Candied Yams Brown Butter Sage

A festive twist on classic candied yams, this version features rich brown butter and aromatic fresh sage for a savory-sweet Thanksgiving side dish. These yams are roasted until tender and glazed in a rich, nutty sauce that perfectly balances sweetness with earthy herbal notes.

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This recipe transforms 3 pounds of yams into a masterpiece of texture and flavor. By browning the butter before adding the glaze ingredients, you unlock a deep, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the potatoes and the aromatic punch of fresh sage.

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: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Arrange Yams

Arrange the yam rounds in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Brown the 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.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

Remove the saucepan from heat. Whisk in brown sugar, maple syrup, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Glaze and Coat

Pour the brown butter-sage glaze evenly over the yams, tossing gently to coat.

Step 6: Covered Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Uncover and Baste

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: Final Resting

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh sage if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure even cooking, try to cut your yam rounds into uniform 1-inch thicknesses. Always lightly grease your baking dish to prevent the sugars in the glaze from sticking to the sides during the roasting process.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For an extra layer of texture, sprinkle toasted pecans over the yams just before serving. If you do not have maple syrup on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey for a slightly different floral sweetness.

Serviervorschläge

This aromatic side dish pairs beautifully with a traditional roast turkey and vibrant green vegetables. It is the perfect accompaniment to any festive meal, offering a warm and comforting flavor profile.

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Enjoy these tender, aromatic candied yams as the centerpiece of your holiday side offerings. With their rich glaze and fragrant sage, they are sure to become a new seasonal favorite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do you brown butter for this dish?

Heat unsalted butter over medium heat, swirling often until it turns golden and smells nutty, about 3-4 minutes. Remove promptly to prevent burning.

→ Can fresh sage be substituted?

Fresh sage offers the best aroma and flavor, but dried sage can be used in smaller amounts if fresh is unavailable.

→ What gives the yams their sweetness?

The glaze combines brown sugar, maple syrup, and orange juice, creating a balanced sweet and tangy coating.

→ How do I ensure the yams are cooked evenly?

Cut yams into uniform 1-inch rounds and arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish for even heat distribution.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, the yams can be glazed and prepared in advance, then baked just before serving for optimal freshness.