Save to Pinterest There's something magical about the way candied yams bring both comfort and elegance to a holiday table. This isn't just any sweet potato dish - it's a carefully crafted balance of sweet and savory, where the nutty depth of brown butter meets the aromatic earthiness of fresh sage. As the butter transforms from pale yellow to a rich amber, it releases that distinctive toasty fragrance that signals something wonderful is happening in your kitchen.
Save to Pinterest While traditional candied yams have their place in American cuisine, this version takes inspiration from classic French cooking techniques. Brown butter - or 'beurre noisette' as the French call it - transforms an everyday ingredient into something extraordinary. The sage leaves crisp slightly as they hit the hot butter, releasing their essential oils and infusing the entire dish with their distinctive flavor. It's this thoughtful layering of flavors that makes this dish so memorable.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds yams (sweet potatoes), peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 10 fresh sage leaves, chopped
- 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
- Prepare the oven and baking dish
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the yams
- Arrange the yam rounds in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the brown butter
- 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.
- Create the glaze
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Whisk in brown sugar, maple syrup, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Coat the yams
- Pour the brown butter-sage glaze evenly over the yams, tossing gently to coat.
- Initial baking
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Final browning
- 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.
- Rest and serve
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh sage if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When browning butter, use a light-colored pan if possible so you can easily monitor the color change. The transition from browned to burned happens quickly, so stay vigilant. For the yams themselves, try to cut them into pieces of similar thickness to ensure even cooking. If you're preparing ahead, you can assemble everything up to the baking stage, then refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours before baking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This versatile dish welcomes thoughtful modifications. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative (though you'll miss the brown butter flavor). For a deeper flavor profile, add a tablespoon of bourbon to the glaze mixture. You can also substitute honey for maple syrup if preferred, though this will change the flavor profile slightly.
Serviervorschläge
These candied yams shine brightest as part of a holiday spread, particularly alongside roasted turkey, ham, or a vegetarian centerpiece. The sweetness and rich flavor provide a perfect contrast to savory stuffing, green beans, or brussels sprouts. For an extra-special presentation, transfer the finished dish to a warmed serving platter and garnish with fresh sage leaves and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt to highlight the contrast between the sweet glaze and the savory elements.
Save to Pinterest As the seasons change and gatherings bring loved ones to your table, dishes like these brown butter sage candied yams create more than just a meal—they build traditions. There's something deeply satisfying about watching faces light up as forks dive into those tender, glazed pieces of yam, knowing that the simple alchemy of butter, herbs, and time has transformed humble ingredients into something truly memorable. Whether this becomes your new holiday standard or a special treat for Sunday dinners, it carries that perfect balance of comforting familiarity and fresh innovation that keeps us coming back to the kitchen, ready to nourish both body and soul.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do you make brown butter?
Brown butter is made by melting unsalted butter over medium heat and cooking it until the milk solids turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma, usually 3-4 minutes.
- → Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Yes, regular sweet potatoes can be used interchangeably as they have a similar texture and sweetness suitable for this dish.
- → What does fresh sage add to the dish?
Fresh sage provides an earthy, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the yams and the richness of the brown butter.
- → Is it necessary to cover the dish during baking?
Covering the dish for the first 30 minutes helps soften the yams and infuse flavors before uncovering to thicken the glaze and caramelize the surface.
- → Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?
Honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup, adding a slightly different floral sweetness to the glaze.