Sugary Sweet Candied Yams With Marshmallows Recipe

Sweet potatoes simmered in a delectable brown sugar glaze with candied yams marshmallows create a mouthwatering side dish that steals the spotlight at any gathering.

Southern kitchens have perfected this classic comfort food for generations.

Soft, pillowy sweet potatoes melt underneath a golden, caramelized topping of toasted marshmallows.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of creamy texture and sugary sweetness.

Rich butter and warm spices enhance the natural flavors of these tender root vegetables.

The combination of gooey marshmallows and caramelized edges makes this dish irresistible.

Bring this crowd-pleasing recipe to your next holiday meal and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Tips To Get The Best Candied Yams Ever

• Sweet Potato Perfection: Choose firm, bright-colored sweet potatoes without blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add marshmallows just before baking to keep them fresh and fluffy.
• Dietary Flexibility: For a vegan version, swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based marshmallows. Gluten-free eaters can enjoy this recipe as-is without modifications.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with additional warm spices like ground ginger or a pinch of cayenne for an unexpected flavor twist. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch and nutty richness.
• Leftover Love: Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and consider transforming cold candied yams into a delicious morning breakfast by topping with granola or mixing into oatmeal for a sweet start to the day.

Serving Candied Yams With Marshmallows Warm

• Family Feast Centerpiece: Place this delightful dish right in the middle of your holiday table, allowing everyone to scoop up the warm, gooey marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes with ease.
• Complementary Side Pairings: Serve alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or herb-crusted chicken to balance the sweet and savory flavors of your main course.
• Festive Garnish Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or toasted walnuts over the marshmallow topping for added crunch and a nutty dimension that elevates the dish's texture and taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance, refrigerate, and add marshmallows just before baking to save time during holiday meal preparation.

Storing Candied Yams With Marshmallows Right

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover candied yams in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Refrigeration maintains optimal taste and texture without compromising flavor quality.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare sweet potato base one day prior to serving. Combine potatoes with brown sugar mixture, refrigerate, and add marshmallows just before baking to ensure maximum freshness.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Wrap unbaked candied yams tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding marshmallows during final cooking stage.
• Reheating Rescue: Warm refrigerated leftovers in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent marshmallows from burning. Add fresh marshmallow layer for extra crispy topping if desired, restoring original delicious texture and warmth.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 11

Sweet Ingredients For Candied Yams With Marshmallows

• Sweet Potatoes: Vibrant, orange-fleshed roots that bring earthy sweetness and creamy texture to the dish, choose firm, smooth-skinned potatoes without bruises or soft spots.

• Brown Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Rich caramel-like sweetener that creates deep flavor complexity, choose dark brown sugar for more robust taste.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm, aromatic spices that enhance the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, use freshly ground for maximum flavor intensity.
• Salt: Balances and elevates the overall sweetness, enhances other flavor profiles.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth sauce, select unsalted for better control of dish's saltiness.
• Water: Helps create smooth sauce consistency and prevents sugar from burning.
• Marshmallows: Provides golden, gooey topping that creates delightful contrast with soft sweet potatoes, choose classic white marshmallows for traditional look.

Tools To Prep Candied Yams With Marshmallows

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling sweet potato chunks until fork-tender.
• Colander: Needed to drain boiled sweet potatoes efficiently.
• Saucepan: Critical for creating smooth brown sugar and butter mixture.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for arranging and baking candied yams.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients and mixing sweet potatoes with sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover dish during initial baking stage.
• Oven Mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot dishes and pans.

Steps To Bake Candied Yams With Marshmallows

• Boil Sweet Potatoes

Toss sweet potato chunks into a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook until they’re just soft enough to pierce with a fork, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

• Create Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and starts bubbling. Pull from heat and mix in vanilla for extra warmth.

• Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Gently transfer boiled sweet potatoes into the dish and drizzle the caramel sauce over them, coating each piece carefully.

• First Baking Phase

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to absorb the sweet sauce.

• Marshmallow Magic

Remove the foil and sprinkle marshmallows across the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered until marshmallows turn golden and puffy, about 10-15 minutes.

• Rest and Serve

Let the dish sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sugars to settle and the marshmallows to cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting blend of sweet potatoes and caramelized goodness.

Fluffy Candied Yams With Marshmallows Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Sweet potato casserole with the classic Candied Yams with Marshmallows brings Southern comfort to holiday tables. Sugary layers and toasted marshmallow topping create a delightful side dish that welcomes guests to savor traditional flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) sweet potatoes (about 4–5 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage for easy serving and cleanup.
2. Potato Transformation: Chop sweet potatoes into uniform chunks, creating consistent texture and even cooking potential.
3. Potato Softening: Boil potato pieces in water until fork-tender, then thoroughly drain and allow excess moisture to evaporate completely.
4. Caramel Infusion: Craft a rich caramel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, blending brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and glossy.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate vanilla essence into the warm caramel syrup, stirring to create a complex, aromatic mixture.
6. Coating and Baking: Transfer potatoes to the prepared dish, pour caramel mixture evenly, and gently fold to ensure complete coverage. Cover with aluminum foil and bake until potatoes absorb the rich flavors.
7. Marshmallow Finale: Remove foil, artfully distribute marshmallows across the surface, and return to the oven until marshmallows become golden and puffy.
8. Serving: Allow the dish to rest briefly, letting flavors meld and settle before presenting this decadent sweet potato creation.

Notes

• Slice Evenly: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform chunks to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Control Marshmallow Browning: Watch marshmallows closely during final baking to achieve golden perfection without burning, as they can quickly turn from caramelized to charred.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a splash of bourbon or orange zest to the caramel sauce for a more complex, sophisticated flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Dietary Adaptation: For a healthier version, substitute part of the brown sugar with maple syrup or honey, and use coconut oil instead of butter to accommodate various dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg