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Savory Candied Yams with Bacon and Pecans

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These savory candied yams with bacon and pecans are a smoky-sweet twist on a classic Southern side dish. Instead of the traditional sugary version, this recipe brings together perfectly caramelized sweet potatoes with a buttery maple-brown sugar glaze, crispy turkey bacon, and crunchy toasted pecans.

Ingredients

Scale

4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes

4 slices turkey bacon, chopped

¼ cup unsalted butter

¼ cup light brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup pecans, roughly chopped (toasted if preferred)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon reserved turkey bacon grease (from cooking bacon)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

  • Peel and dice 4 medium sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks.

  • Chop 4 slices of turkey bacon.

  • Measure out butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pecans.

2. Cook the Turkey Bacon

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crispy (about 5–7 minutes).

  • Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.

  • Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for flavor.

3. Make the Glaze

  • To the skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add ¼ cup unsalted butter.

  • Once melted, stir in ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste.

  • Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes until it slightly thickens and bubbles.

4. Cook the Sweet Potatoes

  • Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet.

  • Toss well to coat them in the glaze.

  • Cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low.

  • Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized.

5. Add Bacon and Pecans

  • Stir in the cooked turkey bacon and ½ cup chopped pecans.

  • Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, uncovered, to warm everything through.

6. Serve Warm

  • Transfer to a serving bowl or casserole dish.

  • Garnish with extra toasted pecans if desired.

  • Serve warm as a side dish.

Notes

  • Toasting pecans: For extra flavor, toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes before adding them.

  • Make-ahead tip: Prepare the sweet potatoes and glaze in advance. Reheat and add bacon and pecans just before serving.

  • Texture tip: Stir gently to avoid mashing the sweet potatoes.

  • Vegan option: Replace turkey bacon with tempeh or smoked paprika and use plant-based butter.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/savory-candied-yams-with-bacon-and-pecans/