Candied Yams Toasted Pecans (Printable Version)

Baked yams glazed with butter and brown sugar, finished with toasted pecans for added crunch.

# What You Need:

→ 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

# How To Make:

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. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - Arrange the yam rounds evenly in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
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 all pieces uniformly.
06 - Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
07 - Remove foil, gently toss the yams, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until yams are tender and glaze is thickened.
08 - Sprinkle toasted pecans over the yams immediately before serving.

# Cooking Tips:

01 -
  • Small-batch perfection: Yields 2–3 servings, ideal for smaller households or holiday tables that need one more side.
  • Simple pantry ingredients: Butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and warm spices come together effortlessly into a glossy, irresistible glaze.
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free: A crowd-pleasing dish that accommodates a wide range of dietary needs without any compromise on flavor.
  • Texture contrast: The crunchy toasted pecans on top provide a delightful nutty counterpoint to the silky, tender yams beneath.
  • Easy enough for weeknights: With only 10 minutes of prep and straightforward steps, this recipe is as practical as it is delicious.
02 -
  • Uniform slices matter: Cut your yam rounds to an even 1/2-inch thickness so every piece cooks at the same rate and no slice is left underdone or mushy.
  • Don't skip the foil step: Covering the dish for the first 25 minutes steams the yams through, ensuring they are fully tender before the glaze has a chance to over-caramelize.
  • Watch the glaze: During the uncovered baking phase, check the dish every 5 minutes—the glaze should thicken and bubble but not burn.
  • Toast pecans fresh: Toasting the pecans just before baking keeps them crisp and flavorful; add them only at the very end so they do not soften in the oven.
  • Add orange zest for depth: A small pinch of fresh orange zest stirred into the glaze before pouring elevates the overall flavor profile with a bright citrus note.
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