Candied Yams Toasted Pecans

Some dishes have a way of making a table feel like home, and Candied Yams with Toasted Pecans is one of them. Tender rounds of yam slow-baked in a buttery brown sugar glaze—laced with maple syrup, cinnamon, and a whisper of nutmeg—then crowned with golden, fragrant toasted pecans. This small-batch recipe is designed for two to three people, making it just as fitting for a quiet weeknight dinner as it is for a holiday spread. It is simple, deeply comforting, and completely unforgettable.

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What makes this dish so special is its balance. The yams turn fork-tender and almost jammy underneath that glossy, caramelized glaze, while the pecans—briefly toasted in a skillet until fragrant—add the crunch and nuttiness that keeps every forkful interesting. It is the kind of recipe that smells incredible the moment it hits the oven and tastes even better than it looks. Whether you are rounding out a roast chicken dinner or building a holiday plate, these candied yams earn their place at the table every single time.

Ingredients

• Yams: 2 medium yams (about 1 lb), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch rounds
• Glaze: 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt
• Topping: 1/3 cup pecan halves
• 1/2 tsp vegetable oil (for toasting)

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (about 1 quart).

Step 2

In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan halves with vegetable oil for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Set aside.

Step 3

Arrange the yam rounds evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and just begins to bubble.

Step 5

Pour the glaze evenly over the yams, gently tossing to coat.

Step 6

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 7

Remove foil, gently toss the yams, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until yams are tender and glaze is thickened.

Step 8

Sprinkle toasted pecans over the yams just before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für ein besonders aromatisches Ergebnis lohnt es sich, die Yamswurzeln gleichmäßig in 1/2-Zoll-Scheiben zu schneiden, damit sie gleichmäßig garen und die Glasur gut aufnehmen. Die Pekannüsse sollten erst kurz vor dem Servieren aufgestreut werden, damit sie ihre Knusprigkeit behalten. Wer eine noch intensivere Karamellnote möchte, kann die Glasur in der Pfanne etwas länger einkochen lassen, bevor sie über die Yamswurzeln gegossen wird. Achten Sie darauf, die Auflaufform beim Abdecken mit Alufolie wirklich fest zu verschließen, damit der Dampf die Yamswurzeln in der ersten Backphase zuverlässig weich gart.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Yamswurzeln können problemlos durch Süßkartoffeln ersetzt werden, wenn diese zur Hand sind – der Geschmack bleibt ähnlich süßlich und butterweich. Für eine milchfreie Variante lässt sich die Butter durch pflanzliche Butter ersetzen, ohne dass das Rezept wesentlich verändert wird. Wer ein besonderes Aroma hinzufügen möchte, kann eine Prise Orangenschale in die Glasur einrühren – das verleiht dem Gericht eine frische, zitrusartige Note, die wunderbar zu den warmen Gewürzen passt.

Serviervorschläge

Diese kandierten Yamswurzeln passen hervorragend zu gebratenem Geflügel oder Schinken und sind damit eine ideale Beilage für festliche Mahlzeiten. Sie eignen sich aber ebenso gut als herzhafte Ergänzung zu einem einfachen Wochentags-Dinner. Das Gericht schmeckt am besten frisch aus dem Ofen, solange die Glasur noch glänzt und die Pekannüsse knusprig sind.

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At just 270 calories per serving, with that gorgeous balance of natural sweetness, warming spice, and satisfying crunch, Candied Yams with Toasted Pecans proves that the best side dishes don't need to be complicated. In about 50 minutes, with a handful of pantry staples and one humble yam, you can bring something truly special to the table—whether it's a holiday feast or just a Tuesday night that deserves a little extra warmth.

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Recipe FAQ

→ Can I substitute sweet potatoes for yams?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute, offering a similar texture and sweetness.

→ How do I toast pecans properly?

Toast pecans in a skillet with a small amount of oil over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter to make the glaze dairy-free.

→ What spices are used in the glaze?

The glaze includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness.

→ How long should the yams bake?

Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10–15 minutes until tender and the glaze is thickened.