15 Yams Recipes That Will Steal the Spotlight
Yams don’t get enough credit. They sit quietly on the table while turkey, roast chicken, or fancy mains soak up all the praise.
But today? Today we change that. Because these 15 yam recipes are bold, cozy, flavorful, and fully capable of becoming the star of your meal.
Whether you’re cooking for the holidays, meal-prepping for the week, or just trying to make vegetables less boring (relatable), this list has you covered.
Some recipes lean sweet, others go savory, and a few toe the delicious line right in between. Who doesn’t love options?
Grab a coffee, get comfy, and prepare to fall in love with yams all over again.
1. Classic Cinnamon Roasted Yams
Why it’s awesome: Simple, cozy, and impossible to mess up. This one smells like comfort while it bakes.
Ingredients
- Yams, peeled and cubed
- Olive oil
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss yams with olive oil, cinnamon, and salt.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping once.
Why You’ll Love It
Soft on the inside, caramelized on the outside. I make this when I want something sweet-ish without committing to dessert.
2. Garlic Herb Mashed Yams
Why it’s awesome: Creamy, savory, and way more interesting than plain mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- Yams, peeled
- Garlic cloves
- Butter
- Milk
- Fresh herbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil yams until fork-tender.
- Mash with butter, milk, garlic, and herbs.
- Season to taste and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love It
It feels fancy but takes minimal effort. Perfect for holiday tables or weeknight dinners.
3. Honey Glazed Roasted Yams
Why it’s awesome: Sweet, sticky, and slightly caramelized—basically candy, but acceptable as a side.
Ingredients
- Yams, sliced
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss yams with olive oil and salt.
- Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes.
- Drizzle with honey and roast 10 more minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Kids love it. Adults secretly love it more.
4. Savory Yam and Onion Skillet
Why it’s awesome: One pan, big flavor, minimal cleanup. Enough said.
Ingredients
- Yams, diced
- Onion, sliced
- Olive oil
- Black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet.
- Add yams and cook until tender.
- Add onions and sauté until caramelized.
Why You’ll Love It
This pairs with everything. I’ve eaten it straight from the pan. No regrets.
5. Crispy Baked Yam Fries
Why it’s awesome: Fries, but make them wholesome-ish.
Ingredients
- Yams, cut into sticks
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss yams with oil and spices.
- Bake at 425°F for 30–35 minutes.
- Flip halfway for max crispiness.
Why You’ll Love It
They disappear fast, so maybe double the batch. FYI.
6. Yam and Chickpea Sheet Pan Bake
Why it’s awesome: Protein, fiber, flavor—all on one pan.
Ingredients
- Yams, cubed
- Chickpeas, drained
- Olive oil
- Spices of choice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss everything together on a baking sheet.
- Roast at 400°F for 35 minutes.
- Stir once halfway through.
Why You’ll Love It
Great for meal prep and somehow tastes better the next day.
7. Creamy Yam Soup
Why it’s awesome: Warm, comforting, and perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Yams, chopped
- Onion
- Vegetable broth
- Cream or coconut milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté onion until soft.
- Add yams and broth; simmer until tender.
- Blend until smooth and stir in cream.
Why You’ll Love It
It feels like a hug in a bowl. Ideal with crusty bread.
8. Spiced Roasted Yams with Yogurt Drizzle
Why it’s awesome: Sweet meets savory meets creamy.
Ingredients
- Yams, roasted
- Yogurt
- Garlic
- Spices
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast yams with spices.
- Mix yogurt with garlic and salt.
- Drizzle over yams before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
The contrast is chef’s kiss. IMO, this one feels restaurant-worthy.
9. Yam Breakfast Hash
Why it’s awesome: Breakfast-for-dinner energy.
Ingredients
- Yams, diced
- Bell peppers
- Onion
- Olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook yams in a skillet until tender.
- Add peppers and onions.
- Cook until everything browns nicely.
Why You’ll Love It
Add eggs if you want, but it’s great on its own too.
10. Maple Roasted Yams
Why it’s awesome: Sweet, glossy, and holiday-approved.
Ingredients
- Yams, cubed
- Maple syrup
- Butter
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss yams with melted butter and salt.
- Roast until tender.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and roast briefly.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe vanishes fast at gatherings. You’ve been warned.
11. Yam and Lentil Stew
Why it’s awesome: Hearty, filling, and surprisingly cozy.
Ingredients
- Yams, cubed
- Lentils
- Onion
- Spices
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté onion and spices.
- Add yams, lentils, and water.
- Simmer until tender.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s budget-friendly and deeply satisfying.
12. Stuffed Roasted Yams
Why it’s awesome: Customizable and fun.
Ingredients
- Whole yams
- Beans or veggies
- Cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast whole yams until soft.
- Slice open and stuff with fillings.
- Bake briefly to warm through.
Why You’ll Love It
Everyone gets their own personalized yam. Cute, right?
13. Yam and Spinach Sauté
Why it’s awesome: Light, fresh, and fast.
Ingredients
- Yams, sliced
- Spinach
- Olive oil
- Garlic
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté yams until tender.
- Add garlic and spinach.
- Cook until spinach wilts.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect when you want balance without boredom.
14. Baked Yam Rounds
Why it’s awesome: Snackable and crisp.
Ingredients
- Yams, sliced into rounds
- Olive oil
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brush rounds with oil and salt.
- Bake at 425°F until crisp.
- Flip once for even browning.
Why You’ll Love It
Great for dipping. Even better for snacking.
15. Sweet Yam Dessert Bake
Why it’s awesome: Dessert vibes without being over-the-top.
Ingredients
- Yams, mashed
- Milk
- Cinnamon
- Honey
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mash cooked yams with milk and honey.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top.
- Bake until lightly set.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet enough to satisfy, simple enough for any night.
Final Thoughts
These 15 yam recipes prove one thing loud and clear: yams deserve way more attention.
They’re versatile, comforting, and capable of stealing the spotlight from any main dish—holiday or not.
Whether you roast them, mash them, soup them, or turn them into fries, yams show up and deliver every time.
Try one, try five, or try them all. Just don’t be surprised when someone asks for the recipe
