10+ Yam Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Yams are a versatile ingredient that can add flavor and nutrition to many meals. Whether you’re looking for a savory side dish or a sweet dessert, there are numerous delicious yam recipes to explore. These root vegetables are not only tasty but also packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a great choice for any diet.

In this article, you will discover a variety of yam recipes that suit different occasions and tastes. From traditional dishes to modern twists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to enjoy the rich and satisfying flavors that yams can bring to your table!

1) Classic Candied Yams with Butter and Brown Sugar

Candied yams are a delicious treat perfect for any meal. The combination of sweet, tender yams with buttery brown sugar makes them irresistible. You’ll love how simple they are to prepare.

Start by peeling and cutting your yams into chunks. Boil them until they are just tender but not mushy. Then, drain the yams before moving on.

In a baking dish, layer the yams. Mix butter and brown sugar together, then pour this sweet mixture over the yams.

Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. This allows the yams to soak up the flavors and become wonderfully tender.

Ingredients

• 4 medium yams
• 1 cup (packed) brown sugar
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and cut yams into chunks.
3. Boil yams until just tender. Drain.
4. In a baking dish, layer the yams.
5. Mix butter and brown sugar, then pour over yams.
6. Add water and salt.
7. Bake for 30 minutes until tender. Enjoy!

2) Roasted Yams with Honey and Cinnamon

Roasted yams with honey and cinnamon make a tasty side dish. The sweetness of yams pairs perfectly with honey and cinnamon. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare them.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut the yams into cubes and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle cinnamon, and add a pinch of salt for flavor.

Toss everything together until the yams are well coated. Then, spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Roast for about 25-30 minutes. The yams should be tender and golden brown when done.

Enjoy this dish warm as a delightful addition to your meals.

Ingredients

• 4 medium yams
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cube the yams and place them in a bowl.
3. Drizzle honey over the yams.
4. Sprinkle cinnamon and add salt.
5. Toss to coat the yams evenly.
6. Spread the yams on a baking sheet.
7. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.

3) Southern Candied Yams with a Marshmallow Topping

Southern candied yams are a delicious and sweet dish often enjoyed during holidays. They are made with tender yams that soak up a sweet syrup and are topped with marshmallows for extra flavor and fun.

To make this dish, start by preparing your yams. Peel and slice them into rounds or chunks. Then, cook them until they are soft but not mushy.

Next, make a syrup using brown sugar, butter, and spices like nutmeg. Pour this syrup over the yams and bake until golden.

For the final touch, add mini marshmallows on top and bake until they are toasted and bubbly. The combination of sweet yams and gooey marshmallows makes this dish a favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds yams
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 cups marshmallows

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and slice the yams.
3. Boil the yams until tender.
4. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, butter, orange juice, and nutmeg.
5. Pour the syrup over the yams in a baking dish.
6. Bake for 30 minutes.
7. Add marshmallows on top and bake until golden, about 10 minutes.

4) Baked Yams with Nutmeg and Clove

Baked yams with nutmeg and clove are a delicious side dish perfect for any meal. The warm spices add rich flavor to the sweet potatoes, making them a favorite at gatherings.

To start, you’ll need to peel and slice the yams. A touch of nutmeg and clove elevates the dish, giving it a comforting aroma.

You can bake the yams at 350°F (175°C) until they’re tender and golden. Toss the sliced yams with butter, brown sugar, and your spices for a sweet glaze.

Ingredients

• 4 medium yams
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and slice the yams into rounds.
3. In a bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
4. Coat the yams in the mixture.
5. Place yams in a baking dish and bake for 30–40 minutes until tender.

5) Yams Glazed with Orange Juice and Ginger

Yams glazed with orange juice and ginger are a delightful addition to any meal. The sweet and tangy flavor of orange juice pairs perfectly with the warm, spicy notes of ginger. This dish is easy to prepare and brings a bright color to your table.

Start by washing and peeling your yams. Cut them into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

In a bowl, mix orange juice, brown sugar, and ginger to create a tasty glaze. Then, coat the yams in this mixture and bake them until tender.

Ingredients

• 4 to 6 yams
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and peel the yams, then cut them into chunks.
3. In a bowl, combine orange juice, brown sugar, and ginger.
4. Place yams in a baking dish and pour the glaze over them.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender.

6) Sweet Potato (Yam) Casserole with Pecans

Sweet potato casserole with pecans is a classic dish that brings comfort to your table. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with a crunchy pecan topping, making it a favorite for holidays and family gatherings.

To start, you can use fresh sweet potatoes or canned yams for convenience. Mixing in butter, milk, and a touch of maple syrup will enhance the sweetness. You can also add a hint of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

For the topping, combine chopped pecans with brown sugar and a little butter. This creates a deliciously crunchy layer that contrasts well with the soft filling. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes or 2 cans of yams
• ½ cup milk
• ½ stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. If using fresh sweet potatoes, boil and mash them until smooth.
3. Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with milk, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla.
4. Pour into a baking dish.
5. In a bowl, combine pecans with brown sugar and melted butter.
6. Sprinkle the pecan mixture over the sweet potato filling.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden. Enjoy!

7) Crispy Sliced Yams with Sea Salt

Crispy sliced yams make a tasty snack or side dish. They are easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and peel the yams, then slice them thinly. Aim for even slices to ensure they cook evenly.

Toss the slices in olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt for that perfect touch. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Bake them for about 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden and crispy.

Enjoy these crunchy treats on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce!

Ingredients

• 2 medium yams
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sea salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and peel the yams.
3. Slice the yams thinly.
4. Toss the slices in olive oil and sea salt.
5. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

8) Yams in a Sweet Lemon Glaze

Yams in a sweet lemon glaze are a delightful side dish. The bright, tangy flavor of lemon pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of yams. This recipe is simple and a great way to add a citrus twist to your meal.

Start by peeling and slicing your yams. Then, combine lemon juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Toss the yams in this mixture until they are well coated.

Next, place the yams in a baking dish and dot with butter. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until tender. The glaze will caramelize, giving the yams a delicious finish.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs yams, peeled and sliced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and slice the yams.
3. Mix lemon juice, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl.
4. Toss the yams in the mixture.
5. Place yams in a baking dish and dot with butter.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes until tender.

9) Simple Spiced Yams with Maple Syrup

This recipe for spiced yams is easy and delicious. The combination of spices and maple syrup will make your yams a favorite dish.

Start by peeling and chopping your yams into even pieces. This helps them cook evenly.

Then, steam or boil them until they’re tender.

In a bowl, mix maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Once your yams are cooked, toss them in the maple syrup mixture.

Place the yams on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This will give them a nice caramelized flavor.

Ingredients

• Yams
• Maple syrup
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and chop the yams into pieces.
2. Steam or boil yams until tender.
3. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Toss cooked yams in the mixture.
5. Spread yams on a baking sheet.
6. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.

10) Caramelized Yams with Vanilla and Cinnamon

Caramelized yams with vanilla and cinnamon make a delicious side dish. The sweetness of the yams pairs perfectly with warm spices. This dish is simple but full of flavor.

To prepare, start by peeling and slicing your yams. You can use about three large sweet potatoes for this recipe. Cook them until they are just tender.

Next, combine the yams with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract. Cook on medium heat until the yams are coated in a sweet caramel sauce.

The result is a warm, comforting dish that complements any meal.

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons (56g) butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes.
2. Boil them in water until tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Drain the yams and set aside.
4. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. Add brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon to the butter.
6. Stir in the yams and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.