyone at the table.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg