A Sweet, Savory Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

When the weather cools and the air turns crisp, nothing says comfort like a plate of sweet, tender yams. But this isn’t just your regular candied yams dish; we’re elevating it with rich, nutty brown butter and the warm sweetness of pure maple syrup. Brown Butter & Maple Candied Yams Recipe bring a modern, gourmet twist to a timeless classic. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nostalgia, combining the earthy sweetness of yams with the deep, toasty notes of browned butter and the natural, caramelized flavor of maple syrup. Imagine biting into tender yams coated in a rich sauce, with every spoonful reminding you of fall harvests and cozy family gatherings. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a casual weekend dinner, or simply because you need something that tastes like a warm hug, this recipe will satisfy on every level.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
Hippocrates

Why You’ll Love This Candied Yams Recipe

Elevated Flavor: The combination of nutty brown butter and rich maple syrup takes the natural sweetness of yams to a whole new level. You get a deep, caramelized flavor with a velvety texture that feels both luxurious and homey.
Minimal Ingredients: Despite the gourmet flavor, this Candied Yams recipe uses only a handful of ingredients, making it accessible and easy to whip up for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: These candied yams are a hit at family dinners, holiday gatherings, and even casual weeknight meals. They’re the perfect side dish to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable Sweetness: Prefer a lighter sweetness? You can easily adjust the maple syrup to your preference without losing the core flavor. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the warm, comforting essence of the dish.
Great for Meal Prep: These yams reheat beautifully, making them a great option for leftovers or meal prep. Enjoy them the next day as an easy side for lunch or dinner.

Decadent Brown Butter & Maple Candied Yams That Will Elevate Any Meal!

How to Make Candied Yams Recipe

Ingredients:

4 large yams (sweet potatoes), peeled and cut into rounds or cubes
½ cup unsalted butter
⅓ cup pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Salt, to taste
Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prep the Yams: Peel your yams and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds or cubes. You want them uniform in size so they cook evenly. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir constantly as the butter begins to foam, and after a few minutes, the milk solids will start to brown, emitting a nutty aroma. This is your cue! Once the butter reaches a rich, amber color, remove it from the heat to avoid burning.
Combine Butter, Maple Syrup & Brown Sugar: Add the brown sugar and maple syrup to the brown butter, stirring until fully dissolved. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. At this point, you can taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or add optional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Coat the Yams: Place the yams in a large mixing bowl and pour the brown butter mixture over them, tossing to coat evenly. Make sure every piece is drenched in that glorious, sweet sauce.
Bake the Yams: Transfer the yams to a greased baking dish, spreading them out in an even layer. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the yams are tender when pierced with a fork.
Final Touch: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to let the edges caramelize and the sauce thicken. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, sweet, and savory goodness!

Tips for Perfect Brown Butter & Maple Candied Yams

Watch the Butter: Brown butter can go from perfectly nutty to burnt very quickly. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from heat as soon as it turns a golden brown and smells toasty.
Use Real Maple Syrup: Avoid using artificial pancake syrup, which lacks the depth of flavor. Real maple syrup adds a rich, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the yams and brown butter.
Cut Uniform Pieces: To ensure even cooking, cut your yams into uniform slices or cubes. This way, they’ll all bake to tender perfection at the same time.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup slightly without losing the essence of the dish.
Add Spice: For a more spiced flavor, sprinkle in some ground cinnamon or nutmeg when you mix the brown butter and maple syrup. You can also add a dash of cayenne for a subtle heat contrast.

Recipe FAQ

Question	Answer
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?	Yes! You can prep and bake the yams a day in advance. Just reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes before serving.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?	Absolutely. Yams and sweet potatoes are often used interchangeably in recipes, and both work beautifully in this dish.
Can I substitute butter?	For a dairy-free version, you can use plant-based butter, but the flavor may not be as rich. You could also try ghee for a nuttier flavor.
How do I store leftovers?	Store leftover yams in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What can I serve this with?	These yams pair wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. They also go well with vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans.

Brown Butter & Maple Candied Yams

Thomas J. Moss

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings 8

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

Knife
Baking dish,
Saucepan
Mixing bowl

Ingredients

4 large yams sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into rounds or cubes
½ cup unsalted butter
⅓ cup pure maple syrup adjust to taste
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Salt to taste
Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth

Instructions

Prep the Yams: Peel your yams and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds or cubes. You want them uniform in size so they cook evenly. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir constantly as the butter begins to foam, and after a few minutes, the milk solids will start to brown, emitting a nutty aroma. This is your cue! Once the butter reaches a rich, amber color, remove it from the heat to avoid burning.
Combine Butter, Maple Syrup & Brown Sugar: Add the brown sugar and maple syrup to the brown butter, stirring until fully dissolved. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. At this point, you can taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or add optional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Coat the Yams: Place the yams in a large mixing bowl and pour the brown butter mixture over them, tossing to coat evenly. Make sure every piece is drenched in that glorious, sweet sauce.
Bake the Yams: Transfer the yams to a greased baking dish, spreading them out in an even layer. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the yams are tender when pierced with a fork.
Final Touch: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to let the edges caramelize and the sauce thicken. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, sweet, and savory goodness!

Notes

Adjust sweetness and spices to taste; real maple syrup is recommended for the best flavor.

Nutrition per Serving:

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