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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Generously coat a baking dish with unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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