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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Coat a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage for easy serving and cleanup.
- Potato Transformation: Chop sweet potatoes into uniform chunks, creating consistent texture and even cooking potential.
- Potato Softening: Boil potato pieces in water until fork-tender, then thoroughly drain and allow excess moisture to evaporate completely.
- 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.
- Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate vanilla essence into the warm caramel syrup, stirring to create a complex, aromatic mixture.
- 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.
- Marshmallow Finale: Remove foil, artfully distribute marshmallows across the surface, and return to the oven until marshmallows become golden and puffy.
- 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