Candied yams, also known as sweet potatoes, are a delicious and popular dish, especially during the holiday season. The process of cooking candied yams involves baking them in the oven with sweet seasonings to bring out their natural flavors. If you’re wondering how long you should cook candied yams in the oven, we’ve got you covered!

Generally, you’ll want to bake your candied yams in the oven for about 35-40 minutes. This will ensure that they are tender, caramelized, and bursting with flavor.

Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking and caramelization of the yams.

Begin by peeling and slicing your yams into thick rounds or cubes. In a baking dish, place the sliced yams and drizzle them with melted butter or olive oil. Next, sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt over the yams. This combination of seasonings will give your yams that irresistible, sweet and savory taste.

How to Cook Candied Yams in the Oven

Candied yams are a delicious and sweet side dish that is perfect for holiday meals or anytime you’re craving a comforting, sweet treat. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook candied yams in the oven:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Peel and slice the yams into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  3. In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter over medium heat.
  4. Add 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the melted butter. Stir until well combined.
  5. Add the yam slices to the saucepan and toss to coat them evenly with the butter mixture.
  6. Transfer the coated yams to a baking dish.
  7. In a separate saucepan, heat 1 cup of water until boiling.
  8. Pour the boiling water over the yams in the baking dish.
  9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
  10. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and baste the yams with the syrup that has formed in the bottom of the baking dish.
  11. Continue baking the yams, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes or until they are tender and the syrup has thickened.
  12. Remove the candied yams from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy the sweet and caramelized flavor of candied yams as a perfect addition to your next meal!

Preparing the yams

Before you can cook candied yams in the oven, you need to prepare the yams. Here’s how:

  1. Peel and wash the yams

    Start by peeling the yams using a vegetable peeler or a knife. Make sure to remove all the skin.

    After peeling, wash the yams under running water to remove any dirt or debris.

  2. Cut the yams into slices or chunks

    Once the yams are clean, cut them into slices or chunks. The size of the slices or chunks will depend on your personal preference.

    Keep in mind that smaller pieces will cook faster and larger pieces will take longer.

  3. Boil the yams

    Place the yam slices or chunks in a large pot and add enough water to cover them.

    Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and let the yams cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they become fork-tender.

    Boiling the yams first will help soften them and make them easier to bake.

  4. Drain the yams

    Once the yams are cooked, drain them using a colander or strainer to remove any excess water.

    Allow the yams to cool for a few minutes before proceeding with the candied yams recipe.

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Now that your yams are prepared, you’re ready to continue with the recipe and cook them in the oven to make delicious candied yams.

Gathering the ingredients

Before you can start cooking candied yams in the oven, you will need to gather the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:

1. Yams – You will need about 3 pounds of yams for this recipe. Make sure the yams are fresh and firm.

2. Butter – You will need ½ cup of unsalted butter. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature so it is easier to mix.

3. Brown sugar – You will need 1 cup of brown sugar. Brown sugar gives the candied yams their sweet flavor.

4. Cinnamon – You will need 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cinnamon adds a warm and spicy flavor to the dish.

5. Nutmeg – You will need ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Nutmeg adds a subtle nutty and sweet taste.

6. Vanilla extract – You will need 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness of the recipe.

7. Salt – You will need ¼ teaspoon of salt. Salt helps to balance the flavors of the dish.

8. Marshmallows (optional) – If you like a gooey topping, you can also gather some marshmallows to add on top of the candied yams.

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you are ready to start cooking!

Mixing the ingredients

Before you can begin baking your candied yams, it’s important to mix the ingredients properly to ensure a delicious and sweet result. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to mix the ingredients:

  1. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C).
  2. Peel and cut the yams into evenly sized pieces. Wash them to remove any dirt or debris.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and cut yams with melted butter. The amount of butter used depends on the quantity of yams – it is usually around 1/4 to 1/2 cup of butter for every 3 pounds of yams.
  4. Add brown sugar and mix well. The amount of brown sugar used is typically around 1/2 to 1 cup for every 3 pounds of yams, but you can adjust it to your taste.
  5. Season the yams with additional spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. This will help enhance the flavor and aroma of the candied yams.
  6. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of the dish.
  7. Gently toss the yams and the mixture until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
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Once all the ingredients are properly mixed, you can proceed to prepare your baking dish and bake the candied yams in the oven for the specified time. Follow the recipe or baking instructions for the exact cooking time, as it may vary depending on the size and thickness of the yams. Enjoy your delicious homemade candied yams!

Preheating the oven

Before cooking your candied yams in the oven, it is important to preheat the oven to ensure even cooking and the best results. Preheating allows the oven to reach the desired temperature before you place your dish inside. Here’s how to preheat your oven:

Step Instructions
1 Check the oven temperature to ensure it is set to the correct temperature according to your recipe. Most candied yam recipes recommend preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2 Turn on the oven and select the desired temperature by using the oven’s control panel or temperature dial.
3 Allow the oven to preheat for approximately 10-15 minutes (or as specified in your oven’s manual) until it reaches the desired temperature. This may take longer for older or larger ovens.
4 Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, you are ready to start cooking your candied yams.

Remember, the preheating step is an essential part of oven cooking and helps to ensure your candied yams are cooked through and evenly caramelized. It is advisable to follow the specific cooking instructions provided in your recipe for best results.

Baking the candied yams

Once you have prepared the candied yams mixture, it’s time to bake them in the oven. Follow these steps to achieve a delicious and caramelized result:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it is nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the yams.

Place the yams in a baking dish

Transfer the prepared candied yams mixture into a baking dish. Choose a dish that is large enough to hold the yams and allows them to cook evenly.

Cover the dish

Use aluminum foil or a lid to cover the baking dish. This will help the yams cook through and retain their moisture.

Bake the yams

Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the covering

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the lid or aluminum foil from the baking dish.

Baste the yams

Using a spoon, generously baste the yams with the liquid mixture from the bottom of the baking dish. This will help them become sticky and caramelized.

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Continue baking

Place the uncovered baking dish back into the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the yams are tender and golden brown.

Serve and enjoy

Once the candied yams are nicely baked and caramelized, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm as a delicious side dish or dessert.

Remember, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your yams, so keep an eye on them while they’re baking to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

Serving and enjoying

Once the candied yams are done cooking in the oven, remove them from the heat, but leave them in the baking dish. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

When ready to serve, use a spoon or spatula to carefully transfer the candied yams to a serving dish. Be sure to spoon any remaining syrup from the baking dish over the yams for extra sweetness.

Candied yams can be enjoyed as a side dish to complement a variety of main courses. They pair well with roasted meats, such as turkey or ham, and are often served as part of a traditional holiday meal.

For added indulgence, you can also top the candied yams with marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking. The marshmallows will melt and create a gooey, sweet topping that adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

Whether enjoyed as a comforting side dish or as a festive holiday treat, candied yams are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The rich flavors of the caramelized syrup and tender yams make them a truly irresistible dish.

Questions and answers

How long should I cook candied yams in the oven?

You should cook candied yams in the oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

What temperature should I set my oven to cook candied yams?

You should set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to cook candied yams.

Can I cook candied yams in the oven for longer than an hour?

You can cook candied yams in the oven for longer than an hour if you prefer them to be more caramelized and tender. Just make sure to check on them periodically to avoid burning.

Is it necessary to cover the dish while cooking candied yams in the oven?

It is not necessary to cover the dish while cooking candied yams in the oven. Leaving the dish uncovered allows the yams to caramelize and develop a slightly crispy exterior.

Can I use a higher temperature to cook candied yams in the oven faster?

While you can use a higher temperature to cook candied yams in the oven faster, it is not recommended. A higher temperature may cause the yams to burn on the outside before they are fully cooked on the inside.