Sweet Glazed Yams

Name: Sweet Glazed Yams
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 lbs yams; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup water; 1/4 cup orange juice; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 8

★★★★★

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Sweet Glazed Yams are the perfect combination of tender, caramelized goodness and warm spices. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of yams with a luscious glaze that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering, especially during the holiday season.

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Ingredients for Sweet Glazed Yams

Yams are the star of this dish, providing a hearty and slightly sweet base that pairs beautifully with the glaze. Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes during baking. Unsalted butter brings a rich, creamy texture to the glaze, while water and orange juice help create a smooth, pourable consistency. The cinnamon and nutmeg add warm, aromatic notes that make this dish feel cozy and inviting. A touch of salt enhances all the flavors, and vanilla extract rounds everything out with a hint of floral sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

If you like a thicker glaze, let the mixture simmer for a few extra minutes before adding the yams.
For a slightly tangier taste, increase the orange juice to a third of a cup.
Make sure to peel yams carefully to remove any rough patches that might affect texture.

Serving Suggestions

These sweet glazed yams are a fantastic side dish for roasted turkey or ham. They also pair well with savory dishes, such as roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple green salad, balancing out the sweetness with fresh, earthy flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?: Yes, sweet potatoes are a great substitute and will work just as well in this recipe.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?: Prepare the yams and glaze, then store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them when you're ready to serve.

Sweet Glazed Yams Recipe Walkthrough

First off, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot when the yams are ready to go in. While that’s heating up, grab your yams. Peel them and chop them into 1-inch cubes. This size is perfect for even cooking and allows the glaze to coat each piece thoroughly.

Now, move on to the glaze. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine your brown sugar, butter, water, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir this mixture until the butter melts completely and you have a smooth, cohesive glaze. This should take just a few minutes.

Next, add the yam cubes to the saucepan with your glaze. Stir them around gently until each piece is well-coated. Once the yams are nicely covered, transfer them to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread them out evenly so they cook uniformly.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in your preheated oven. Let it bake for 45 minutes. Use this time to relax or prep other parts of your meal. When the timer goes off, remove the foil, give the yams a gentle stir, and return them to the oven for another 15 minutes. This step helps the glaze caramelize beautifully.

Once done, take the dish out of the oven and stir in the vanilla extract. This final touch adds a lovely aroma and enhances the overall flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Perfectly balanced sweetness without being overpowering.
An excellent make-ahead dish for busy holiday cooking.
Deliciously comforting and ideal for chilly weather.

Ingredients

4 lbs yams

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup orange juice

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Peel the yams and cut them into 1-inch cubes.

3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, water, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth.

4. Add the yams to the saucepan, stirring to coat them evenly with the glaze.

5. Transfer the yam mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading them out evenly.

6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

7. Remove the foil, stir the yams gently, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the yams are tender and the glaze is caramelized.

8. Remove from the oven and stir in the vanilla extract before serving.

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