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What to Serve With Candied Yams: 15 Best Side Dishes

Candied yams are a sweet delight that pair wonderfully with several side dishes. Try roasted Brussels sprouts for a crunchy, nutritious contrast or garlic mashed potatoes for a creamy complement. Green bean casserole adds a comforting touch with its crispy onion topping, while collard greens offer a savory, nutritious balance. Cranberry sauce introduces a tart tang, perfect for festive occasions. Caesar salad, broccoli cheese casserole, and fluffy dinner rolls also enhance the meal beautifully. For a bit more variety, consider balsamic roasted vegetables. Together, these sides create a heartwarming and well-rounded dining experience that you'll love exploring further.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

delicious holiday side dish

Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their crispy exterior and tender interior, provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of candied yams. These sprouts are packed with nutritional benefits, offering vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.

Cooking techniques like roasting at high heat bring out their natural flavors, making them a healthy and tasty side dish that complements the richness of candied yams perfectly.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

delicious comfort food side

Garlic mashed potatoes, with their creamy texture and rich flavor, serve as an excellent savory counterpart to the sweet notes of candied yams. Herb variations, such as adding rosemary or thyme, can elevate the dish, while cream additions make it even more indulgent.

This combination creates a harmonious balance on your plate, pleasing both savory and sweet palates in a delightful way.

Green Bean Casserole

thanksgiving favorite side dish

Green bean casserole, with its creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onion topping, provides a savory and textural complement to the sweet and tender candied yams.

This classic dish, featuring green beans, is versatile, allowing for numerous casserole variations. Whether you prefer adding cheese, bacon, or different types of onions, each variation pairs beautifully, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

Collard Greens

soul food in georgia

In addition to green bean casserole, collard greens offer a nutritious, savory contrast that enhances the overall balance of a meal featuring candied yams.

Steeped in Southern tradition, these leafy greens bring health benefits, including vitamins A and K, and fiber.

Their rich, slightly bitter flavor complements the sweetness of candied yams, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.

Cranberry Sauce

thanksgiving staple dish tradition

Complementing the sweetness of candied yams, cranberry sauce adds a tart and tangy dimension to the meal, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Cranberry benefits include antioxidants and vitamins, making it both delicious and nutritious. The sauce history dates back to Native American cuisine and has since become a holiday staple.

This pairing balances flavors beautifully, making it perfect for festive gatherings.

Cornbread Stuffing

tasty thanksgiving side dish

Enhancing the comfort of a holiday meal, cornbread stuffing offers a savory counterpart to the sweetness of candied yams. A staple in many Thanksgiving traditions, this dish can be adapted with various stuffing variations like adding sausage, apples, or nuts.

With its rich flavors and crumbly texture, cornbread stuffing perfectly balances the meal, making it a beloved choice for festive gatherings.

Honey-Glazed Carrots

sweet and tender carrots

Honey-glazed carrots provide a delightful contrast of sweet and savory flavors, making them an excellent accompaniment to candied yams.

These vibrant vegetables are rich in nutritional benefits, such as vitamins A and C.

Simple cooking techniques, like roasting or sautéing, enhance their natural sweetness while the honey glaze adds a touch of elegance.

This dish offers both health and taste in a colorful presentation.

Macaroni and Cheese

comfort food for all

Macaroni and cheese, often regarded as the epitome of comfort food, pairs wonderfully with candied yams due to its creamy texture and rich flavor.

The diverse cheese varieties, from sharp cheddar to smoky gouda, enhance the dish's appeal.

Additionally, the pasta texture, whether al dente or soft, provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the candied yams, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Baked Ham

celebrating with delicious food

Complementing the creamy texture of macaroni and cheese, baked ham offers a savory and smoky flavor profile that pairs exquisitely with the sweetness of candied yams.

Using glazing techniques like honey or brown sugar can enhance the ham's richness.

For serving suggestions, thinly slice the ham and arrange it alongside the yams, ensuring a balanced and visually appealing plate.

Sauteed Spinach

healthy green leafy vegetable

Sauteed spinach contributes to a fresh, earthy contrast to the sweet and rich flavors of candied yams. Offering significant nutritional benefits, spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals that complement any meal.

Its mild, slightly bitter flavor profile balances the sugary taste of yams, creating a harmonious and healthful side dish. This combination guarantees a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.

Wild Rice Pilaf

flavorful wild rice dish

Another excellent side dish that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and rich flavors of candied yams is wild rice pilaf. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture create a delightful contrast.

Additionally, wild rice pilaf offers a festive presentation, making it a visually appealing and delicious addition to any meal. This side dish not only enhances the taste but also elevates the overall dining experience.

Caesar Salad

healthy and refreshing salad

A classic Caesar salad guarantees a crisp and tangy counterbalance to the sweet richness of candied yams. With various dressing options like creamy or light vinaigrette, it caters to different tastes.

Crouton varieties, from garlic-infused to herb-seasoned, add texture and flavor, making the salad a delightful companion to your meal. This pairing guarantees a harmonious blend of sweet and savory.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

delicious and comforting side dish

Complementing the tangy notes of a Caesar salad, a broccoli cheese casserole offers a creamy and savory addition to your meal alongside candied yams. Rich in vitamins and minerals, this dish provides excellent nutrition facts.

Cooking methods typically involve steaming broccoli and combining it with a cheese sauce, then baking until bubbly. This combination guarantees a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Dinner Rolls

freshly baked warm bread

Dinner rolls serve as a versatile and essential side dish, pairing seamlessly with the sweetness of candied yams.

Opt for various butter types, such as salted or honey butter, to enhance the rolls' flavor.

Master different baking techniques, from soft and fluffy to slightly crisp, ensuring the perfect texture.

These rolls not only complement but also balance the overall meal, making it truly delightful.

Can the Same Side Dishes be Served with Both Candied Yams and Salmon Patties?

Yes, the best side dishes for salmon patties can also be served with candied yams. Options like coleslaw, green beans, or macaroni and cheese complement both dishes nicely. These side dishes offer a balance of flavors and textures to round out the meal.

Balsamic Roasted Vegetables

delicious and healthy side dish

To balance the sweet richness of candied yams and the comforting texture of dinner rolls, balsamic roasted vegetables bring a savory and tangy contrast to the meal. This dish not only enhances flavor contrast but also offers significant health benefits.

The caramelized edges and balsamic glaze create a delightful combination, making the vegetables both nutritious and delicious. This pairing guarantees a well-rounded, enjoyable dining experience.