Maple Orange Candied Yams

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that brings a warm, sweet sensation to your table, this Maple Orange Candied Yams recipe is just what you need. It’s perfect for the fall and winter seasons, adding a touch of citrusy freshness to a classic favorite. With its simple preparation and delightful flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Ingredients for Maple Orange Candied Yams

Yams are the star of the show, offering a natural sweetness and hearty texture. Maple syrup adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness, making the dish wonderfully rich. Fresh orange juice and orange zest provide a zesty brightness that complements the syrup. Unsalted butter adds creaminess and helps meld all the flavors together. Brown sugar enhances the sweetness with its molasses undertones. Ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg bring warmth and spice, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Finally, pecans add a delightful crunch and nuttiness.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a deeper caramelized flavor, you can broil the yams for a few minutes after baking, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
  • To make clean-up easier, line your baking dish with parchment paper before adding the yams and sauce.
  • For added depth, try toasting the pecans before sprinkling them over the yams.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or ham, making it perfect for holiday feasts. It also complements savory dishes like grilled chicken or pork chops. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be a great substitute and will work just as well with the flavors in this recipe.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Maple Orange Candied Yams Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go once everything is prepped. Start by peeling the yams and slicing them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. This thickness is perfect for even cooking and a great bite.

Next, grab a small saucepan and combine the maple syrup, orange juice, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Heat this mixture over medium heat until the butter melts and everything is smooth and well combined. It should be fragrant and enticing at this point.

Now, arrange the sliced yams in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the luscious maple orange sauce over the yams, ensuring each piece gets a nice coating. This ensures that every bite is flavorful.

Sprinkle the orange zest and chopped pecans over the top. The zest adds a pop of color and flavor, while the pecans offer a crunchy contrast. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let the yams absorb all that goodness.

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the yams to caramelize and become tender. Keep an eye on them; they should be soft and slightly golden.

Once done, serve them warm, perhaps garnished with a bit more orange zest if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines sweetness with a hint of citrus for a refreshing twist.
  • Uses real maple syrup for an authentic, rich taste.
  • Easy to prepare with straightforward steps.
  • Perfectly balances flavors with just the right amount of spices.
  • Ideal for holiday meals or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

3 lbs yams
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp orange zest
1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and slice yams into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, orange juice, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Heat over medium until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
4. Arrange yam slices in a single layer in a baking dish.
5. Pour the maple orange sauce over the yams, making sure each slice is coated.
6. Sprinkle orange zest and chopped pecans over the top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until yams are tender and caramelized.
9. Serve warm, garnished with additional orange zest if desired.

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