Candied Yams with Maple and Toasted Pecans

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet roasted yams glazed with maple syrup and topped with crunchy toasted pecans for a classic Christmas side dish. This american-inspired christmas (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs pure maple syrup, unsalted butter, ground cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 8 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, toss 3 lbs peeled yams cut into 1-inch cubes with 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Spread the yams in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized around the edges.
  3. Step 3: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle 1 cup chopped toasted pecans over the top. Toss gently to combine and serve warm as a festive side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Candied Yams with Maple and Toasted Pecans take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Candied Yams with Maple and Toasted Pecans?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pure maple syrup from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Candied Yams with Maple and Toasted Pecans?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Candied Yams with Maple and Toasted Pecans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Candied Yams with Maple and Toasted Pecans vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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