Candied Yams with Pecans (Print)

Tender yams baked in brown sugar glaze, finished with crunchy toasted pecans for a flavorful side dish.

# Components:

→ Yams

01 - 2 medium yams (about 1 lb), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch rounds

→ Glaze

02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Topping

08 - 1/3 cup pecan halves
09 - 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil for toasting

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 1-quart baking dish.
02 - In a small skillet over medium heat, toast pecan halves with vegetable oil for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - Place yam rounds evenly in the prepared baking dish.
04 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until smooth and mixture just begins to bubble.
05 - Pour glaze evenly over yams and gently toss to coat thoroughly.
06 - Cover baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
07 - Remove foil, gently toss yams, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until yams are tender and glaze is thickened.
08 - Sprinkle toasted pecans over yams immediately before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy: Only 10 minutes of prep and simple pantry staples stand between you and a showstopping side dish.
  • Small-batch perfection: Scaled for 2–3 servings, so nothing goes to waste.
  • Irresistible texture: Silky, tender yams meet a sticky caramel glaze and crunchy toasted pecans in every bite.
  • Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian: A dish everyone at the table can enjoy.
  • Versatile: Equally at home on a holiday spread or a quiet weeknight dinner plate.
02 -
  • Even slices matter: Cut yam rounds to a consistent 1/2-inch thickness so they cook through at the same rate.
  • Watch the pecans: Toast them over medium heat and stir constantly—they go from golden to burnt quickly.
  • Don't skip the foil: Covering the dish for the first 25 minutes traps steam and ensures the yams become perfectly tender before the glaze reduces.
  • Orange zest upgrade: A small pinch of fresh orange zest stirred into the glaze adds a bright, aromatic note that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg beautifully.
  • Dairy-free swap: Plant-based butter works seamlessly in this recipe—use it in equal measure for a completely dairy-free dish.
  • Check all labels: Always verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens, especially with packaged butter and maple syrup.
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