Baked Yams Or Sweet Potatoes
Baked yams or sweet potatoes paired with seasoned zucchini create a hearty, flavorful side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel each zucchini and cut into slices about 1/2 inch thick.
- Salt and pepper all zucchini slices.
- Place Italian bread crumbs in a shallow dish and set aside.
- Peel the yams or sweet potatoes and prepare for baking.
- Use solid shortening or bacon pan drippings for flavor, and prepare butter or margarine.
- Coat the prepared yams or sweet potatoes with beaten eggs.
- Roll the coated yams or sweet potatoes in the Italian bread crumbs.
- Arrange the coated yams or sweet potatoes in a baking dish.
- Bake until tender, about 60 minutes, basting with butter or margarine as needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using bacon drippings instead of solid shortening. If you're looking for a healthier option, olive oil can also be a great substitute. Make sure to coat yams or sweet potatoes thoroughly in beaten eggs for better breading adhesion. If you enjoy seasonal flavors, you can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the bread crumbs for a twist. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
These baked yams or sweet potatoes make a fantastic side dish for any protein, especially roasted chicken or grilled fish. Consider serving them alongside a fresh green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. They also pair beautifully with Grandma'S Yum Yum Cake for dessert, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the yams or sweet potatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture. Heat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for quicker reheating, but the oven will keep them crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Yams Or Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 670 calories, with 3g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 625mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other varieties like russet or purple potatoes, but the texture and flavor will differ. Yams and sweet potatoes are sweeter and creamier, making them ideal for this dish. Adjust baking time if you switch to firmer potatoes.
How do I know when the yams are done baking?
The yams are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Baking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes, so it's a good idea to check them around the 50-minute mark.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the yams or sweet potatoes and coat them in bread crumbs ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just allow them to come to room temperature before placing them in the oven for even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).