Candied Yams Toasted Pecans (Print View)

Tender yams baked in a buttery brown sugar glaze, topped with crunchy toasted pecans.

# Components:

→ Yams

01 - 2 medium yams (about 1 pound), 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 the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish with 1 quart capacity.
02 - In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan halves with vegetable oil for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Set aside.
03 - Arrange the yam rounds evenly in the prepared baking dish.
04 - 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.
05 - Pour the glaze evenly over the yams, gently tossing to coat.
06 - Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
07 - Remove foil, gently toss the yams, and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until yams are tender and glaze is thickened.
08 - Sprinkle toasted pecans over the yams just before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Small-batch perfection: Scaled for 2–3 servings so nothing goes to waste.
  • Effortless elegance: Only 10 minutes of prep before the oven does the work.
  • Rich, layered flavor: Brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg create a deeply aromatic glaze.
  • Satisfying texture contrast: Silky caramelized yams meet crunchy toasted pecans in every bite.
  • Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian: A crowd-pleasing side that suits many dietary needs.
02 -
  • Toast the pecans fresh: Even 2–3 minutes in a skillet with a little vegetable oil transforms their flavor—don't skip this step.
  • Seal the foil tightly: A snug foil cover traps steam and ensures the yams cook through before the glaze reduces.
  • Add pecans last: Scatter the toasted pecans only just before serving to keep them perfectly crunchy.
  • Boost the glaze: A pinch of orange zest stirred into the glaze adds brightness that complements the warm spices beautifully.
  • Check for doneness: The yams are ready when a fork slides through easily and the glaze looks thick and syrupy around the edges.
  • Allergen reminder: This dish contains tree nuts (pecans) and dairy (butter). Substitute plant-based butter for a dairy-free version and always check ingredient labels.
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