Properly baked yams are soft and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. In this post, you’ll learn how long to bake yams to achieve the best results. You’ll also find tips for how to bake yams at 350 and other oven temperatures.
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Yams vs Sweet Potatoes
Are they the same? Many people consider they are the same, however, they’re different. Yams have darker and rougher skin when compared to sweet potatoes. Their flesh is starchier like a potato.
Sweet potatoes have smoother skin and softer flesh. They also have a sweeter flavor. However, they cook very similarly in recipes.
How To Bake Yams In The Oven at 350
- Clean yams with running water to remove dirt and debris. Cut off any blemishes with a paring knife.
- Using a small skewer or paring knife, poke each yam 4-5 times about an inch deep. Then place on the baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for roughly 70-90 minutes. Halfway through, you can brush with butter or olive oil for added flavor if you wish. When they are done, a fork should slide easily into the center and the internal temperature will be 205-210°F.
- Remove the yams from the oven using oven mitts.
- Using a paring knife, slice halfway through each yam lengthwise. Then give it a gentle squeeze to open. Fluff the insides lightly with a fork and top with your favorite toppings to serve.
How Long Do You Bake a Yam?
If you want to know how long to bake a yam, there are a few factors to consider:
- Size: Larger yams will take more time, while smaller ones cook faster.
- Oven Temperature: Baking at higher temperatures will take less time than lower temps.
- Oven Type: A convection oven with forced air will be somewhat faster.
We tested all these setups to develop the following guidelines for you:
Oven Temperature | Medium Yams(3-4 inches) | Large Yams(5+ inches) |
350°F | 1 hour 10 min | 1 hour and 30 min |
375°F | 1 hour | 1 hour and 15 min |
400°F | 35 min | 50 min |
425°F | 45 min | 60 min |
475°F | 35 min | 40 min |
Note: Using a convection oven will reduce the times above by 10 to 15 minutes.
How to Tell if Baked Yams are Done
- Skin: it should be wrinkly with a papery appearance.
- Texture: the center should be soft enough that a fork slides in easily.
- Temperature: the middle should have reached anywhere between 205-210°F
- Most people use the fork method as an easy way to check doneness.
What Should the Internal Temperature of a Yam Be?
Want to be doubly sure your yams are perfectly cooked? Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center and look for an internal temperature of any where between 205 and 210°F.
Tips for the Best Baked Yams
- Poke holes before baking. This step allows steam to easily escape for a consistent texture.
- You can bake many yams at once in the same amount of time. However, flip them halfway through baking to promote even heating and turn on the convection if available.
- Drizzle with oil for extra flavor any crispier texture.
- Choose the same size yams so that they’ll cook at the same rate.
How to Serve Baked Yams
Similar to sweet potatoes, you can serve baked yams with the following toppings:
- Butter, cinnamon and brown sugar
- Sour cream and chives
- Salt and herbs
- Maple syrup and pecans
- Mini marshmallows
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Better to Bake a Yam in the Oven or Microwave?
An oven is required to get crispy skin and uniformly fluffy insides. It’s also the only way to cook many yams at once. However, the microwave is the fastest method at just 10 to 12 minutes for one yam.
Can I Bake Yams Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can bake yams up to one day ahead of time and reheat in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. The skin will often be crispy after reheating too.
Do Yams Need To Be Parboiled Before Baking?
You don’t have to parboil yam before cooking, but this process will make them easier and faster to bake. It’s also a great way if you plan to freeze your yams.
Perfectly Baked Yams at 350
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb yams
- 2 tablespoon olive oil optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and set aside a baking sheet.
- Scrub the yam under cold running water to remove dirt and debris. Cut off any blemishes with a paring knife.
- Using a small skewer or paring knife, poke each yam 4-5 times about an inch deep. Then place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for roughly 70-90 minutes. Halfway through, you can brush with butter or olive oil for added flavor if you wish. When they are done, a fork should slide easily into the center and the internal temperature will be 205-210°F.
- Remove the yam from the oven using oven mitts.
- Using a paring knife, slice halfway through each yam lengthwise. Then give it a gentle squeeze to open. Fluff the insides lightly with a fork and top with your favorite toppings to serve.
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