Spiced Maple Candied Yams are a cozy, flavorful dish perfect for fall gatherings or any holiday table. With warm spices and a touch of sweetness, they’re the ultimate comfort food to share with the ones you love.
The star of this dish is, of course, the yams. They bring a natural sweetness that pairs well with the spices. The maple syrup adds depth and a hint of smokiness, while the brown sugar enhances the caramelization process. Butter provides richness and helps create a smooth, luscious glaze. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice gives the dish a warm, aromatic profile, and a bit of salt balances the sweetness. Finally, pecans offer a nutty crunch that complements the tender texture of the yams.
These candied yams are a great accompaniment to roasted meats like turkey or ham. They also pair well with a crisp green salad for a lighter meal. Consider serving them alongside other fall favorites like cranberry sauce or green bean casserole for a full festive spread.
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven is hot and ready to go once you’ve got everything prepped. While it’s warming up, grab your yams. Peel them and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. It’s important to keep the slices uniform for even cooking.
Next, it’s time to make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and salt. Heat it over medium, stirring until the butter is melted and everything is nice and smooth. You’re looking for a consistency that will coat the back of a spoon.
Now, take a 9x13 inch baking dish and layer your yam slices evenly. The goal is to have a single layer if possible, so they all get an equal amount of love from the glaze. Pour the syrup mixture over the yams, making sure each piece is coated. You can use a spoon or spatula to help spread it around if needed.
Cover your dish with aluminum foil. This is important because it traps in the steam which helps the yams cook evenly and become tender. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top, and return the dish to the oven. Bake for another 20 minutes. You’re looking for the yams to be tender and the glaze to be bubbling. This is when the sugars caramelize and create that irresistible sticky goodness.
Once done, let the dish cool slightly before serving. This helps the glaze thicken up a bit more and makes it easier to serve.
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