Quick Candied Yams with Honey and Brown Sugar Recipe

My recipe for candied yams with honey and brown sugar highlights that sweetness with a sticky, caramelized glaze.

You only need a few pantry staples to transform humble sweet potatoes into a show-stopping side dish. I promise these tender rounds will disappear faster than anything else on the holiday table.

What Sets This Candied Yams with Honey and Brown Sugar Apart

The combination of warm spices creates an aroma that fills the whole kitchen with cozy vibes. I love how the edges get slightly crisp while the centers stay melt-in-your-mouth soft.

It is incredibly easy to prepare this dish even on busy weeknights or crowded holidays. You simply toss everything together and let the oven do the heavy lifting for you.

This version skips the marshmallows for a more sophisticated flavor profile that highlights the actual vegetable. The added crunch from the pecans provides the perfect texture contrast to the soft rounds.

If this dish hit the spot, you’ll want to try my Savory Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe next, plus the Savory Orange Olive Oil Cake Recipe delivers the same bold flavors.

Everything You Need for Perfect Candied Yams with Honey and Brown Sugar

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Sweet potatoes or yams: Peeled and sliced into uniform rounds.
• Olive oil: Helps roast the potatoes and prevents sticking.
• Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle savory kick.
• Honey: Provides a natural, sticky sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Creates that rich, caramelized flavor.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.
• Nutmeg: Brings a nutty, aromatic note.
• Pecans: Adds a necessary crunch and nutty flavor.
• Flaky salt: Used for finishing to pop the flavors.

My Method for Perfect Candied Yams with Honey and Brown Sugar

Let’s get cooking!

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and arranging a rack in the center position. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup later. Place your peeled and sliced sweet potatoes directly onto the prepared pan. Drizzle them with the olive oil and season evenly with the kosher salt and black pepper. Use your hands to toss the rounds until they are thoroughly coated, then spread them out in a single, even layer so they roast properly rather than steam. Roast them in the hot oven for roughly 15 minutes. You are looking for the bottoms to begin browning nicely.
2. While the potatoes are roasting, you can prepare the glaze. Take a small saucepan and combine the honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium-low heat. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent burning. You only need to cook this for about two minutes, just until the brown sugar has completely dissolved and the spices are fragrant. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside near your stove.
3. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven once the first roast is complete. Using a pastry brush, coat the top of each sweet potato round with about half of the warm honey mixture. Flip each piece over using tongs or a spatula, then brush the remaining glaze over the new tops. Scatter the chopped pecans over the potatoes and return the pan to the oven. Roast for another 8 to 10 minutes. Watch closely during this stage, as you want the Candied Yams with Honey and Brown Sugar to be beautifully caramelized and tender without burning the nuts. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky salt before serving.

My Candied Yams with Honey and Brown Sugar Secrets

Cut your potatoes into uniform slices to ensure they cook evenly without burning. I always aim for half-inch rounds so they hold their shape while becoming tender.

Keep a close eye on the oven during the final few minutes of roasting. The sugar in the glaze can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly.

Toasting the nuts separately before adding them is an option if you prefer extra crunch. I find adding them near the end of cooking allows them to toast in the Candied Yams with Honey and Brown Sugar glaze beautifully.

How I Like to Serve This Candied Yams with Honey and Brown Sugar

This dish pairs beautifully with roast chicken or turkey during festive gatherings. I often serve it alongside green beans to balance the sweetness with something fresh and savory.

You can also enjoy leftovers cold right out of the fridge for a quick snack. The flavors of the Candied Yams with Honey and Brown Sugar deepen even more the next day.

Follow me on Pinterest for more easy meal inspiration and seasonal favorites.

Candied Yams with Honey and Brown Sugar

---

• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 50 min
• Yield: 10 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These candied yams with honey and brown sugar are roasted to caramelized perfection. My simple recipe uses warm spices and crunchy pecans for the ultimate side.

---

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Flaky salt, for serving

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F and set a rack in the center. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the sliced sweet potatoes on the pan, drizzle with olive oil, and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss well to coat, then arrange in a single layer. Roast for 15 minutes until the bottoms start to brown.
2. While the potatoes roast, combine the honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently for about 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm. Remove from heat.
3. Take the baking sheet out of the oven. Brush the potato rounds with half of the honey glaze. Flip each piece over and brush with the remaining glaze. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top. Return to the oven and roast for another 8-10 minutes until caramelized and tender. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt.

Notes

Watch the pecans closely during the final roast to prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cooling Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Candied Yams with Honey and Brown Sugar, roasted yams, sweet potato side dish, holiday recipes