Glazed Sweet Potatoes

6 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 45 m Total: 55 m Beginner
5.0/5 (2)
Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Pooh yaille, my family loves this dish! These glazed sweet potatoes are baked with butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and a hint of nutmeg until tender and caramelized. Optional pecans add a delightful crunch to this Southern side dish.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 4 tbsp butter, plus 1 tablespoon for greasing
  • 4 medium yams or sweet potatoes, peeled
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
  • pecans (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter.
  2. Cut each of the yams into 8 evenly shaped wedges. Lay them out in the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and allow to dissolve. Mix in maple syrup and cook until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Pour the glaze over the yams and sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg.
  3. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes or until the yams are tender when pierced with a fork but they still hold their shape. If using pecans, sprinkle them over the sweet potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can cut the sweet potatoes and prepare the glaze ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Q: What's the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?

A: In the US, what we call yams are usually orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. True yams are a different species. Either works great in this recipe: use what's available at your local market.

Tips and Techniques

For extra caramelization, uncover the dish during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. The glaze will reduce and create a beautiful sheen on the potatoes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • maple syrup: honey or cane syrup
  • brown sugar: white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses
  • pecans: walnuts or slivered almonds

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Small saucepan
  • Aluminum foil
  • Vegetable peeler

Historical Context

Sweet potatoes have been cultivated in Louisiana since the 1700s and thrive in our climate. The Louisiana yam (actually a sweet potato variety) became so popular that the state designated it as the official state vegetable in 2003.