Bacon-Infused Savory Candied Yams Recipe

Get ready to elevate your side dish game with these mouthwatering Savory Candied Yams with Bacon. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between comforting sweetness and savory indulgence, making it a standout on any table. Picture tender sweet potatoes mingling with smoky bacon, a hint of maple sweetness, and a touch of warm spices—a true crowd-pleaser in the making.

For those cozy family gatherings or special occasions, these candied yams with bacon and pecans are sure to steal the show. The aroma of the roasted pecans will transport you to cherished moments in the kitchen, reminiscent of grandma’s cooking. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual get-together, this dish is a versatile star that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can stand alone as a flavorful vegetarian option by omitting the bacon.

Embrace the spirit of the season with this timeless recipe that blends tradition with modern flair. Don’t hesitate to customize—try walnuts or almonds, adjust the sweetness to your liking, or experiment with different toppings for a personal touch. With make-ahead tips and serving suggestions, these Savory Candied Yams with Bacon are bound to become a staple on your menu, creating lasting memories of good food and great company.

Quick Benefits

• Balances sweet and savory flavors with tender sweet potatoes, smoky bacon, and warm spices
• Offers versatility with ingredient substitutions like walnuts, almonds, or smoked turkey for bacon, catering to different dietary preferences
• Can be made in advance, refrigerated for up to three days, or frozen for up to two months, making it a convenient dish for busy days and holiday preparations
• Maintains a crowd-pleasing quality and is perfect for holiday tables with its instant appeal and comforting flavors

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

• Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory: This dish offers a harmonious blend of sweet potatoes, smoky bacon, maple syrup, and spices, creating a savory-sweet flavor profile that’s sure to please your taste buds.
• Cozy and Indulgent: The comforting combination of tender sweet potatoes, bacon, and warm spices makes this recipe feel both homey and indulgent, perfect for special occasions or family gatherings.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences by adjusting the sweetness level, swapping ingredients like pecans for walnuts or almonds, or even making a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance, store leftovers for up to three days, or freeze them for up to two months, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or holiday meal planning.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: This recipe has been tried and tested with rave reviews from family and friends, making it a reliable choice for potlucks, holiday tables, or any gathering where you want to impress guests with a delicious side dish.
• Balanced Flavors and Textures: The addition of pecans provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the creamy sweet potatoes and crispy bacon, creating a well-rounded dish that’s satisfying in every bite.
• Seasonal and Festive: With its warm spices and cozy appeal, this dish is perfect for fall and winter meals, whether served alongside roast chicken or turkey, or enjoyed as a standalone dish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a flavorful kick.

Ingredients for Bacon-Infused Savory Candied Yams Recipe

Main Ingredients

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

Pro Tips for Bacon-Infused Savory Candied Yams Recipe

To enhance the flavors of your savory candied yams with bacon, consider toasting the pecans separately before adding them to the dish. This extra step will bring out their nutty flavor and add a delicious crunch to the yams.

For a vegetarian version or if you run out of bacon, try using smoked turkey as a flavorful substitute or simply omit it. You can also experiment with different nuts like walnuts or slivered almonds if pecans are not available, adjusting the sweetness level by reducing the brown sugar and adding more black pepper as needed.

To make your cooking experience smoother, prepare this dish in advance and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months. Reheat gently to maintain the texture and flavors, ensuring that the glaze becomes silky and the bacon and pecans retain their crispiness.

How to Make Bacon-Infused Savory Candied Yams Recipe

Step 1: Render Bacon Crispy

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until golden and crispy, stirring frequently. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Keep about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet and discard any extra.

Step 2: Create the Maple Glaze

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

Step 3: Glaze and Caramelize Sweet Potatoes

Add peeled and diced sweet potatoes to the skillet, coat evenly in the glaze, cover, and cook over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until fork-tender and beginning to caramelize.

Step 4: Incorporate Bacon and Pecans

Combine the crispy bacon and chopped pecans in the skillet. Stir gently and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the candied yams to a serving dish and serve immediately.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the savory candied yams with bacon, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The glaze may thicken when cold but will become silky again once warmed through. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F or use the microwave in intervals until heated to your liking.

For longer storage, you can freeze the candied yams in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw the yams overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Once thawed, reheat the dish covered in the oven at 325°F, stirring once to reincorporate the glaze before serving. This dish is a versatile crowd-pleaser perfect for holiday tables or weeknight dinners, offering a delightful blend of savory sweet flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can omit the bacon entirely or replace it with a plant-based alternative like smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add a savory depth to the dish. This substitution will still give you that smoky flavor without using meat.

In case you don’t have pecans on hand, walnuts or slivered almonds can be excellent substitutes in this recipe. These nuts will provide a similar texture and nutty flavor to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the yams and adding a nice crunch. Feel free to use whichever nut you prefer or have available, as they will still enhance the overall taste and presentation of the candied yams.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting the savory candied yams with bacon in individual mini cast iron skillets for a rustic and charming touch. This personal-sized presentation adds a cozy feel to the dish and allows each guest to enjoy their portion of the delicious yam mixture topped with crunchy bacon and pecans.

Another fun idea is to serve the candied yams with a side of tangy Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a creamy contrast to the sweet and savory flavors. The cool and tangy yogurt complements the warm and rich yams, creating a delightful balance of tastes and textures that will elevate the dish to a whole new level of enjoyment.

FAQs for Bacon-Infused Savory Candied Yams Recipe

Can I substitute bacon with another ingredient?

Yes, you can substitute bacon with smoked turkey or omit it for a vegetarian version. For a different twist, you can also use a splash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the savory depth.

Can I use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work nicely as substitutes for pecans, bringing a similar texture and nutty flavor to the dish.

How do I ensure the sweet potatoes cook evenly without losing their shape?

Keep the heat at medium-low and stir occasionally while cooking to ensure even cooking and maintain the yams’ shape and bite.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for a gathering?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it gently in a skillet or oven to restore crispness to the bacon and pecans before serving.

Conclusion

As you prepare to share this delectable dish of Savory Candied Yams with Bacon with your loved ones, remember the joy that comes from creating something delicious and nourishing for those around you. The warmth of the oven, the sizzle of the bacon, the aroma of spices coming together—these are the moments that make cooking not just a task, but a soulful experience.

Whether you’re making this recipe for a special holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight meal, the blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in these yams is sure to bring smiles to the table. So take your time, enjoy the process, and savor each bite of this comforting dish. Let the memories of past gatherings and the promise of future celebrations infuse every spoonful of these Savory Candied Yams with Bacon. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!

Bacon-Infused Savory Candied Yams Recipe

Indulge in the cozy comfort of savory candied yams with bacon and pecans, where sweet potatoes meet smoky bacon, maple, and brown sugar.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time30 min

Total Time45 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (Serves 6 as a side dish)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Render Bacon Crispy: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until golden and crispy, stirring frequently. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Keep about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet and discard any extra.
2. Create the Maple Glaze: Combine unsalted butter with reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until sugar is dissolved. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened.
3. Glaze and Caramelize Sweet Potatoes: Add peeled and diced sweet potatoes to the skillet, coat evenly in the glaze, cover, and cook over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until fork-tender and beginning to caramelize.
4. Incorporate Bacon and Pecans: Combine the crispy bacon and chopped pecans in the skillet. Stir gently and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
5. Serve: Transfer the candied yams to a serving dish and serve immediately.