The moment the sweet aroma of candied yams wafts through my kitchen, a wave of nostalgia washes over me. It’s not just a dish; it’s a comforting reminder of family gatherings and holiday feasts, where laughter mingles with the scent of melting butter and spices. One chilly evening, while rummaging through my pantry, I realized I had all the ingredients to create this delightful blend of sweet potatoes, orange juice, and crunchy pecans.
What I love most about this recipe is its effortless elegance; it transforms simple sweet potatoes into a gourmet side that pairs beautifully with any meal. Whether you’re looking to spice up a weeknight dinner or planning the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table, these candied yams will impress—and they come together easily! Join me in celebrating this dish that’s not only a feast for the palate but a true crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the delicious world of sweet potatoes glazed with citrus and sweetness!
Why Are Candied Yams So Irresistible?
Sweet, citrusy goodness: The blend of orange juice and brown sugar elevates ordinary sweet potatoes into a luscious treat every bite will delight.
Quick preparation: This recipe comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
Versatile side dish: Whether served with roast chicken or as part of a festive feast, these candied yams are a stunning addition to your table.
Textural harmony: The crunchy pecans contrast beautifully with the silky sweet potatoes, delivering a satisfying crunch in every mouthful.
Nostalgic comfort: Each bite brings back fond memories of family dinners, ensuring your loved ones will ask for seconds! Explore more delightful side recipes like this in our holiday favorites.
Candied Yams Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes
• Sweet potatoes – 3 pounds, peeled and cut into ½-inch slices; the star of the show, providing natural sweetness and creaminess.
• Butter – 4 tablespoons; melts into the sweet potatoes, adding rich flavor and depth.
For the Sweet Glaze
• Orange juice – 1 cup; infuses a vibrant citrusy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the yams.
• Light brown sugar – ½ cup; adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the dish.
• Granulated sugar – ½ cup; helps balance the flavors while enhancing the overall sweetness.
• Salt – ½ teaspoon; a pinch enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
• Fresh ground black pepper – ¼ teaspoon; just a hint adds a subtle warmth that balances sweetness.
• Bourbon – 1 tablespoon; brings an unexpected depth to the sweet mixture—feel free to substitute with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic option.
For the Spices
• Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon; a warm spice that evokes comfort and nostalgia in every bite.
• Ground ginger – ¼ teaspoon; adds a zesty kick that brightens the dish.
• Ground nutmeg – ⅛ teaspoon; introduces an earthy depth and complexity to the flavors.
For the Topping
• Chopped pecans – ½ cup; toasted pecans lend a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft sweet potatoes.
Whether you’re serving up this dish during the holidays or at a cozy family dinner, these candied yams will create moments of joy and satisfaction around your table!
How to Make Candied Yams
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Preheat your oven to 400˚F. This temperature is essential for achieving that golden, caramelized exterior that makes these yams irresistible!
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Butter a 9×13 baking dish generously. Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in a single layer, ensuring each slice is nestled snugly in the dish.
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Combine the orange juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, salt, and pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes or until the butter melts and everything melds beautifully.
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Stir in bourbon, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Once fully incorporated, remove the saucepan from heat and pour this luscious orange juice mixture over your sweet potatoes, coating them evenly.
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Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, uncover and continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes, basting the sweet potatoes a couple of times—watch for that enticing golden color!
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Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the top with chopped pecans. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the flavor profiles of your candied yams!
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Let stand for about 5 minutes before serving so flavors can settle and the dish cools slightly—an irresistible treat awaits you!
Optional: Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Candied Yams Variations
Feel free to take your candied yams to new heights with these fun and tasty twists!
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Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter and substitute maple syrup for granulated sugar for a delicious plant-based option.
Lighten the sweetness and still enjoy that lovely caramelized flavor. -
Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and use sunflower seeds as a crunchy topping instead.
They add a delightful texture without the risk of allergy! -
Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for a surprising kick.
This sweet and spicy combo makes for an adventurous side dish! -
Maple-Infused: Replace the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.
This twist lends a cozy autumn vibe that’s hard to resist! -
Fruit-Filled: Toss in dried cranberries or raisins along with the pecans for added sweetness and chewiness.
This cheerful addition surprises guests and enhances the overall flavor profile. -
Apple Cider: Swap half the orange juice with apple cider for a fall-inspired fruitiness.
It elevates the whole dish, making it perfect for any holiday gathering! -
Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary with the spices for a fragrant, savory twist that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
The herbal notes create a lovely balance, making your yams stand out. -
Pecan Substitution: Try using chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Each nut brings its own character, making your candied yams uniquely delicious!
Expert Tips for Candied Yams
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Choose the Right Potatoes: Select firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. Avoid those with soft spots, as they can affect the quality of your candied yams.
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Uniform Slices: Cut sweet potatoes into evenly sized slices (½-inch thick) to ensure they cook uniformly and absorb the sweet glaze effectively, enhancing their richness.
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Basting is Key: Don’t skip the basting step! Basting the sweet potatoes a couple of times while baking keeps them moist and flavorful, ensuring your candied yams are indulgently coated.
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Let Them Rest: Allowing the dish to stand for about 5 minutes after baking helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier, enhancing the overall experience of your candied yams.
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Go Nuts: Toasted pecans heighten flavor and add crunch; consider toasting them in the oven for a few minutes before sprinkling for maximum nutty goodness!
Make Ahead Options
These candied yams are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights or festive gatherings. You can prepare the sweet potatoes and glaze up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the instructions up to pouring the glaze over the sweet potatoes, then cover and refrigerate. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to deepen! When you’re ready to serve, preheat the oven and bake for about 60 minutes as directed. For the best results, avoid adding the pecans until the final bakes to retain their crunch. This way, you’ll have sweet, citrusy perfection that’s just as delicious as when made fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Candied Yams
- Room Temperature: Keep leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours only to prevent spoilage. After that, refrigerate or freeze them for longer storage.
- Fridge: Store candied yams in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave for the best texture and warmth.
- Freezer: Candied yams can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion, and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: For optimal flavor, reheat in the oven at 350˚F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, basting with any leftover glaze to restore moisture and sweetness.
What to Serve with Sweet Potatoes with Orange Juice and Pecans?
Creating a full meal is a breeze when you consider delightful pairings that balance flavors and textures perfectly.
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Savory Roast Chicken: Juicy and seasoned roast chicken beautifully complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes, creating a well-rounded plate.
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Garlic Green Beans: The freshness and crispness of garlic sautéed green beans enhance the meal, introducing a delightful contrast to the candied yams.
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Tangy Apple Salad: A refreshing salad with crisp apples and tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the yams, adding brightness and crunch to your meal.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Velvety mashed potatoes provide a comforting texture, making every bite feel luxurious alongside the sweet, buttery yams.
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Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce offers a lovely contrast that refreshes the palate and celebrates the blend of flavors.
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Autumn Spiced Cider: A warm glass of spiced apple cider brings inviting warmth and depth that harmonize beautifully with the flavors of the candied yams.
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Almond Cookies: For dessert, light almond cookies provide a nutty crunch, echoing the pecans in the yams while offering a sweet finish to the meal.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and slightly caramelized, these carrots mirror the flavors of the sweet potatoes while adding a colorful element to the table.
Sweet Potatoes with Orange Juice and Pecans Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes. Avoid any that have soft spots or dark blemishes, as these can indicate spoilage. The best ones will have smooth, taut skin, and should feel heavy for their size.
How should I store leftovers?
Very simple! Store any remaining candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They taste great reheated! Just warm them up in the oven at 350˚F for about 15-20 minutes, giving them a refresh with any extra glaze to keep them moist.
Can I freeze candied yams?
Of course! Candied yams freeze beautifully. To do this, place them in a freezer-safe container, allowing enough room for expansion. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer them to the refrigerator to defrost overnight, and reheat in the oven at 350˚F until warmed through.
What if my sweet potatoes are overcooked?
Don’t worry—it happens to the best of us! If they become mushy, there are a few things you can try. Consider blending them into a sweet potato mash, adding a bit more butter, orange juice, and spices for flavor. This creates a new dish that can be delicious in its own right! Just take care to keep an eye on your potatoes as they bake next time.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! If you have guests who prefer not to consume alcohol, you can easily substitute the bourbon with vanilla extract for a similar flavor profile without the alcohol. Additionally, store-bought pecans are usually safe for those without nut allergies, but do be vigilant about allergies in your guest list.
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely, the more the merrier! While pecans add a wonderful crunch, you can substitute with walnuts or even almonds for a different flavor profile. Just remember to toast them lightly beforehand to enhance their nuttiness!
Irresistibly Sweet Candied Yams with Orange & Pecans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400˚F.
- Butter a 9×13 baking dish generously. Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in a single layer.
- Combine the orange juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, salt, and pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until the butter melts.
- Stir in bourbon, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and pour over sweet potatoes, coating them evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes, basting the sweet potatoes a couple of times.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.