Candied Yams Vegetarian Recipe Easy and Delicious Ideas

There’s something deeply comforting about candied yams, especially when made vegetarian and easy to prepare. This classic dish, often served during holidays and family gatherings, combines the natural sweetness of yams with a luscious glaze that’s rich, buttery, and aromatic.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add a wholesome side to your meal, this recipe brings together simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. The best part?

It’s effortless to make, requiring minimal prep and delivering maximum flavor. Imagine tender, caramelized yams infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all baked to perfection in a sweet, sticky sauce.

This recipe is sure to become a staple in your house, offering a delightful twist on a traditional favorite without compromising on taste or texture.

If you’re interested in exploring more comforting vegetarian dishes, be sure to check out our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for a hearty meal option. Now, let’s dive into this delicious and easy candied yams vegetarian recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This candied yams vegetarian recipe is a perfect combination of sweet and savory, offering a rich flavor profile that satisfies your taste buds while being easy to prepare. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want something impressive but fuss-free.

You’ll appreciate how simple ingredients like yams, brown sugar, and warm spices come together to create a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be adapted to vegan by substituting butter with plant-based alternatives.

The texture is perfectly tender without being mushy, and the glaze forms a beautiful, sticky coating that keeps every bite flavorful.

It also pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, making it versatile enough to be a side or even a sweet snack. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 4 large yams (about 3 pounds), peeled and sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (use vegan butter for a vegan option)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup or molasses for deeper flavor
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
• Optional: Mini marshmallows (vegetarian or vegan) for topping

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking dish (9×13 inch works well)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Small saucepan
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while baking)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the yams: Peel and slice the yams into ½-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking.
3. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook gently, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat.
4. Arrange the yams: Place the sliced yams evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the yams, ensuring every slice is coated well.
5. Optional: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra texture and flavor.
6. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. Halfway through baking (around 25 minutes), gently toss the yams to coat them again in the glaze and promote even caramelization. This also prevents sticking.
7. For a sweet finish: If you love marshmallows, add a layer of mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking to toast them lightly.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the glaze thicken and settle.
9. Serve warm as a side dish or a sweet treat.

Tips & Variations

“To get perfectly tender yams every time, slice uniformly and avoid overcrowding the baking dish.”

Use different sweeteners: Swap maple syrup for honey (not vegan) or agave nectar for a different sweet flavor profile.

Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the glaze to bring extra warmth.

Make it vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and use vegan marshmallows to keep this dish fully plant-based.

Add fruits: Try mixing in diced pineapple or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.

Slow cooker option: Layer the yams and glaze in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours for a hands-off approach.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This candied yams recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of vegetarian mains and holiday dishes. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, quinoa, or your favorite lentil loaf for a wholesome meal.

For a festive dinner, complement it with a fresh green salad and warm rolls. It also goes well with vegan protein options like grilled tempeh or tofu.

Looking for more side dish inspiration? Check out our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes for creative ideas that suit many dietary needs.

Conclusion

Making candied yams vegetarian and easy has never been more delicious or accessible. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of yams, enriched with a buttery-spiced glaze that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or simply craving a cozy side dish, these candied yams will not disappoint. The minimal ingredients and straightforward method make this a perfect dish for cooks of all skill levels.

Plus, the flexibility to customize with nuts, fruits, or vegan alternatives means everyone can enjoy it.

Don’t forget to explore other tasty recipes like our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or the savory Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for more culinary adventures. Happy cooking and enjoy every sweet, tender bite of your candied yams!

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