Princella Praline Yams Recipe For Sweet Holiday Delight

When it comes to comfort food with a touch of Southern charm, Princella Praline Yams stand out as a true crowd-pleaser. This dish combines the natural sweetness of tender yams with the rich, buttery crunch of a homemade praline topping.

Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering, a cozy family dinner, or just craving something deliciously indulgent, this recipe is your go-to side dish. The balance of caramelized sugar, warm spices, and crunchy pecans creates a harmony of flavors that elevate simple yams into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Beyond taste, this recipe is wonderfully easy to prepare and adaptable to your personal preferences. You’ll find yourself coming back to it year after year, making it a staple for holidays and everyday meals alike.

Ready to discover why this classic Southern delight deserves a spot at your table? Let’s dive into the magic of Princella Praline Yams!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Princella Praline Yams bring together the best of both worlds—healthful, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes and a decadent praline topping that is crispy, buttery, and packed with flavor. The yams roast to a tender perfection, soaking up the warm spices and maple syrup, while the praline topping adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture beneath.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste. It’s also perfect for making ahead of time, giving you more room to enjoy your guests or relax during the holidays.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vitamins and fiber with every bite!

Ingredients

• 4 large yams or sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for topping)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking dish (9×13-inch recommended)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Medium saucepan (for praline topping)
• Knife and cutting board
• Oven
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the yams: Peel and chop the yams into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Mix the flavor base: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
4. Toss the yams: Pour the butter and sugar mixture over the yams. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
5. Transfer to the baking dish: Spread the coated yams in a single layer.
6. Bake the yams: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
7. Prepare the praline topping: While the yams bake, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and bubbles. Remove from heat and mix in the toasted pecans.
8. Add the praline topping: Once the yams are tender and cooked through, remove the baking dish from the oven. Spoon the praline mixture evenly over the yams.
9. Optional marshmallow topping: Sprinkle mini marshmallows over the praline layer if using.
10. Final bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the topping is bubbly and the marshmallows are golden brown.
11. Cool and serve: Let the yams cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the praline topping to set slightly.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra rich flavor, try adding a splash of bourbon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your praline mixture for a subtle kick.”

• Make it vegan: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of honey. Use vegan marshmallows or omit entirely.
• Add texture: Mix in shredded coconut or chopped dried cranberries with the yams for an added layer of flavor and texture.
• Spice it up: Increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of ground ginger for a warming twist.
• Make ahead: Prepare the yams and praline topping a day in advance; assemble and bake just before serving.
• Nut-free option: Replace pecans with toasted oats or pumpkin seeds if you have a nut allergy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Princella Praline Yams make a delightful accompaniment to a variety of main courses. Pair them with roasted turkey or baked ham for a traditional holiday feast.

They also complement grilled chicken or pork chops beautifully, adding a sweet contrast to savory flavors.

Add a green vegetable like sautéed collard greens, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the yams. For a Southern-inspired plate, serve alongside creamy macaroni and cheese or cornbread to complete the meal.

Conclusion

Princella Praline Yams are more than just a side dish—they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition that can brighten any meal. Their irresistible combination of sweet, spiced yams and crunchy, buttery praline topping makes them a guaranteed hit with family and friends.

Whether you’re preparing for a holiday dinner or simply craving a comforting dish, this recipe delivers satisfaction with every bite.

Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, Princella Praline Yams invite you to customize the flavors to your liking while embracing the heartwarming essence of Southern cooking. Don’t forget to explore our other delicious recipes like Classic Southern Cornbread, Homemade Sweet Potato Pie, and Maple Glazed Ham to create a memorable and wholesome meal.

Happy cooking!

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