Indulge in the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or any other special occasion with this classic recipe for Candied Yams and Marshmallows. The yams are baked in a sweet syrup made with brown sugar, butter, and warm spices, and then topped with a layer of gooey marshmallows that melt into a golden brown crust in the oven. This dish is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
Ingredients
- 4 large yams
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and cut the yams into 1-inch thick slices.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract to the melted butter. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Place the yam slices in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Pour the syrup mixture over the yams, making sure to coat all the slices evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the top of the yams.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and melted.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Interesting Facts
Yams are often confused with sweet potatoes, but they are actually two different vegetables. Yams have a higher moisture content and a sweeter taste compared to sweet potatoes.
Candied yams and marshmallows became popular in American cuisine during the mid-20th century and have since become a staple side dish for Thanksgiving and other holiday meals.
The combination of sweet yams and gooey marshmallows creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.