© Original recipe by Serena Miller ©
🍠✨ Oven-Baked Candied Yams with Caramel Sauce: The Ultimate Sweet Roasted Yams Experience
1. Introduction
Imagine biting into perfectly tender, caramel-glazed yams that melt in your mouth, enveloped with a luscious, sticky caramel sauce. This dish, known as candied yams, is a holiday classic that combines sweet roasted yams with a rich, buttery caramel coating. The magic lies in the oven-baking process, which enhances their natural sweetness and gives them a crispy, golden edge. Whether you’re preparing a festive feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe promises to delight every palate with its comforting flavors and irresistible aroma.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 45 minutes — minimal prep, maximum flavor
- One-pan baking simplifies cleanup and ensures even caramel coating
- Perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and caramelized notes
- Versatile side dish suitable for holidays, weeknights, or special occasions
- Visually stunning with a glossy, caramel-glazed finish that’s irresistible
3. Ingredient Notes
The star ingredients in this baked yams dish play a vital role in achieving the dish’s luscious texture and rich flavor. For the yams, opt for large, fresh yams or sweet potatoes. Look for firm, unblemished tubers without cracks or soft spots.
The caramel sauce benefits from high-quality brown sugar or dark corn syrup for depth of flavor, while a splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness. A touch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add an aromatic spice undertone, but keep it subtle to let the natural flavors shine. Use salted butter for a richer, more balanced caramel, and finishing with a sprinkle of sea salt elevates the entire dish.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Preparing these caramel yams is a breeze with the right tools. A Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics can be used to quickly pre-cook or reheat leftovers if desired, though the oven is traditional and best for roasting. Consider a sturdy T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set for making the caramel sauce and baking the yams effortlessly. A high-quality baking dish is essential for even heat distribution, ensuring that every bite has that perfect caramelized crust. These tools make the cooking process smooth, efficient, and enjoyable.
5. How to Make Oven-Baked Candied Yams with Caramel Sauce
Preparation and Cooking
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the yams carefully, then cut them into uniform, thick slices or rounds. The even thickness ensures consistent cooking and caramelization. Toss the yam pieces with a little melted butter or olive oil, then spread them out in a single layer in a baking dish.
While the yams are roasting, prepare the caramel sauce. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then add brown sugar and a dash of vanilla. Stir constantly until the mixture turns a rich amber and begins to bubble, releasing a warm, inviting aroma. Remove from the heat.
Once the yams are slightly tender, pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top. Bake the yams uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with the caramel sauce, until they turn golden and slightly crispy around the edges. The smell during this phase is intoxicating, with sweet, buttery notes wafting throughout your kitchen.
Finish the dish with a drizzle of extra caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance those flavor layers. Serve hot, allowing each bite to envelop your senses with gooey, sweet perfection.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Choose yams that are firm and heavy — they will hold their shape better and caramelize evenly.
- Monitoring the caramel is key; avoid overcooking to prevent burning or bitterness.
- Spread yams in a single layer to ensure they roast and caramelize evenly, avoiding overcrowding the baking dish.
- Use high-quality butter and brown sugar for the best depth of flavor and rich caramelization.
- Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt to add contrast and amplify sweetness.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you’re mindful of dietary restrictions or want to experiment, here are some options:
- Swap brown sugar for maple syrup or coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- For a vegan version, use coconut oil instead of butter and agave syrup for the caramel.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Mix in a few tablespoons of bourbon or rum to add warmth and depth to the caramel sauce.
8. Storage & Reheating
Leftover candied yams can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts. To maintain their caramel coating, reheat uncovered. For the best texture, consider re-baking for a few minutes to regain some crispiness around the edges.
9. FAQ
Can I make candied yams ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and assemble the dish a day in advance, then reheat in the oven before serving. The flavors deepen overnight, making them even more delicious.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Keep a close eye on the caramel as it bubbles, stirring constantly after it reaches the amber stage. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly and remove from heat as soon as it turns a rich golden color.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Absolutely. Sweet potatoes are a great substitute and will produce equally delicious candied sweet roasted yams.
What wine pairs well with caramel yams?
A sweet Riesling or a lightly spiced Gewürztraminer complements the dish’s sweetness perfectly, enhancing the caramel and spice notes.
10. Conclusion
This oven-baked candied yams with caramel sauce is a soulful, crowd-pleasing side that elevates any meal with its decadent flavors and inviting aroma. Beyond the holidays, it’s a comforting dish to enjoy year-round, inviting loved ones to gather around and indulge in its sweet, buttery goodness. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a show-stopping treat that’s sure to become a new favorite. Ready to impress? Dive into this easy recipe and experience the magic of baked yams coated in luscious caramel!
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Oven-Baked Candied Yams with Caramel Sauce
Sweet and tender oven-baked candied yams glazed with rich caramel sauce, perfect for holiday or weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large yams, peeled and sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange yams in a single layer in a greased baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the yams, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, basting occasionally, until yams are tender and caramel is bubbly.
- Serve warm, drizzled with extra caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
- For an extra touch, sprinkle with chopped pecans before serving.
- You can prepare the caramel sauce ahead and reheat before pouring over yams.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Method: Baking, simmering, glazing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dish
- Calories: 310 Kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
