These maple thyme hasselback yams are a beautiful balance of sweet and savory, with tender slices infused with rich maple butter and aromatic thyme. They make an eye-catching side dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe transforms simple yams into an elegant dish with minimal effort. The hasselback technique allows the flavors to seep into every slice, creating a soft interior with slightly crisp edges. The combination of maple syrup and thyme delivers a comforting sweetness with a subtle herbal depth, making it versatile enough for both festive tables and everyday dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 medium yams
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (divided)
1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter
1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed, plus extra for garnish
Directions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Scrub the yams thoroughly and trim off the ends. Place each yam in a deep spoon or between chopsticks, then carefully slice thin cuts across the top, stopping before cutting all the way through.
Arrange the yams in a snug baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, gently opening the slices so the oil seeps inside. Sprinkle with half of the salt, ensuring some gets between the slices.
Bake for 30 minutes.
While the yams are baking, melt the butter and mix it with the maple syrup, remaining salt, and fresh thyme leaves.
Remove the yams from the oven and spoon the maple butter mixture over them, making sure it gets between the slices.
Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the yams are tender.
Carefully pour the sauce from the pan into a small saucepan. Place the yams back into the warm oven to keep them hot.
Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Spoon the reduced sauce over the yams, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 3 to 4 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
You can swap yams for sweet potatoes if preferred, as both work beautifully in this recipe. For a deeper flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the maple butter mixture. If you like a bit of heat, a light sprinkle of chili flakes can create a sweet-spicy contrast. You can also add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 160°C (320°F) until heated through. You can also reheat in a microwave, though the oven helps maintain better texture. If needed, add a small drizzle of maple syrup before reheating to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I prepare these yams ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice and partially bake them ahead, then finish with the maple butter just before serving.
What are hasselback yams?
They are yams sliced thinly but not all the way through, allowing them to fan out while baking.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, but use a smaller amount since dried thyme is more concentrated.
How do I keep the yams from cutting all the way through?
Use a spoon or chopsticks as a guide to stop the knife from going too deep.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
What type of maple syrup works best?
Pure maple syrup is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, a small amount of minced garlic can add a savory depth.
Why are my yams not tender?
They may need more baking time depending on their size.
Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s not ideal, as the texture may become too soft after thawing.
What dishes pair well with this recipe?
They pair well with roasted vegetables, chicken, or hearty grain dishes.
Conclusion
Maple thyme hasselback yams are a simple yet impressive dish that brings together comforting flavors and a stunning presentation. With their tender texture and rich glaze, they are sure to become a favorite addition to your meal rotation, whether for holidays or everyday dining.
An elegant and flavorful side dish featuring hasselback yams infused with rich maple butter and aromatic thyme, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Total Time:1 hour
Yield:3 to 4 servings
Ingredients
3 medium yams
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (divided)
1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter
1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Scrub yams and trim ends. Place each yam between chopsticks or in a spoon and slice thin cuts across the top without cutting all the way through.
Arrange yams in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with half the salt, ensuring some gets between the slices.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt butter and mix with maple syrup, remaining salt, and thyme leaves.
Remove yams from oven and spoon maple butter mixture over them, letting it seep between slices.
Return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes until tender.
Pour sauce from the pan into a small saucepan and keep yams warm in the oven.
Boil the sauce for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Spoon the reduced sauce over the yams, garnish with thyme, and serve immediately.
Notes
Sweet potatoes can be used instead of yams.
Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer flavor.
Sprinkle chili flakes for a sweet-spicy twist.
Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Add a drizzle of maple syrup before reheating to refresh flavor.
