Savory Candied Yams with Bacon

Savory candied yams with bacon and pecans unite sweet and salty to create a side dish everyone looks forward to I love serving this dish during the holidays because it disappears faster than anything else on the table and it always earns recipe requests

My first time making these yams was for Thanksgiving and now my family insists I double the recipe every year because there are never leftovers

Ingredients

• Medium sweet potatoes: taste sweeter and creamier when roasted look for firm ones with smooth skin
• Bacon: gives a smoky savory bite crisp it up for the best texture thick-cut is a bonus
• Unsalted butter: allows you to control the salt and delivers richness use good-quality butter for full flavor
• Brown sugar: melts into a luscious caramel sauce opt for dark brown if you want deeper flavor
• Maple syrup: adds natural sweetness and a hint of warmth pure maple syrup works best
• Cinnamon: gives warmth and classic holiday aroma choose true cinnamon if available for a softer taste
• Nutmeg: provides a hint of spice freshly grated gives the best flavor
• Pecans: bring crunch that balances tenderness of the yams toast slightly for extra aroma
• Salt and pepper: let you season to your liking use freshly cracked pepper for more bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Bacon:

Place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat and let it sizzle until golden and crispy about eight minutes Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to paper towels and keep one tablespoon grease in the pan for flavor

Create the Glaze:

Add butter to skillet with reserved bacon grease and let it melt over medium heat Stir in brown sugar maple syrup cinnamon nutmeg plus a pinch of salt and pepper Simmer for about two minutes stirring slowly until the glaze thickens and turns glossy

Coat the Yams:

Toss in the peeled diced sweet potatoes making sure every piece is covered in the syrupy glaze Fold with a spatula and try to arrange yams in a single layer Across about twenty minutes cover and cook on medium-low turning gently every five minutes until the yams are soft and edges are caramelized

Finish with Crunch:

Sprinkle in the crispy bacon and chopped pecans Turn up the heat a tad and cook two or three more minutes just to heat through and coat every nut in the sticky glaze

Serve Warm:

Scoop into your serving dish and bring straight to the table It is best enjoyed while warm so the glaze stays glossy and fragrant

Save

The crunchy toasted pecans are my favorite part the little bits clinging to the bottom of the pan are fought over in my family We always sneak a taste before taking it to the table because the aroma is that irresistible and it reminds me of my grandmother who always included nuts in her holiday yams

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely then store in an airtight container in the fridge They will taste great for up to three days Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep the glaze silky You can also freeze cooled portions for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator

Ingredient Substitutions

Use walnuts instead of pecans if that is what you have Maple syrup can be swapped for honey in a pinch For a vegetarian version skip the bacon and add a tablespoon of smoked paprika instead Coconut oil can replace butter for a dairy-free dish

Save

Serving Suggestions

These yams are perfect beside roast chicken turkey ham or even as an upgrade for brunch They also shine as part of a fall vegetable spread with green beans and cornbread Sometimes I toss extras with arugula and goat cheese for a warm salad that feels fancy but takes zero effort

Cultural Context

Candied yams have roots in Southern cooking where sweet potatoes have always held a place of honor Bacon and pecans are old-fashioned favorites in the South and they belong together in so many dishes My family picked up this flavor combo from a neighbor years ago and it became our way to honor both sweet and savory traditions

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and a creamy texture that work best for this dish. Regular potatoes do not caramelize or absorb the glaze in the same way, so it's recommended to stick with sweet potatoes for optimal flavor.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and use additional butter or a vegetarian oil to sauté. You may wish to add smoked paprika or a small amount of liquid smoke for a hint of smoky flavor.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

→ Are the pecans necessary?

Pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty note, but the dish will still be delicious without them. Substitute with walnuts or leave out if preferred.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the candied yams in advance and reheat before serving. Add the pecans just before serving to maintain their crunch.