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Cozy Candied Yams Southern Style Recipe with Toasted Pecans

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A warm, comforting Southern-style candied yams recipe featuring sweet potatoes glazed with brown sugar, butter, and spices, topped with toasted pecans. Perfect for holidays and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large sweet potatoes (yams), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (preferably dark brown sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup water or orange juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks, keeping them uniform in size.
  2. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
  4. Toss the sweet potatoes in the glaze until each piece is well-coated.
  5. Transfer the yams and glaze into a baking dish, spreading evenly. Pour water or orange juice around the edges to help steam the yams.
  6. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then stir gently to coat the yams again.
  7. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until yams are tender and caramelized on the edges.
  8. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle toasted pecans over the top, folding gently to distribute evenly.
  9. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

If yams seem dry during baking, add a splash more water or orange juice. Toast pecans slowly to avoid burning. Peeling yams with a sharp knife is easier than using a dull peeler. Stir halfway through baking to redistribute glaze. For vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and omit vanilla extract if desired. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: candied yams, southern style, toasted pecans, holiday side dish, sweet potatoes, easy recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/cozy-candied-yams-southern-style-recipe-with-toasted-pecans-easy-and-perfect-for-holidays/