As I walked through the bustling farmers’ market, the air was rich with autumn scents, each stall tempting me with its seasonal treasures. Among them, the vibrant yams caught my eye, perfect for a comforting dish that has transformed from a holiday side to an all-time favorite: Honey Ginger Candied Yams with Crunchy Pecans. This delightful recipe balances the sweetness of caramelized yams with a zingy kick of ginger, elevating any meal—from family dinners to festive gatherings. Plus, it’s a quick prep that’s bound to impress even the toughest critics of traditional candied yams. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or simply craving a delicious side dish to elevate your plate, this recipe has you covered. Are you ready to bring a taste of this warm, autumn magic to your kitchen?
Why Are Honey Ginger Candied Yams So Appealing?
Cozy Comfort: These yams bring warmth to your table, making them an ideal side for chilly evenings.
Sweet & Spicy Delight: The combination of honey and ginger creates a harmony of flavors that dance on your palate—perfect for any season!
Easy to Customize: Whether you choose yams or sweet potatoes, this recipe is flexible, letting you adjust ingredients to fit your taste.
A Crowd Favor: Serve them up at your next gathering, and watch as even the picky eaters go back for seconds—just like with my Hot Honey Chicken!
Quick Prep: With minimal prep and cook time, these Honey Ginger Candied Yams are the winning choice when you’re short on time.
Elevate your meals easily and enjoy the cozy vibes!
Honey Ginger Candied Yams Ingredients
Unlock the secrets of the perfect seasonal dish!
For the Yams
• Yams or Sweet Potatoes – Choose firm pieces free of blemishes to create a tender and flavorful base.
• Olive Oil – Coats the yams for even roasting while enhancing their natural sweetness.
• Salt – Essential for balancing sweetness and bringing out the yams’ vibrant flavors.
• Black Pepper – Freshly ground adds depth, enhancing the sweet and spicy notes of the dish.
For the Glaze
• Honey – This is the star of the show, creating a sweet and sticky glaze that perfectly complements the yams.
• Brown Sugar – Deepens the sweetness and promotes caramelization, making the dish irresistibly flavorful.
• Ground Ginger – A boost of spiciness; using a reliable brand like McCormick ensures consistent flavor.
• Cinnamon – Infuses warm, spicy notes that harmonize beautifully with the honey glaze.
Optional Toppings
• Pecans – Adds a delightful crunchy texture; consider toasting separately to avoid burning.
• Flaky Finishing Salt – A sprinkle just before serving amplifies the overall flavors of the yams.
Bring the warmth of Honey Ginger Candied Yams to your table, and watch everyone fall in love!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honey Ginger Candied Yams
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C) to create the perfect roasting environment for your Honey Ginger Candied Yams. While the oven is heating, peel and slice the yams into uniform ½-inch pieces, ensuring even cooking. This helps the yams caramelize beautifully.
Step 2: Toss with Oil and Seasoning
In a large mixing bowl, toss the yam slices with a generous drizzle of olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well-coated. This step is crucial for roasting, as the oil helps achieve that delicious caramelization. Spread the seasoned yams evenly on a baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overcrowded for optimal roasting.
Step 3: Initial Bake
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This initial baking helps the yams turn tender and start developing their natural sweetness. You’ll want to check on them halfway through to ensure they’re not browning too quickly; they should be tender and slightly golden when you take them out.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Glaze
While the yams are baking, combine honey, brown sugar, ground ginger, and cinnamon in a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently for about 2 minutes until the mixture is well combined and starts to bubble slightly. This honey glaze will bring a delightful sweetness and a hint of spice to your Honey Ginger Candied Yams when brushed on later.
Step 5: Glaze the Yams
Once the yams are out of the oven, use a pastry brush to coat them generously with the warm honey glaze on both sides. This layer of sweetness will enhance their flavor beautifully. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans over the yams to add a nutty crunch.
Step 6: Final Bake for Caramelization
Return the glazed yams to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Keep a close watch, as you want them to become golden and caramelized, with a glossy appearance. They should be tender to the fork and have an inviting aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once caramelized to perfection, carefully remove the Honey Ginger Candied Yams from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. For an extra touch, finish with a sprinkle of flaky finishing salt right before serving to enhance the flavors. Your delightful dish is now ready to be enjoyed!
What to Serve with Honey Ginger Candied Yams
Elevate your dining experience with delightful pairings that complement the luscious sweetness and warmth of these yams.
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Roasted Turkey: The savory flavors of turkey contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the yams, creating a well-rounded meal.
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Glazed Ham: The rich, smoky notes of ham harmonize with the honey glaze, making every bite a festive treat.
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Brussels Sprouts: These tender greens add a nice crunch and slight bitterness that balances the sweet yams, bringing freshness to your plate.
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Cranberry Sauce: Tart and tangy, cranberry sauce cuts through the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your holiday spread.
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Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin: The aromatic herbs and spices of the pork complement the spiced yam dish, turning your meal into a flavor adventure.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their rich, creamy texture contrasts nicely with the glossy caramelized yams, adding body to your comforting dinner.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Sip on this warm drink that enhances the cozy ambiance of your meal with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, matching the autumnal flavors perfectly.
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Pumpkin Pie: For dessert, this classic offering rounds out the meal, delivering one last touch of seasonal sweetness to your dining experience.
Honey Ginger Candied Yams Variations
Feel free to mix it up and make these yams your own with these delightful twists!
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Sweet Potato Swap:
Opt for pale-fleshed sweet potatoes instead of yams for a creamier texture and a less sweet profile. -
Nutty Crunch:
Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds. Each nut brings its own unique crunch and flavor, enhancing the dish beautifully. -
Maple Sweetness:
For a different sweetness, replace honey with maple syrup, adding a rich, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with ginger. -
Spicy Kick:
Craving heat? Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy contrast against the sweetness. -
Herb Infusion:
Try fold in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic dimension that brightens every bite. -
Citrus Zing:
Add zest from an orange or lemon to the honey glaze for a refreshing zing that balances the richness. -
Pumpkin Spice Twist:
Incorporate pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a cozy twist that screams autumn. -
Vegan Version:
Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey and coconut oil in place of olive oil for a delightful vegan-friendly dish.
These variations not only offer fresh ideas but ensure there’s something for everyone at your table! And, if you’re looking for more inspiration, don’t forget to check out my recipe for Hot Honey Pepperoni or a flavorful Hot Honey Chicken, both guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds!
How to Store and Freeze Honey Ginger Candied Yams
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the yams fresh and ready for quick meals.
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Freezer: To freeze, place the cooled yams in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then transfer to a freezer-safe container after they are frozen. They can last up to 3 months.
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Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, adding a touch of honey if needed to bring back moisture.
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Layering Tips: If freezing, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, ensuring your delicious Honey Ginger Candied Yams retain their lovely texture!
Make Ahead Options
These Honey Ginger Candied Yams are perfect for meal prep, saving you valuable time during busy weeknights or holiday gatherings! You can slice the yams and toss them with olive oil, salt, and black pepper up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them in an airtight container until you’re ready to bake. You can also prepare the honey glaze up to 3 days ahead; store it in the fridge and warm it up before brushing it on the yams. When it’s time to serve, simply bake the prepped yams at 450°F (230°C), glaze them, and finish baking until they’re caramelized—just as delicious as if made fresh! Enjoy the ease of serving a comforting side dish with minimal effort.
Expert Tips for Honey Ginger Candied Yams
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Uniform Slices: Cut yams into even ½-inch pieces for consistent cooking. Uneven sizes will lead to some pieces being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
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Space on Pan: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Giving each piece room allows for optimal caramelization and prevents steaming, ensuring your yams turn out perfectly tender.
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Timing the Glaze: Brush on the honey glaze during the last few minutes of baking. Adding it too early can cause it to burn, leaving a bitter taste instead of the desired sweetness.
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Pecan Perfection: If using pecans, consider toasting them separately. This prevents burning and enhances their nutty flavor, adding an extra crunch to your Honey Ginger Candied Yams.
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Flavor Balance: Don’t skip the salt! It’s essential for balancing the sweetness and achieving a well-rounded flavor in your dish. A sprinkle of flaky salt at the end elevates all the flavors beautifully.
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Easier Storage: To make ahead, store cooked yams in layers separated by parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together and keeps them ready for reheating!
Honey Ginger Candied Yams Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe yams or sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Look for firm yams or sweet potatoes that are free of soft spots, blemishes, or dark spots all over. The flesh should feel solid when you gently squeeze it, indicating freshness and optimal flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftover Honey Ginger Candied Yams?
After dinner, let the yams cool and transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re looking to store them for a longer period, place the yams in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze Honey Ginger Candied Yams?
Yes! To freeze, allow your cooked yams to cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, and transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This method prevents them from sticking together. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What if my Honey Ginger Candied Yams are too sweet?
Very! If you find the dish a bit too sweet for your taste, consider adding a pinch of salt or a dash of lemon juice for a nice balance. The salt will help to enhance the overall flavors and cut through the sweetness.
Are Honey Ginger Candied Yams suitable for pets or allergies?
While yams are generally safe for dogs in moderation, avoid components like honey and nuts, which can be harmful in larger quantities. If you have any allergies, particularly to nuts or honey, ensure to adjust the recipe accordingly and enjoy it without those ingredients!
How can I make these yams vegan?
Of course! To make your Honey Ginger Candied Yams vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. The other ingredients remain the same, and you’ll still enjoy that sweet and spicy delightful flavor!
Irresistible Honey Ginger Candied Yams for Cozy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and peel and slice the yams into uniform ½-inch pieces.
- Toss the yam slices with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until coated. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until tender and slightly golden.
- Combine honey, brown sugar, ground ginger, and cinnamon in a saucepan over low heat and stir for 2 minutes until combined.
- Brush the yams with the warm honey glaze on both sides, adding chopped pecans if desired.
- Return the glazed yams to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Transfer the yams to a serving platter and finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt before serving.
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