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If you’re searching for a dish that wraps cozy comfort in every bite, the Candied Yams with Maple Cinnamon Glaze and Sage Recipe is your new go-to favorite. These tender yam slices soak up a luscious maple cinnamon glaze, perfectly balanced with warm spices and a hint of fresh sage that brightens every mouthful. It’s a celebration of sweet, buttery richness combined with just the right touch of earthiness, making it an irresistible side that elevates any meal from simple to spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in creating those sumptuous layers of flavor and texture. The ingredients are easy to find, yet they work together beautifully to produce that signature glossy, spiced glaze and tender, melt-in-your-mouth yams.
- 3 pounds red garnet yams: Peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds, these provide sweet and tender base layers.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the maple glaze.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Brings deep sweetness and aids in caramelizing the yams.
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup: Infuses a natural, warm sweetness and pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The essential warming spice that highlights the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle nutty warmth and depth.
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Provides a gentle spicy kick to balance the sugars.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing the dish from being overly sweet.
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: Introduces a floral, sweet undertone that rounds out the glaze.
- Flaky salt: For sprinkling on top, to add a delicate crunch and a contrast to sweetness.
- Fresh sage leaves: Lends a bright, herbal note that lifts the rich flavors perfectly.
How to Make Candied Yams with Maple Cinnamon Glaze and Sage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
To start off, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or butter. This simple prep step ensures your yams won’t stick and will cook evenly in a warm, cozy environment.
Step 2: Arrange the Yam Slices
Neatly place your peeled and sliced yams in the baking dish. Arranging them in a single layer helps each slice absorb the glaze thoroughly during baking, giving you perfectly coated tender yams.
Step 3: Make the Maple Cinnamon Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt together the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir often to blend those flavors until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. Once boiling, keep it there for 2 minutes to thicken slightly, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Sweet Potatoes
Pour the rich maple cinnamon glaze over the yam slices, tossing them gently but thoroughly so every round is drenched in that luscious sauce. This step saturates the yams with flavor, ensuring every bite is a perfect balance of sweet and spice.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to baste the yams in their caramelizing glaze. For the final 20 minutes, remove the cover and let the top brown and slightly crisp, creating a delightful texture contrast.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your yams rest for 10 minutes; this allows the flavors to settle and the glaze to thicken just a touch. Finish with a scattering of flaky salt and fresh sage leaves for a beautiful presentation and a burst of savory herbaceousness.
How to Serve Candied Yams with Maple Cinnamon Glaze and Sage Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh sage leaves and a sprinkle of flaky salt right before serving brightens the dish and adds texture. You could also toss some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for an extra crunchy surprise that complements the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Candied Yams with Maple Cinnamon Glaze and Sage Recipe pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or baked ham for a traditional holiday feast. It also complements creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad to balance out the rich glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the yams in a rustic cast iron skillet right at the table, garnished with extra sage sprigs. Alternatively, try layering them in a casserole dish topped with toasted marshmallows for a classic holiday twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the dish taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze these yams for up to 2 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag after they cool completely. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve their texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings on medium power to avoid drying them out, tossing once halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of red garnet yams?
Absolutely! While red garnet yams have a deeper sweetness and creamier texture, regular sweet potatoes will work well and yield a slightly different but still delicious result.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup in this recipe?
If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or molasses can be used, though maple syrup’s distinct flavor adds a special touch that blends beautifully with the spices and butter.
How do I know when the yams are done baking?
The yams are tender when you can easily pierce them with a fork or knife. Be sure to stir throughout baking so they cook evenly and soak up the glaze.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and check that your brown sugar is vegan-friendly. Everything else remains the same and the flavors will still be amazing.
What does the fresh sage add to the dish?
Fresh sage adds an earthy, slightly peppery aroma that cuts through the sweetness and creates a wonderfully balanced flavor profile, making the dish feel fresh and elevated.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Candied Yams with Maple Cinnamon Glaze and Sage Recipe enough—it’s a warm hug in food form that’s simple to make yet impressive enough for company. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight, this recipe brings comfort and bright, joyful flavors to your table. Give it a try and watch it become an instant classic in your kitchen!
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Candied Yams with Maple Cinnamon Glaze and Sage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic holiday side dish featuring tender red garnet yams coated in a rich, buttery maple syrup glaze with warm spices, baked to caramelized perfection and garnished with fresh sage for an aromatic finish.
Ingredients
Yams
- 3 pounds red garnet yams, peeled and sliced into ½-inch thick rounds (about 3–4 yams)
Glaze
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Garnish
- Flaky salt
- Fresh sage leaves
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or butter to ensure the yams don’t stick during baking.
- Arrange the yams: Place the sliced yam rounds evenly in the prepared baking dish, making sure they lay flat for even cooking.
- Make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter together with the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and kosher salt. Stir frequently until the mixture melts and then bring it to a boil. Let it boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to finish the glaze.
- Coat the yams: Pour the warm glaze evenly over the yam slices in the baking dish. Toss or gently stir to make sure each slice is well coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Then, stir the yams gently to ensure even cooking and coverage. Continue baking covered for another 20 minutes until the yams are tender.
- Bake uncovered to brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes uncovered, allowing the yams to caramelize and brown nicely on top.
- Rest and garnish: Let the candied yams sit for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to set the glaze. Before serving, garnish with flaky salt and fresh sage leaves for a touch of texture and aroma.
Notes
- Use red garnet yams for their natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar to ¾ cup.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans before the final baking step.
- Make sure to stir the yams every 20 minutes during baking to prevent sticking and ensure even glazing.
- The fresh sage garnish adds a subtle herbaceous note that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the yams.
