Candied Yams with Marshmallows
Tender sweet potatoes baked in a buttery, brown sugar glaze with warm spices, then topped with a layer of perfectly toasted marshmallows. A beloved holiday side dish that's sweet, savory, and utterly comforting.
For 8 servings
9 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into uniform 1-inch thick rounds
- a.Place the slices in a large pot, add 8 cups of water and 1 tsp of salt. Ensure the potatoes are covered with water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are just fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they need to hold their shape. Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
- 4
While the potatoes cook, prepare the glaze
- a.In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the packed brown sugar, butter, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp of salt. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bring the glaze to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Arrange the drained sweet potato slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly to create an even layer. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the potatoes, ensuring all slices are coated.
- 7
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes
- a.This initial bake allows the sweet potatoes to absorb the rich, buttery glaze.
- 8
Carefully remove the dish from the oven
- a.Sprinkle the mini marshmallows in an even layer over the top of the sweet potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown.
- b.For a more toasted top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 30-60 seconds. Watch it very closely to prevent burning.
- 9
Let the candied yams rest for at least 10 minutes before serving
- a.This allows the glaze to set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a more complex flavor, use a mix of dark and light brown sugar.
- 2Don't overcook the sweet potatoes initially. They should be tender but still hold their shape, as they will cook more in the oven.
- 3This dish can be assembled a day ahead. Prepare through step 6, cover, and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake and add marshmallows as directed.
- 4For a crunchy contrast, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans along with the marshmallows.
- 5Watch the marshmallows closely during the final bake. They go from golden to burnt in seconds!
Adapt it for your goals.
Nutty Topping
Instead of or in addition to marshmallows, top with a mixture of 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar before the final bake.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) of cayenne pepper or a dash of bourbon to the glaze for a warming kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Citrus ZestCitrus Zest
Add 1 teaspoon of fresh orange zest to the glaze along with the orange juice to intensify the citrus notes.
Fall Spice BlendFall Spice Blend
Replace the cinnamon and nutmeg with 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for a different warm spice profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are one of the best natural sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for vision health, immune function, and cell growth.
Good Source of Fiber
The sweet potatoes in this dish provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain bowel health, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness.
Provides Essential Minerals
Sweet potatoes are a source of important minerals like potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and manganese, an essential cofactor in many enzymes.
Energy Boosting
The combination of complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes and simple sugars from the glaze provides a quick and sustained source of energy, making it a classic comfort food.
Frequently asked questions
In most US grocery stores, the orange-fleshed tubers labeled 'yams' are actually a variety of sweet potato. True yams are native to Africa and Asia, have a starchy, less sweet flesh, and rough, dark skin. This recipe is designed for the orange-fleshed sweet potatoes commonly found in the US.