When it comes to comfort food, few dishes capture the warmth and sweetness of the holidays like Candied Yams with Marshmallows. This deliciously sweet and buttery dish is a must-have for any festive dinner table, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. The combination of tender yams coated in a rich, caramelized syrup and topped with fluffy, golden-brown marshmallows will have your guests coming back for seconds!
Though candied yams are often thought of as a dinner side dish, they can also make an appearance at a special brunch or holiday lunch, pairing wonderfully with roasted meats or savory dishes. Their irresistible sweetness makes them a perfect match for any celebratory meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium yams (or sweet potatoes), peeled and sliced into thick rounds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the yams: Peel and slice the yams into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Make the syrup: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup (optional), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Continue to stir until the mixture becomes smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
- Coat the yams: Pour the syrup over the yams, ensuring they are well coated. Use a spatula or spoon to toss the yams gently if needed.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until the yams are tender.
- Add the marshmallows: After baking, remove the foil and sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the yams.
- Broil to toast: Switch the oven to broil and return the dish to the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and lightly toasted. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes and then serve warm.