Candied Yams with Toasted Pecans (Printable Version)

Tender yams baked in buttery brown sugar glaze topped with toasted pecans, perfect for comforting meals.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 1-quart baking dish and set aside.
02 - In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan halves with vegetable oil for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Transfer to a plate.
03 - Place yam rounds evenly in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
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 the glaze evenly over the yams and gently toss to coat thoroughly.
06 - Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
07 - Remove foil, gently stir the yams, and continue baking uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until yams are tender and glaze is thickened.
08 - Sprinkle toasted pecan halves over the yams just before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Perfect small-batch size for 2–3 servings, ideal for smaller gatherings or weeknight meals
  • Ready in under an hour with just 10 minutes of prep work
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it accessible for various dietary needs
  • Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have on hand
  • The combination of buttery glaze and toasted pecans creates an irresistible sweet-savory balance
  • Works beautifully as a holiday side or everyday comfort food
02 -
  • Use a 1-quart baking dish to ensure the yams fit snugly and cook evenly in the glaze
  • Toast pecans in a dry skillet first, then add oil—this prevents them from becoming greasy
  • Let the glaze bubble gently before pouring; this helps it thicken and adhere better
  • Cover tightly with foil during the first bake to steam the yams and keep them tender
  • Toss gently after removing the foil to redistribute the glaze without breaking the yam rounds
  • Add toasted pecans just before serving to maintain their crunch
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