Holiday spiced yams

Holiday spiced yams combine sweet potatoes with aromatic spices, brown sugar, and citrus for a festive side dish. This simple recipe involves baking sweet potato slices coated in a spiced butter sauce until tender and caramelized.

05 Feb 2026
Cook time 65 min
Prep time 2 min

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter
2 tsp orange zest
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
6 sweet potatos
3/4 tsp ground nutmeg
3/4 tsp spice mix
3/4 tsp cinnamon

Holiday spiced yams are a delightful and festive side dish that bring a burst of holiday flavor to your table. Combining sweet potatoes with aromatic spices, brown sugar, and a hint of citrus, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any winter gathering.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
- Slice them into even rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick, and set them aside.

3. Make the Spiced Butter Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, orange zest, lemon juice, ground nutmeg, spice mix, and cinnamon.
- Stir continuously until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside.

4. Assemble the Dish:
- In a baking dish, arrange the sweet potato slices in an even layer.
- Pour the spiced butter sauce over the sweet potato slices, making sure they are all evenly coated.

5. Bake the Sweet Potatoes:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is nicely caramelized.

6. Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve warm as a delicious side dish for your holiday meal.

Holiday spiced yams are more than just a side dish; they are a celebration of festive flavors. The combination of sweet potatoes, spices, and citrus brings out a delicious harmony that will make your holiday meal memorable. Enjoy this dish warm, and savor the delightful holiday spirit in every bite.

Holiday spiced yams FAQ:

What is the baking time for Holiday Spiced Yams?

Bake the sweet potatoes covered with aluminum foil for about 45 minutes at 375°F (190°C). After removing the foil, bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.

How can I tell when the sweet potatoes are done?

The sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and the top has a nice caramelized finish. You can pierce a slice with a fork to check for softness.

Can I make substitutions for the spices used in this recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the spices based on your preference. If you don't have ground nutmeg, you can use more cinnamon. Additionally, any warm spice blend could replace the spice mix used.

How should I store leftovers of the Holiday Spiced Yams?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

What kind of sweet potatoes should I use for this recipe?

Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, sometimes called yams, as they provide the best flavor and texture for this dish.

Cooking Tips:

- Make sure to choose sweet, firm, and even-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking.

- Pre-cook the sweet potatoes by boiling or microwaving them until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked, making it easier to slice them.

- If you like a bit more texture, you can garnish the finished dish with toasted pecans or marshmallows.

- For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.

- Be sure to zest the orange and juice the lemon right before cooking to retain maximum flavor and aroma.

Nutrition Facts

8 Servings
Calories 190kcal
Protein 1.64g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 3.10g
Sugar 18g
Fat 6g

Holiday spiced yams