Candied Yams Recipe by Ina Garten That Shine on Any Table

Ina Garten’s candied yams are a culinary masterpiece that transforms humble root vegetables into a sensational flavor explosion.

These golden-hued slices shimmer with a decadent caramel glaze that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Warm spices weave a magical tapestry of taste, dancing between sweet and savory with incredible depth.

Brown sugar melts into a luxurious coating, embracing each yam slice with irresistible richness.

A splash of orange juice introduces a bright, unexpected twist that cuts through the intense sweetness.

Butter adds a silky smoothness that elevates this side dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

She crafts a recipe that turns simple ingredients into a symphony of flavor you’ll crave again and again.

Get ready to experience a side dish that will steal the spotlight at any meal.

Step-by-Step Ina Garten Candied Yams Instructions

• Fire Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a baking dish and generously spread softened butter across every nook and cranny, creating a slick surface that’ll prevent sticking.

• Brew a Magical Syrup

In a saucepan, toss together sugar, fresh orange juice, butter, a cinnamon stick, and a splash of bourbon if you’re feeling adventurous. Sprinkle in some nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a fierce boil, then dial back the heat and let it simmer until it transforms into a gorgeous, slightly thick elixir. Fish out the cinnamon stick and discard.

• Prepare and Layer Yams

Peel those beautiful yams and slice them into rounds about half an inch thick. Arrange the golden discs in a single, inviting layer across your buttered baking dish. Pour the warm, fragrant syrup over the yams, making sure each slice gets a luxurious bath.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish snugly with aluminum foil and slide it into the hot oven. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking. Every quarter hour, lovingly drench the yams with more syrup, helping them caramelize and develop a deep, rich color.

• Let Loose and Serve

When the yams turn golden and melt-in-your-mouth tender, pull them from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes as the syrup thickens and intensifies. Serve these beauties warm and watch as smiles spread across everyone’s faces.

Variations to Customize Ina Garten Candied Yams

• Boost Flavor Depth: Experiment with different liquors like rum or cognac for unique syrup variations that add sophisticated undertones to your yam dish.
• Seasonal Swap-Out: Replace orange juice with apple cider during autumn months to create a warm, cozy flavor profile that celebrates seasonal ingredients.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F to maintain their luscious caramelized texture.
• Quick Nutty Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted pecans or chopped walnuts over the finished yams just before serving to introduce a delightful crunch and extra layer of richness.

Ways to Plate Ina Garten Candied Yams

• Drizzle with Decadence: Top each serving with a generous pour of the remaining syrup for an extra burst of flavor.
• Garnish with Gourmet Flair: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or candied walnuts over the yams to add a delightful crunch and nutty richness.
• Pair with Complementary Classics: Serve alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or as a stunning side for your holiday feast, bringing warmth and elegance to the table.
• Create a Dessert Twist: Transform leftovers into a sweet treat by topping with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream, turning this side dish into an indulgent finale.

How to Store Ina Garten Candied Yams Leftovers

• Store Wisely, Savor Longer
• Refrigerate Carefully: Transfer leftover candied yams to an airtight container, which keeps them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Portion the yams into freezer-safe containers, ensuring they're tightly sealed. Frozen candied yams maintain their delicious flavor for up to 2 months, perfect for unexpected dinner cravings.
• Reheat with Gentle Love: Warm refrigerated yams in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of extra syrup to revive their glazed perfection and prevent drying out.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the dish a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. The flavors will intensify overnight, creating an even more spectacular side dish for your next gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Ina Garten Candied Yams

• Granulated Sugar: Select pure, fine crystals for smooth dissolving.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Choose ripe, juicy oranges for vibrant citrus notes.
• Unsalted Butter: Pick high-quality, creamy butter for rich flavor.
• Cinnamon Stick: Look for whole, fragrant sticks with deep brown color.
• Bourbon: Optional premium bourbon adds warm, complex undertones.
• Ground Nutmeg: Seek fresh, aromatic nutmeg for intense warmth.
• Kosher Salt: Use pure, clean-tasting salt to balance sweetness.

• Yams: Select firm, unblemished yams with smooth, bright skin.

• Butter (for Dish): Choose softened, high-fat content butter for easy spreading.
• Aluminum Foil: Pick heavy-duty foil for perfect baking coverage.

Essentials for Cooking Ina Garten Candied Yams

• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for creating that rich, aromatic syrup.
• Large Spoon: Essential for basting yams and distributing syrup evenly.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Provides ideal space for layering and roasting yams.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps trap moisture and ensure even cooking.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for peeling and slicing yams into neat rounds.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Oven: Must be preheated to 400°F for perfect caramelization.
• Peeler: Helps remove yam skin smoothly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Great for stirring syrup while it simmers.

Elegant Ina Garten Candied Yams Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s classic candied yams combine sweet potatoes with brown sugar and butter for a rich holiday side dish. Southern comfort meets culinary elegance in this simple yet memorable recipe you’ll want to share with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 medium yams (about 3 lbs / 1.36 kg)
• 3 tbsps butter, plus more for the pan
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tbsps bourbon (optional)
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 1 pinch kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F (204°C) and thoroughly butter a baking dish to prevent adhesion.
2. Syrup Creation: In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar, orange juice, melted butter, cinnamon stick, bourbon, nutmeg, and salt. Elevate to a boil, then reduce heat, simmering until the liquid transforms into a slightly viscous elixir. Discard the cinnamon stick after 8-10 minutes of gentle stirring.
3. Yam Transformation: Meticulously peel and slice yams into half-inch medallions. Cascade the yam rounds into the prepared dish, then lavishly baptize them with the fragrant syrup. Envelop the dish completely with aluminum foil.
4. Baking Ritual: Nestle the covered dish into the heated oven. After 30 minutes, unveil the foil, exposing the yams to direct thermal embrace. Continue baking for 50-60 minutes, intermittently anointing the yams with syrup every 15 minutes to encourage caramelized perfection.
5. Finishing Touch: Rescue the dish from the oven and grant the yams a 10-15 minute reprieve, allowing the syrup to set and the temperature to stabilize. Present these glistening, amber-hued delicacies while still radiantly warm.

Notes

• Syrup Precision: Stir occasionally and watch carefully to prevent burning, ensuring the mixture thickens without becoming too sticky or hard.
• Slice Uniformity: Cut yam slices exactly half-inch thick for consistent cooking and beautiful presentation, using a sharp knife for clean edges.
• Basting Technique: Baste every 15 minutes to develop deep caramelization, rotating the dish for even browning and maximum flavor absorption.
• Temperature Control: Let yams rest after baking to allow syrup to set slightly, creating a glossy, sticky coating that enhances overall taste and texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg