Holiday Yams
Holiday Yams are a comforting, sweet side dish featuring tender yams baked in a rich, cinnamon-infused sauce. The combination of brown sugar, orange or pineapple juice, and melted butter creates a luscious glaze that enhances the natural sweetness of the yams. Perfect for festive occasions and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup liquid (orange or pineapple juice) or 1/4 cup both or 1/4 cup either and 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 4 or 5 medium yams, partially cooked, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- cinnamon (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sugar and cornstarch. Blend well.
- Stir in liquid, melted butter, and salt. Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Place partially cooked, peeled, and sliced yams in a lightly greased 2-quart casserole.
- Pour the sauce over the yams.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute half of the granulated sugar with unsweetened applesauce. Be sure to slice the yams evenly for consistent cooking. If you prefer a bit of crunch, topping with chopped nuts before baking can enhance both texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These holiday yams are a delightful addition to any festive meal. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats or can be served alongside other classic dishes like Scalloped Corn With Jiffy Mix. For a complete Thanksgiving spread, consider serving them with turkey and cranberry sauce, making for a delightful balance of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the yams in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Yams contains roughly 769 calories, with 1g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% 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 fresh yams instead of canned?
Yes, fresh yams work perfectly in this recipe. Make sure to partially cook them before slicing to ensure they bake evenly. The cooking time may vary, so check for tenderness during baking.
What can I substitute for the brown sugar?
You can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of coconut sugar for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, a mixture of granulated sugar and a bit of molasses can mimic the taste of brown sugar.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Additionally, ensure that the sugar used is vegan, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
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).