Save Experience a sophisticated evolution of a holiday favorite with these Candied Yams with Brown Butter and Sage. This dish moves beyond simple sweetness by introducing the nutty, toasted notes of browned butter and the earthy aroma of fresh sage. It is a savory-sweet masterpiece that balances the natural sugars of the yams with a complex, aromatic glaze, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving side dish spread.
Save The secret to this recipe lies in the transformation of the butter. As it melts and foams, it develops a deep amber hue and a fragrance reminiscent of toasted hazelnuts. Infusing this with fresh sage leaves creates a base that permeates every slice of yam, ensuring that every bite is rich, fragrant, and perfectly tender. It is a comforting dish that brings warmth and elegance to any festive table.
Ingredients
- Vegetables
- 3 pounds yams (sweet potatoes), peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds
- Brown Butter & Sage
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 10 fresh sage leaves, chopped
- Candied Glaze
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2
- Arrange the yam rounds in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 3
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Cook, swirling often, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 3–4 minutes). Immediately add the chopped sage and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Whisk in brown sugar, maple syrup, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 5
- Pour the brown butter-sage glaze evenly over the yams, tossing gently to coat.
- Step 6
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Step 7
- Remove foil, baste yams with the pan juices, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until yams are tender and glaze is thickened.
- Step 8
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh sage if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure even cooking, try to slice your yams into uniform thicknesses. When browning the butter, use a light-colored pan so you can easily monitor the color change and prevent burning. Covering the dish with foil for the first half of baking allows the yams to steam and soften, while the uncovered period helps the glaze reduce into a thick syrup.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you prefer a different profile of sweetness, you can substitute the maple syrup with honey. For those who enjoy a bit of textural contrast, sprinkling toasted pecans over the finished dish adds a wonderful crunch that complements the soft, glazed yams perfectly.
Serviervorschläge
This festive side dish pairs beautifully with a traditional roast turkey and earthy green vegetables. The hint of citrus from the orange juice in the glaze helps cut through the richness of heavy holiday gravies and meats, making it a balanced addition to the plate.
Save With its vibrant golden color and irresistible aroma, these candied yams are sure to become a requested favorite at every holiday gathering. The combination of sweet maple, bright orange, and savory sage offers a sophisticated palate that honors tradition while offering something delightfully new. Serve warm and enjoy the festive flavors with your loved ones.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I make the brown butter for glazing?
Melt unsalted butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally until it turns golden and smells nutty, about 3-4 minutes. Then remove from heat and add chopped sage for 30 seconds to infuse flavor.
- → Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Yes, regular sweet potatoes work well and provide a similar texture and sweetness for this dish.
- → What’s the best way to ensure the yams cook evenly?
Slice yams into uniform 1-inch rounds and arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish to promote even cooking.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
All ingredients are naturally gluten-free; just verify the maple syrup and vanilla extract labels to avoid cross-contamination.
- → Are there suggested variations or toppings?
For added crunch, sprinkle toasted pecans before serving. Honey can replace maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze and slice the yams in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.