Yams Hawaiian Style
Hawaiian-style yams combine sweet potatoes, crushed pineapple, and a hint of cinnamon for a delightful side dish. Topped with pecans and brown sugar, this recipe offers a perfect blend of sweetness and crunch, ideal for holiday dinners or family gatherings that enjoy tropical flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Combine sweet potatoes, crushed pineapple, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a 2-quart casserole.
- Place in microwave oven and cook on High for 4 minutes.
- Stir the mixture.
- Sprinkle the top with chopped pecans and light brown sugar.
- Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 4 minutes.
- If the dish is not hot and the topping hasn't melted after 2 minutes, give it a 1/4 turn and continue cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the mixture. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can make excellent substitutes. For a lighter version, you can reduce the butter and sugar or use coconut oil and honey. Ensure even cooking by stirring the mixture halfway through and monitoring the microwave closely, as wattage varies.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as a side for holiday meals or gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, particularly ham or turkey. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness. For a complete meal, consider offering a creamy casserole like Tropical Fruit Cake for dessert or a refreshing beverage such as Quick Punch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Yams Hawaiian Style can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yams Hawaiian Style contains roughly 405 calories, with 1g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 24g 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 sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh sweet potatoes, you'll need to peel and boil them until tender, then slice them into 1/2-inch pieces. This adds a fresh flavor and texture to the dish, though it will take a bit longer than using canned sweet potatoes.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Yes! To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, like coconut oil or vegan margarine, and replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup. Ensure that the crushed pineapple is packed in juice or water, not syrup, for a healthier option.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is already gluten-free as it does not contain any flour or gluten-based ingredients. Just make sure that the canned sweet potatoes and crushed pineapple are labeled gluten-free, as some processed foods may have cross-contamination issues.
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).