Candied Yams with Marshmallow

Indulge in a beloved holiday staple with these Candied Yams with Marshmallow and Vanilla. This classic American side dish combines the earthy sweetness of yams with a rich, buttery glaze and a gooey, golden topping of marshmallows, creating a comforting addition to any festive table.

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The secret to this recipe lies in the balance of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with pure maple syrup and a hint of vanilla. As the yams bake, they become incredibly tender while absorbing the syrupy goodness, making every bite a delightful treat.

Ingredients

• 4 large yams (about 1.5 kg), peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks

• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt

• 2 cups (about 100 g) mini marshmallows

Instructions

1.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

2.

Arrange the yam chunks evenly in the prepared dish.

3.

In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.

4.

Pour the glaze evenly over the yams, tossing gently to coat.

5.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

6.

Remove the foil, gently stir the yams, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the yams are fork-tender and the glaze is bubbling.

7.

Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the yams.

8.

Return to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the marshmallows are golden and melted.

9.

Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, add a splash of orange juice or zest to the glaze. This adds a bright acidity that balances the sweetness of the sugar and syrup.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute sweet potatoes if yams are unavailable. Additionally, check for vegetarian or vegan marshmallow versions if necessary, as standard marshmallows may contain gelatin.

Serviervorschläge

This side dish pairs exceptionally well with traditional holiday roasts such as turkey or ham, providing a sweet and comforting complement to savory main courses.

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This Candied Yams recipe is sure to become a family favorite, bringing a touch of sweetness and warmth to your holiday traditions and special dinner parties.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute sweet potatoes for yams?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well as they have a similar texture and natural sweetness, making them a great alternative.

→ How do I prevent marshmallows from burning while baking?

Bake the marshmallows at the end for a short time and watch closely. You can also toast them under a broiler for 1-2 minutes for a caramelized top without burning.

→ What spices enhance the flavor of this dish?

Cinnamon and nutmeg provide warm, aromatic notes that complement the sweetness of the yams and glaze beautifully.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

You can assemble the glazed yams in advance and bake just before serving, adding marshmallows in the final minutes to maintain their texture.

→ What dishes pair well with candied yams?

This side pairs excellently with roasted turkey, ham, or other savory mains, balancing richer flavors with its sweet and spiced profile.

→ Are there vegetarian considerations with the toppings?

Marshmallows often contain gelatin, so choose vegetarian or vegan marshmallow options if needed to suit dietary preferences.