Savory Candied Yams with Bacon and Pecans is a comforting dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich flavors of bacon and the crunch of pecans. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delicious side dish for family dinners. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate your typical sweet potato dish. The combination of bacon, butter, and sugar creates a rich glaze that caramelizes the sweet potatoes beautifully, giving them a savory twist. Adding pecans introduces a delightful crunch, which complements the soft, tender yams. It’s a great way to impress your friends and family, and it brings a unique flavor profile to the table that everyone will love.
How to Make Savory Candied Yams with Bacon and Pecans
Ingredients:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels, but reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the butter to the skillet with the bacon grease and melt over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes and toss them to coat in the glaze.
- Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the yams are tender and caramelized.
- Stir in the crispy bacon and pecans and cook for 2–3 more minutes to warm everything through.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm.
How to Serve Savory Candied Yams with Bacon and Pecans
These yams are best served warm as a side dish. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats or hearty main dishes. You can also top them with extra chopped pecans for added crunch when serving.
How to Store Savory Candied Yams with Bacon and Pecans
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for about 3–4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or a skillet until they are heated through.
Tips to Make Savory Candied Yams with Bacon and Pecans
- Make sure to keep an eye on the yams while they cook to prevent them from overcooking and falling apart.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and spices to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a little more brown sugar or maple syrup.
- You can use turkey bacon as a healthier option if you prefer.
Variation
To switch things up, you can add marshmallows on top during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and gooey element. Alternatively, try converting it into a casserole by layering the sweet potatoes and mixing the bacon and pecans throughout.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time by cooking the sweet potatoes and glaze, then combining them before serving. Just store them separately and reheat before your meal.
2. Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or just prefer a different flavor, you can substitute walnuts or omit the nuts altogether.
3. What can I serve with Savory Candied Yams?
These yams go well with roasted turkey, ham, or other meats. They also pair nicely with green salads or other vegetable sides for a balanced meal.
Savory Candied Yams with Bacon and Pecans is a delicious twist on a classic dish that everyone will enjoy. It’s easy to make, flavorful, and will definitely impress your guests at your next gathering!
Savory Candied Yams with Bacon and Pecans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cooking
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels, but reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the butter to the skillet with the bacon grease and melt over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes and toss them to coat in the glaze.
- Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the yams are tender and caramelized.
- Stir in the crispy bacon and pecans and cook for 2-3 more minutes to warm everything through.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm.
