Orange Glaze Yams
Sweet and tangy orange glaze enhances tender yams, topped with walnuts and raisins, making a flavorful side perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook yams until tender.
- Peel and quarter yams lengthwise.
- Arrange yams in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan and sprinkle with salt.
- Combine brown sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan.
- Stir in orange juice and raisins.
- Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and cook until thickened.
- Add butter, walnuts, and sherry or lemon juice to the sauce.
- Pour the glaze over the yams.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze. If you're out of raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dates can work well as substitutions. For a twist, try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique sweetness. Ensure the yams are fully cooked before glazing to achieve the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
These yams make a delightful side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with roasted meats like turkey or ham, and can also complement vegetarian recipes, such as a hearty grain salad. For a complete meal, serve alongside a refreshing Carrot Apple Salad to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Orange Glaze Yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if preferred.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Glaze Yams contains roughly 222 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1170mg per serving (51% 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 sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for yams in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but the overall dish will still be delicious. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time as sweet potatoes may require less time to become tender.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the yams and glaze in advance, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble and bake as directed. This is a great time-saver for holiday meals.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting butter with a plant-based margarine and using a vegan-friendly orange juice. Additionally, ensure that the brown sugar you use is free from bone char if you're strictly vegan.
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).