Maple Bourbon Candied Yams

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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If you’re looking for a way to bring some warmth and coziness to your table, these Maple Bourbon Candied Yams are just the ticket. With a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, they’re perfect for any fall gathering or holiday feast.

Ingredients for Maple Bourbon Candied Yams

Yams: The base of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked.

Maple Syrup: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bourbon.

Bourbon: Infuses the yams with a warm, subtle kick that enhances the overall flavor.

Brown Sugar: Contributes depth of sweetness and helps with caramelization.

Butter: Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and a cozy aroma that screams comfort.

Salt: A small amount to balance the sweetness and highlight the other flavors.

Pecans: Provide a nutty crunch that complements the soft yams.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don’t have bourbon on hand, dark rum works as a great substitute.
  • To save time, prep the yams and sauce a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
  • For a dairy-free version, swap out the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based alternative.

Serving Suggestions

These candied yams make a fantastic side dish for roasted turkey or glazed ham. They also pair nicely with a fresh green salad or sautéed greens to balance the sweetness. Consider serving them alongside a savory stuffing for a complete holiday meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Yes, sweet potatoes work just as well and will give you a similar texture and flavor.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?
You can replace bourbon with apple cider or a mix of apple juice and a splash of vanilla extract for a similar depth of flavor.

Maple Bourbon Candied Yams Recipe Walkthrough

First up, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, peel your yams and slice them into rounds about half an inch thick. You’re aiming for even slices so they cook evenly. Arrange these in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish. This setup helps them cook properly without becoming mushy.

Next, let’s make the delightful sauce. Grab a small saucepan and pop it on medium heat. Combine the maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves completely and you have a smooth mixture. This should only take a few minutes, and your kitchen will start to smell amazing!

Once your sauce is ready, pour it evenly over the yams. Use a spatula or spoon to make sure everything is coated nicely. Then, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top, ensuring they’re spread out evenly for that perfect crunch in every bite.

Cover your dish with foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes. This allows the yams to soften and start absorbing all those wonderful flavors. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and let them bake for an additional 15 minutes. This step caramelizes the top, adding a lovely depth of flavor and texture.

Once they’re done, let them cool slightly before serving. They’ll be piping hot out of the oven, and a little cooling time helps the flavors settle.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the rich flavors of maple syrup and bourbon for a unique twist on a classic dish.
  • Easy to prepare with just a handful of straightforward steps.
  • Pecans add a satisfying crunch, elevating the texture profile.
  • Perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

3 lbs yams, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup bourbon
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the sliced yams in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour the maple bourbon mixture over the yams, ensuring even coverage.
5. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly on top.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the yams are tender and caramelized.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

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