Bourbon-Glazed Yams

Bourbon-Glazed Yams are a delightful twist on a classic side that brings warmth and comfort to any dining table. This recipe infuses the natural sweetness of yams with a rich and aromatic glaze, transforming a simple root vegetable into a star dish. You’ll love how the buttery syrup, infused with a hint of orange juice, brown sugar, and spices, creates a beautifully glossy finish and irresistible flavor. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll find it’s easy to prepare a dish that will not only satiate your taste buds but also evoke feelings of nostalgia and joy during gatherings, whether for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bourbon-Glazed Yams recipe is perfect for those who desire minimal prep with maximum flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that impresses even the most discerning palate. The easy-to-follow directions make it a breeze to whip up before your big meal or any occasion. The combination of creamy yams coated in a luscious, sweet glaze is sure to make your meal memorable. Plus, it serves as an excellent crowd-pleaser, appealing to both young and old—making it an absolute must-have for family gatherings or festive celebrations.

Ingredients

3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, plus more for pan: Adds a rich, creamy texture that harmonizes beautifully with yams.
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar: This amber-hued sugar lends a deep sweetness, perfectly caramelizing during baking.
1/2 cup fresh orange juice: Bright and zesty, it adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the dish.
2 Tbsp. bourbon (optional): For a more sophisticated glaze, the bourbon enhances the flavor profile; however, it can be omitted for a family-friendly version.
1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick: Bursting with warmth, this stick infuses the dish with a cozy aroma.
Pinch of grated fresh nutmeg: A small sprinkle transforms the flavor, giving it a charming depth.
Pinch of kosher salt: Balances the sweetness, ensuring no flavor goes unappreciated.
5 medium yams (about 3 lb.): Creamy, succulent, and the essential star of this recipe, yams bring everything together.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your yams cook evenly and achieve the perfect caramelization.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a medium baking dish with a little unsalted butter. This prevents sticking and contributes to a wonderfully rich flavor.
Prepare the Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, orange juice, bourbon (if using), cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to blend the ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the Glaze: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly. Discard the cinnamon stick once done.
Slice the Yams: While the glaze is simmering, peel the yams and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. The thickness ensures they cook evenly and achieve that perfect tenderness.
Layer the Yams: Arrange the yam slices in the prepared baking dish in an even layer. This ensures that every piece benefits from the delicious glaze.
Add the Glaze: Pour the syrupy glaze over the yams, ensuring every piece gets a generous coating. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap in steam while baking.
Bake the Yams: Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 50 to 60 minutes, basting the yams with the glaze every 15 minutes to enhance flavor and moisture.
Cool and Serve: Once softened and fork-tender, let the yams cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes for a visually appealing presentation.

Tips & Tricks

For added texture, consider topping the yams with chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Make the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it. This will save you time on busy days.
If you don’t have fresh nutmeg, ground nutmeg works just fine, but fresh brings a brighter flavor.
Crispy marshmallows or a sprinkle of cinnamon can be added as a unique finish for special occasions.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Bourbon-Glazed Yams make an ideal side for roasted meats, such as turkey or ham, especially for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. They pair beautifully with savory sides like green beans or a fresh garden salad. For a more casual affair, serve these yams alongside grilled chicken or fish. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is sure to impress your guests!

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Bourbon-Glazed Yams has approximately 220 calories, with a good amount of carbohydrates and natural sugars from the yams and glaze. They also provide vitamins A and C, which are beneficial for health. Enjoy this dish in moderation, as part of a balanced diet rich in whole foods and vegetables.

Storing Tips & Variations

If you have leftovers, allow the yams to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They can be stored for up to five days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350 degrees, adding a splash of orange juice to maintain moisture.

For variations, try substituting yams with sweet potatoes for a different texture and flavor. You can also experiment with the spices—adding in ginger or cloves for a unique twist!

Conclusion

Now that you have the recipe for Bourbon-Glazed Yams, it’s time to bring this sweet and savory dish to life in your kitchen. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish brings joy and comfort in every bite. Give it a try, and be sure to share your experience! We can’t wait to hear how you and your family love these delicious, glazed yams.

FAQs

Can I make Bourbon-Glazed Yams ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the yams and glaze in advance, then bake them the day of your event. Just make sure to keep them refrigerated until you are ready to cook.
What if I can’t find yams?
Sweet potatoes are a perfect substitute for yams in this recipe. They will provide a similar sweetness and texture.
Is the bourbon necessary for the recipe?
No, the bourbon is optional. The yams will still be delicious without it; just increase the amount of orange juice for added flavor.
How do I know when the yams are done?
Yams are done when they are fork-tender. You should be able to pierce them easily with a fork once they are fully baked.
Can I freeze the Bourbon-Glazed Yams?
Yes, you can freeze the yams after baking. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container for up to three months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.