Creamy, buttery, and loaded with golden marshmallows, these Candied Yams bring pure Thanksgiving comfort to your table. Sweet, rich, and ready in under 40 minutes, they’re a nostalgic side everyone loves.
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How to Make Candied Yams
Making classic candied yams is surprisingly simple and always rewarding. This cozy side dish combines soft sweet potatoes, melty butter, and brown sugar, all topped with gooey marshmallows. The secret lies in layering each ingredient just right, so every bite tastes caramelized and comforting. Whether you use canned or fresh yams, this dish bakes up beautifully golden and smells like holiday magic. Once the marshmallows toast, you’ll know it’s ready to steal the show on your Thanksgiving table.
Drain the Syrup from the Canned Yams
Start by draining the syrup from your canned sweet potatoes. Excess syrup can make the dish too runny. Place the drained yams in a medium baking dish so they sit in a single, cozy layer. This helps them bake evenly and caramelize nicely.
Cut and Distribute the Butter
Next, cut cold butter into small pieces. Scatter them evenly across the yams. As the butter melts, it blends with the natural sweetness of the potatoes, creating that rich, buttery base that makes candied yams so irresistible.
Sprinkle Brown Sugar Over the Yams
Now, sprinkle brown sugar generously over the top. Break up any lumps so it melts smoothly while baking. The sugar caramelizes beautifully, turning into a glossy, golden glaze that coats the yams with deep, sweet flavor.
Add the Marshmallow Topping
Cover the yams with a thick layer of miniature marshmallows. Pack them close together for an even, toasty layer. Once baked, these little pillows puff up, turning perfectly golden and slightly crisp while staying soft and gooey underneath.
Bake the Yams
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. Watch as the marshmallows melt and the sugar mixture bubbles up through the yams. When the topping turns a light golden brown, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving so the syrupy sauce thickens.
Substituting Fresh Sweet Potatoes for Canned Yams
Using fresh sweet potatoes gives your candied yams a slightly firmer texture and a homemade flavor twist. It takes a few extra minutes, but the result is worth it. Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes that are smooth and free of dark spots. You’ll need about three to four for this recipe.
Preparing Fresh Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cut your sweet potatoes into chunks or thick slices. Then boil, microwave, or bake them until tender but not mushy. Once cooked, transfer them into your baking dish just as you would the canned version, then continue with butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows.
Tips for Cooking Fresh Sweet Potatoes
If boiling, keep an eye on the pot so they don’t overcook and break apart. For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg before baking. You can also drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the top. These touches make your fresh candied yams even more aromatic and festive.
Related Recipes to Try
- festive chocolate bites
- brownie trifle recipe christmas dessert
- peppermint swirl fudge christmas recipe
- christmas red velvet cheesecake
- frosted christmas brownies holiday dessert
- gingerbread cookies recipe holiday
FAQs About Candied Yams
How long can candied yams sit out?
Candied yams can safely sit out for up to two hours. After that, refrigerate them to keep them fresh.
How do I know when my candied yams are done?
They’re done when the marshmallows are golden brown and the sugar mixture is bubbling around the edges.
Should candied yams be covered or uncovered?
Bake them uncovered. This helps the marshmallows toast instead of melting completely.
What makes yams candied?
The combination of butter, brown sugar, and heat creates a rich, syrupy coating that gives the dish its signature candied flavor.
Conclusion
Candied yams bring warmth and sweetness to every holiday meal. Their buttery glaze, soft texture, and toasty marshmallow topping make them an instant favorite. Whether you make them with canned yams for convenience or fresh sweet potatoes for a rustic touch, this recipe delivers every time. For more comforting ideas, visit my Pinterest board and get inspired to make your holidays extra special.
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Candied Yams Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Candied Yams are a sweet, buttery, and comforting Thanksgiving side dish made with sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and topped with marshmallows. This easy recipe is perfect for the holidays, giving your meal a festive touch.
Ingredients
1 can (29 oz) sweet potatoes in syrup, drained
1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup miniature marshmallows
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Drain the syrup from the canned sweet potatoes and place the yams in a medium-sized baking dish.
3. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and spread it evenly over the yams.
4. Sprinkle the packed brown sugar over the yams, breaking up any lumps.
5. Cover the yams with miniature marshmallows, ensuring they are close together to create a toasted topping.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and melty.
Notes
To make the dish with fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned, use 3 to 4 medium sweet potatoes.
Peel, cut, and cook them until tender before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
If using fresh sweet potatoes, boiling, microwaving, or baking them works well.
The marshmallow topping can be adjusted to taste, adding more for a thicker layer.
You can also enhance the dish with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Thanksgiving
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 255
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Protein: 2 g
