Candied Yams Bourbon Brown Sugar (Printable)

Tender yams glazed with bourbon, brown sugar, and spices for a rich, comforting side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Yams

01 - 4 large yams (about 2½ pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds

→ Glaze

02 - ½ cup unsalted butter
03 - ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
04 - ¼ cup pure maple syrup
05 - ¼ cup bourbon
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
09 - ¼ teaspoon salt
10 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Garnish

11 - ¼ cup chopped pecans, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange yam rounds evenly in the prepared dish.
02 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth, approximately 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
03 - Pour the glaze evenly over the yams, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
04 - Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
05 - Remove foil, baste yams with the glaze, and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until yams are tender and caramelized.
06 - If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Effortlessly easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and simple pantry staples, this dish comes together with minimal effort for maximum impact.
  • Deeply flavorful: The combination of bourbon, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla creates a glaze that is rich, complex, and utterly irresistible.
  • Crowd-pleasing comfort: Tender, caramelized yams appeal to guests of all ages and pair beautifully with roasted turkey or ham.
  • Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian: A side dish that accommodates many dietary needs without sacrificing any flavor.
  • Make-ahead friendly: The glaze can be prepared in advance, making holiday cooking a little more relaxed.
02 -
  • Cut evenly: Slice the yams into uniform 1-inch rounds so they cook at the same rate and no piece is left underdone or overdone.
  • Baste generously: When you remove the foil at the 25-minute mark, spoon the pooled glaze back over every slice thoroughly — this is what creates those beautifully caramelized edges.
  • Watch the oven: Ovens vary, so check the yams a few minutes before the 20-minute uncovered baking time is up; they should be fork-tender and the glaze should be thick and bubbling.
  • Make the glaze ahead: The bourbon-brown sugar glaze can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Gently reheat before pouring over the yams.
  • Check for allergens: Always check the labels on bourbon and other packaged ingredients for hidden allergens, as formulations can vary by brand.
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