Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. There’s just something so special about gathering with loved ones, enjoying a delicious feast, and reflecting on all the blessings in our lives. And you know what dish I always look forward to the most? Thanksgiving Yams Recipe!
I can still remember the first time my grandma made her famous Thanksgiving Yams Recipe. I was just a little kid, but the aroma of those perfectly roasted yams with their crispy edges and sweet, caramelized centers had my mouth watering. When she finally brought the dish to the table, I couldn’t wait to dig in. That first bite was pure heaven – the flavors were so rich and comforting, it was like a big warm hug for my tastebuds. From that moment on, Thanksgiving Yams Recipe became a non-negotiable part of our holiday spread.
Over the years, I’ve watched my grandma’s recipe get passed down through the generations, and I’ve even experimented with a few twists of my own. But no matter how I make it, this Thanksgiving Yams Recipe always hits the spot and brings back such wonderful memories. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a texture that’s just to die for. I can practically smell it cooking now, and I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
Table of Contents
Why This Thanksgiving Yams Recipe Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Thanksgiving Yams Recipe
What makes this Thanksgiving Yams Recipe so special is the way it’s prepared. Instead of just roasting the yams, we parboil them first to ensure they come out perfectly tender on the inside while still getting that gorgeous caramelized crust on the outside. It’s a little extra step, but trust me, it’s so worth it. The end result is a dish that’s bursting with flavor and has the most amazing texture.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Yams (or sweet potatoes) – The star of the show! Make sure to choose firm, evenly-sized yams for the best results.
– Olive oil – This helps the yams get that beautiful crispy exterior.
– Brown sugar – Just a touch of sweetness to complement the natural sweetness of the yams.
– Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
– Salt and pepper – To season the yams to perfection.
Step-by-Step Thanksgiving Yams Recipe Instructions
Preparing Your Thanksgiving Yams Recipe
This Thanksgiving Yams Recipe is super easy to make, and it only takes about an hour from start to finish. You’ll need a large pot for parboiling the yams, a baking sheet for roasting, and a few basic kitchen tools. Once you have everything ready to go, let’s get started!
1- Start by peeling and cutting the yams into 1-inch cubes. Try to make the pieces as uniform in size as possible for even cooking.
2- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the yam cubes and parboil for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re just starting to soften but still have a bit of bite to them.
3- Drain the yams and transfer them to a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the yams are evenly coated.
4- Roast the yams at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re beautifully caramelized and tender.
5- For the finishing touch, you can optionally drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the roasted yams before serving.
6- Transfer the Thanksgiving Yams Recipe to a serving dish and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to getting perfect Thanksgiving Yams Recipe is to not overcrowd the baking sheet. Make sure to spread the yams out in a single layer so they can get nice and crispy. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice blends or even a sprinkle of chopped pecans or toasted marshmallows on top. Get creative and make this dish your own!
Serving and Storing Your Thanksgiving Yams Recipe
Perfect Pairings for Thanksgiving Yams Recipe
Thanksgiving Yams Recipe is the perfect accompaniment to your holiday feast. Serve it alongside roasted turkey, homemade stuffing, and all the classic Thanksgiving sides for a truly memorable meal. It also pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats any time of year. And don’t forget the cranberry sauce – the tart, tangy flavor is a match made in heaven with the sweet, caramelized yams.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Thanksgiving Yams Recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy. You can also freeze the yams for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
For make-ahead convenience, you can parboil the yams a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast them. This will save you a bit of time on the big day. Just be sure to pat them dry before tossing with the oil and seasonings.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Thanksgiving Yams Recipe
Creative Thanksgiving Yams Recipe Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, try roasting the yams with different spice blends. Cajun seasoning, garlic and herb, or even a touch of orange zest and ginger would all be delicious. You could also try roasting the yams alongside other veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or parsnips for a colorful, flavorful side dish.
Making Thanksgiving Yams Recipe Diet-Friendly
For a lighter, more diet-friendly version of Thanksgiving Yams Recipe, you can skip the brown sugar and instead use a bit of honey or maple syrup to sweeten the dish. And for our gluten-free and vegan friends, simply omit the honey (or use a vegan-friendly sweetener) and you’re good to go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular potatoes instead of yams?
A: You can, but the flavor and texture won’t be quite the same. Yams (or sweet potatoes) have a naturally sweeter, more vibrant flavor that really shines in this dish. I’d recommend sticking with yams if possible.
Q: How long do the yams need to parboil?
A: About 5-7 minutes, just until they start to soften but still have a bit of bite to them. You don’t want to overcook them at this stage.
Q: Can I make Thanksgiving Yams Recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can parboil the yams a day or two in advance and then roast them the day you plan to serve. They also reheat beautifully, so you can make the full dish ahead of time and just pop it back in the oven to crisp up before serving.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes about 6-8 servings as a side dish. If you’re serving it as part of a larger Thanksgiving spread, it should easily feed 8-10 people.
Q: What if my yams don’t get crispy?
A: Make sure you’re not overcrowding the baking sheet, and try roasting at a slightly higher temperature (425°F) for a few extra minutes. You can also try tossing the yams with the oil and seasonings right before roasting, rather than in advance.
Thanksgiving Yams Recipe
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Indulge in the rich, autumnal flavors of this Thanksgiving Yams Recipe. Tender, caramelized yams are tossed in a buttery, brown sugar glaze, creating a mouthwatering side dish that’s sure to steal the show at your holiday table.
Ingredients
– 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
3. 3. Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. 4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until the potatoes are tender and caramelized.
5. 5. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
6. 6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a richer flavor, try substituting maple syrup for the brown sugar. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something about Thanksgiving Yams Recipe that makes it the perfect holiday side dish. The combination of sweet, caramelized flavors and that irresistible crispy texture is truly unbeatable. Whether you’re serving it at your Thanksgiving feast or just want to enjoy it as a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite.
I hope you’ll give my grandma’s famous Thanksgiving Yams Recipe a try this year. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below – I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you’re looking for more holiday inspiration, be sure to check out some of my other Thanksgiving recipes. Happy cooking, and happy Thanksgiving!
