Bourbon Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Bourbon Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans, a dish cherished at every family gathering and holiday in my household. These tender yams are enhanced by a rich, buttery bourbon sauce and topped with toasted pecans for a delightful crunch. Even for those who might shy away from sweet potatoes, this recipe is sure to convert anyone with its addictive sweetness and sophisticated flavor profile. Perfect as a holiday side dish or a comforting addition to any meal, your guests will be begging for the recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yams
8 (peeled and sliced)
Dark Brown Sugar
2 cups (packed)
Bourbon
1/2 cup (measured)
Heavy Cream
1/2 cup (measured)
Butter
1/4 lb (unsalted, cubed)
Pecans
1 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a skillet, toast the chopped pecans over medium heat until fragrant and golden, about 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside.
3
In a large pot, bring enough water to cover the yams to a boil. Add the peeled and sliced yams and cook for 12 minutes or until just tender.
4
After 12 minutes, drain the water and immediately immerse the yams in ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.
5
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the dark brown sugar and cubed butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is melted and smooth.
6
Carefully add the bourbon to the saucepan. If you like, you can flambé it by igniting the bourbon with a long lighter for a dramatic presentation (be cautious with flames). Let it cook for a minute until the flame extinguishes itself.
7
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the mixture is well-blended and bubbly.
8
Add the cooled, drained yams to the sauce, gently stirring to coat them evenly.
9
Fold in the toasted pecans, mixing gently while heating for an additional 5-7 minutes, ensuring the yams are warmed through but not completely cooked.
10
Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the yams are fully tender and the top is lightly caramelized.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bourbon Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans?
This is a dish featuring tender yams coated in a rich, buttery bourbon sauce and topped with toasted pecans.
What kind of potatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 yams, which are peeled and sliced before cooking.
Can I use canned yams instead of fresh ones?
Fresh yams are recommended for the best texture, as they are boiled for 12 minutes then baked to achieve a perfect consistency.
What type of bourbon should I use?
Any standard bourbon you enjoy will work, as it is used to create a sophisticated flavor profile in the glaze.
How do I toast the pecans?
Toast chopped pecans in a skillet over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until they are fragrant and golden.
Why do the yams need an ice bath?
Immersing the yams in ice-cold water immediately after boiling stops the cooking process, preventing them from becoming too soft.
Can I omit the bourbon?
Yes, you can omit it, though the bourbon provides a unique depth of flavor that defines this specific dish.
Is flambéing the bourbon necessary?
No, it is optional and used for a dramatic presentation; the alcohol will still cook down during the simmering process.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides maximum richness, you could use half-and-half as a lighter alternative.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, but dark brown sugar is preferred for its higher molasses content, which adds more depth to the glaze.
How long should I boil the yams?
The yams should be boiled for approximately 12 minutes or until they are just tender.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The sweet potato mixture should bake for 25 minutes until the yams are fully tender and the top is caramelized.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific brand labels for bourbon and cream.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and do the final baking step just before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze Bourbon Glazed Sweet Potatoes?
You can freeze them, though the texture of the pecans and the cream-based sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
When is the best time to serve this dish?
It is a perfect side dish for holiday meals, family gatherings, or any comforting dinner.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts make an excellent substitute if you prefer them over pecans.
How do I keep the pecans from burning?
Stir the pecans continuously while toasting and remove them from the heat as soon as they become fragrant.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
What if I don't have a long lighter for flambéing?
If you do not have a safe way to ignite the bourbon, simply let it simmer in the sauce to cook off the alcohol.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
You can reduce the sugar, but the glaze will be thinner and less caramelized.
How many yams do I need?
This recipe specifically requires 8 yams.
What kind of butter should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 lb of unsalted, cubed butter.
Do I peel the yams before or after boiling?
The yams should be peeled and sliced before they are placed in the boiling water.
Why is my glaze not thickening?
Ensure the butter and sugar are fully melted and that the heavy cream is stirred in until the mixture is bubbly.
Can I add spices like cinnamon?
While the recipe doesn't call for them, cinnamon or nutmeg would complement the bourbon and brown sugar flavors well.
What size dish should I use for baking?
A standard greased casserole dish that can fit the 8 sliced yams evenly is recommended.
Is this a side dish or a dessert?
While it has dessert-like sweetness, it is traditionally served as a rich side dish.