Holiday Glazed Yams
Sweet, sticky glazed yams topped with pecans, perfect for holiday table celebrations. Rich caramel flavors and tender yams make this dish a festive favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat butter until melted in a saucepan.
- Add white sugar, brown sugar, and Karo syrup to the melted butter.
- Simmer until all sugars are melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Pour the syrup over yams in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle small pecan pieces over the syrup.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Can be prepared up to 2 days in advance before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using maple syrup instead of dark Karo syrup. You can also substitute half of the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper caramel note. Ensure the butter is fully melted before adding the sugars to avoid graininess. This dish can be made vegetarian-friendly by opting for plant-based butter.
Serving Suggestions
These holiday glazed yams are perfect alongside roasted meats or served as part of a festive buffet. They pair beautifully with Chili-Cheese Hominy for a delicious contrast. For an added crunch, consider serving them with a sprinkle of toasted coconut or alongside a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover glazed yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheating option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Glazed Yams contains roughly 290 calories, with 5g carbohydrates and 30g fat.
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 fresh yams instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh yams, peel and chop them into uniform pieces for even cooking. Boil them until slightly tender before adding them to the baking dish with the syrup. This will ensure they cook through while absorbing all the flavors during baking.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative and ensure that the sugars and syrup you use are vegan-friendly. This simple change will keep the dish plant-based while maintaining its delicious taste.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
To achieve a thicker glaze, simmer the syrup mixture for a bit longer to reduce it further before pouring it over the yams. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to the syrup while heating to thicken it up.
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).