Why You’ll Love these Glazed Candied Yams with Orange
Every single bite of these glazed candied yams delivers that perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavor that’ll have you coming back for seconds. The combination of brown sugar and orange juice creates a caramelized glaze that’s simply irresistible.
What makes these yams special? It’s that hint of cinnamon and orange peel that elevates them from ordinary to extraordinary. They’re soft and tender on the inside with that slightly crisp, glazed exterior.
And can we talk about how easy they’re to make? With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, they’re perfect for holidays or Sunday dinners without any fuss.
What Ingredients are in Glazed Candied Yams with Orange?
These glazed candied yams with orange are the perfect side dish for your holiday table or any special dinner. The combination of sweet yams, brown sugar, and bright orange creates a mouthwatering glaze that transforms ordinary yams into something truly special.
And here’s the best part – the ingredient list is surprisingly simple for such a flavorful result.
- 1½ cups yams
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sifted flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon orange peel (grated)
- 1 teaspoon soft unsalted tub margarine
- ½ cup orange juice
When shopping for these ingredients, look for firm yams without soft spots for the best results.
While the recipe calls for margarine, you could substitute with butter if you prefer. And don’t skip the orange peel – it might seem like a small addition, but it adds that essential brightness that makes these candied yams truly special.
If you’re feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of nutmeg (mentioned in the instructions but not the ingredient list) can add an extra layer of warmth to the flavor profile.
How to Make these Glazed Candied Yams with Orange
Making these glazed candied yams couldn’t be simpler, and the results are absolutely delicious. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this moderate temperature allows the sugars to caramelize without burning.
Next, take your 1½ cups of yams and cut them in half before boiling them until they’re tender but still firm, which typically takes about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can pierce them with a fork but they don’t fall apart.
Once they’re cool enough to handle (nobody needs burned fingers, right?), peel the skins off and slice the yams into ¼-inch thick pieces.
Now for the magical flavor combination that makes these yams so special. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of sifted flour, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of grated orange peel.
Don’t forget a pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy. Layer half of your sliced yams in a medium-sized casserole dish, then sprinkle half of your spiced sugar mixture over them. Dot the surface with half of your 1 teaspoon of soft unsalted tub margarine.
Repeat with a second layer of yams and the remaining sugar mixture and margarine. The final touch? Pour ½ cup of orange juice over everything—this creates that gorgeous glaze as it bakes.
Place your casserole dish, uncovered, in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. During this time, the orange juice will reduce, the sugar will caramelize, and all those flavors will meld together beautifully.
Using a premium cookware set can elevate your dish by ensuring even heat distribution and preventing hot spots that might burn your delicate glaze.
The finished dish should have a glossy, irresistible glaze coating each piece of yam. I love watching through the oven door as the mixture bubbles and transforms into something so much greater than the sum of its parts.
When you remove it from the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes before serving—those flavors need a moment to settle, and trust me, that glaze is molten hot right out of the oven. For an authentic presentation that keeps your dish sizzling hot at the table, consider serving in a cast iron skillet which retains heat exceptionally well.
Glazed Candied Yams with Orange Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe for glazed candied yams is already divine, you can easily customize it to suit your dietary needs or pantry availability with several simple substitutions.
Don’t have orange juice? Apple juice works wonderfully, giving a slightly different but equally delicious sweetness. For a dairy-free version, coconut oil can replace the margarine. Sweet potatoes can stand in for yams in a pinch—they’re actually what most Americans call “yams” anyway.
Want more flavor complexity? Try adding a splash of bourbon, maple syrup instead of brown sugar, or a pinch of cardamom.
The possibilities are endless, really.
What to Serve with Glazed Candied Yams with Orange
Glazed candied yams with orange deserve to be paired with dishes that complement their sweet, tangy flavor profile rather than competing with it.
I always opt for savory mains like roasted turkey, ham, or a juicy pork tenderloin to create that perfect sweet-savory balance.
For sides, think green—collard greens, green beans, or a crisp garden salad cut through the richness wonderfully.
Need a starch? Go with wild rice or cornbread stuffing rather than mashed potatoes, which might feel redundant alongside the yams.
Final Thoughts
After creating these glazed candied yams, I’m convinced they’re one of the most versatile side dishes you can add to your recipe collection.
The combination of sweet brown sugar, warm cinnamon, and bright orange creates a flavor profile that works year-round, not just at holiday gatherings.
What I love most is how forgiving this recipe is.
Can’t find fresh yams? Sweet potatoes work beautifully.
Want it less sweet? Simply reduce the brown sugar.
The orange juice adds natural sweetness while creating that gorgeous glaze we all crave.
And much like those messy Sloppy Joe sandwiches made with hollowed-out rye bread, these candied yams deliver impressive flavor that’s worth any preparation effort.
Trust me, once you master these candied yams, they’ll become your go-to side dish.
