Bacon-Infused Candied Yams Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible blend of flavors with this mouthwatering recipe for Candied Yams with Bacon. Picture this: tender sweet potatoes coated in a sticky maple glaze, intertwined with crispy bacon bites that add the perfect savory touch. This dish is a delightful symphony of sweet, smoky, and crunchy elements that will elevate any meal, whether it’s a festive holiday feast or a cozy family dinner on a regular evening.

The magic doesn’t stop there—imagine the buttery crunch of toasted pecans sprinkled throughout, adding an extra layer of decadence to each bite. This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it has become a family favorite, with my kids eagerly vying for the last serving every time I make it. The combination of flavors and textures in these candied yams is truly a culinary delight that brings warmth and comfort with every forkful.

Quick Benefits

• Rich and caramelized with a smoky crunch from bacon
• Toasted pecans add a buttery crunch and elevate each bite
• Versatile dish that can be paired with different proteins or served for brunch
• Can be stored in the fridge for up to four days and frozen for up to two months

Why You’ll Love This Bacon-Infused Candied Yams Recipe Recipe

• Perfect Combination of Sweet and Savory: The sticky maple glaze coating the sweet potatoes with the savory crunch of bacon creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.
• Family Favorite: The dish has earned the title of “holiday VIP dish” in one family due to its irresistible taste, making it a crowd-pleaser for gatherings and weeknight meals alike.
• Textural Delight: The addition of toasted pecans introduces a buttery crunch that elevates each bite, providing a delightful contrast to the soft sweet potatoes and crispy bacon.
• Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily customize the recipe by swapping ingredients like pecans for walnuts or bacon for coconut chips to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dish can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for up to two months, allowing you to prepare it in advance for holidays or busy weeknights.
• Seasonal Variations: By adjusting the spices and accompaniments, such as adding ginger in the autumn or orange zest in the winter, you can enjoy this dish year-round with seasonal flair.
• Tested and Loved: With heartwarming stories of readers impressing their in-laws and adapting the recipe for dietary needs, this recipe has been tried, tested, and adored by many, promising a successful outcome.
• Holiday Staple: Whether served alongside baked ham or roast turkey or as part of a brunch spread, this dish is a versatile and delicious addition to any holiday menu, creating fond memories with each serving.

Ingredients for Bacon-Infused Candied Yams Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

Pro Tips for Bacon-Infused Candied Yams Recipe

For the best results when making Candied Yams with Bacon, make sure to use sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness and soft texture that pairs perfectly with the glaze and bacon. Cook the yams over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the liquid from evaporating too quickly. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a splash of water to maintain a moist and flavorful dish.

To enhance the dish further, consider adding chopped walnuts or slivered almonds if you don’t have pecans on hand. These nuts will provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweet and savory elements of the recipe. Additionally, while pure maple syrup offers the best taste, honey or agave syrup can be used as substitutes to achieve a similar level of sweetness and glossy finish.

How to Make Bacon-Infused Candied Yams Recipe

Step 1: Render the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

Combine unsalted butter with reserved bacon fat in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well mixed. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Coat and Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Toss diced sweet potatoes in the glaze in the skillet. Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender and caramelized.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Add the cooked bacon and chopped pecans to the mixture. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed.

Step 5: Serve

Place the sweet potatoes on a serving platter and serve while still warm.

Storage Tips

Once the candied yams with bacon are cooked and cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm the leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. If freezing, pack the yams tightly in a freezer bag and label them for up to two months. Reheat directly from the freezer in a covered baking dish at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until hot and glossy, making it a convenient option for prepping holiday meals ahead of time.

For variations or dietary preferences, consider swapping pecans for chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds. To make this dish vegetarian, replace the bacon with toasted coconut chips and use olive oil instead of bacon fat. Additionally, honey can be used as a lighter alternative to maple syrup for a different level of sweetness. Experiment with different nuts, spices, or seasonal twists to customize the dish for various occasions throughout the year, making it a versatile and beloved addition to any meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of this dish, consider swapping the bacon for toasted coconut chips and using olive oil in place of bacon fat. This alteration maintains the savory balance while catering to dietary preferences.

If you find yourself without pecans, chopped walnuts or even pumpkin seeds can be used as a suitable replacement. These alternatives offer a similar nutty crunch that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the dish.

While pure maple syrup provides the best flavor, honey can be used as a lighter alternative for sweetness. Both options will still contribute to the sticky glaze that coats the sweet potatoes, enhancing their overall taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Candied Yams with Bacon as a hearty and indulgent side dish for Thanksgiving dinner, or elevate a casual weeknight meal by pairing it with juicy grilled chicken and vibrant garlicky greens. For a brunch spread, present this dish alongside fluffy biscuits and scrambled eggs to create a comforting and satisfying meal. To add a festive touch during winter, consider incorporating a splash of bourbon or fresh orange zest into the glaze for a warm and aromatic flavor.

For a lighter variation, swap the bacon for toasted coconut chips and use olive oil instead of bacon fat. You can also experiment with different nuts such as chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds for a unique twist. Regardless of the occasion, these Candied Yams with Bacon are sure to become a beloved favorite that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

FAQs for Bacon-Infused Candied Yams Recipe

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chopped walnuts or slivered almonds for pecans, which will provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor in the dish.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup in this recipe?

Absolutely, honey or agave syrup can be used as substitutes for maple syrup to achieve similar sweetness and gloss in the candied yams with bacon.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can prepare the candied yams ahead of time and refrigerate them. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven before serving, adding a touch of butter or maple syrup if extra moisture is needed.

What is the best way to prevent the liquid from evaporating too quickly while cooking?

Cook over medium-low heat, stir occasionally, and monitor the liquid level to ensure it doesn’t evaporate too quickly. If needed, you can add a splash of water to maintain the desired consistency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Candied Yams with Bacon are more than just a side dish – they are a culinary experience that brings together tradition and innovation in every bite. The sweet and savory flavors mingle harmoniously, creating a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive holiday feast or a cozy family dinner.

So, gather your loved ones around the table and treat them to this delightful dish that is sure to become a new favorite. With its irresistible combination of sticky glaze, crispy bacon, and tender sweet potatoes, these Candied Yams with Bacon are bound to leave everyone craving for more. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making this dish again and again, as it has a way of becoming a cherished part of your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process of cooking and sharing this delicious recipe with those who matter most.

Bacon-Infused Candied Yams Recipe

“Smoky bacon, sticky maple glaze, and buttery pecans elevate these Candied Yams to a holiday favorite with a perfect sweet-savory balance.”

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Prep Time15 min

Cook Time30 min

Total Time45 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (Serves 6 as a side dish)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

Instructions

1. Render the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Prepare the Glaze: Combine unsalted butter with reserved bacon fat in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well mixed. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Coat and Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Toss diced sweet potatoes in the glaze in the skillet. Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender and caramelized.
4. Finish the Dish: Add the cooked bacon and chopped pecans to the mixture. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed.
5. Serve: Place the sweet potatoes on a serving platter and serve while still warm.