Delicious Candied Yams with Marshmallows: A Perfect Side Dish

Candied yams with marshmallows are a classic American side dish that combines the natural sweetness of yams with caramelized brown sugar and gooey marshmallows. This delightful dish is often served during holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, but can be enjoyed any time of the year. The combination of sweet yams, rich caramel sauce, and toasted marshmallows creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that appeals to both children and adults alike.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through creating the perfect candied yams with marshmallows, explore variations of this beloved recipe, and answer common questions to ensure your dish turns out wonderfully every time.

What Are Candied Yams?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s clarify what candied yams actually are. Despite the name, many recipes labeled as ‘candied yams’ in the United States actually use sweet potatoes rather than true yams. True yams are starchy tubers with rough, scaly skin and white, purple, or reddish flesh, commonly found in Africa and Asia. What Americans typically call yams are actually sweet potatoes with orange flesh and copper skin.

For this recipe, you can use either true yams or sweet potatoes, though orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are more commonly available in American supermarkets and provide that classic orange color and sweet flavor that people associate with this dish.

The ‘candied’ aspect comes from cooking the yams or sweet potatoes in a sweet syrup made from butter, brown sugar, and often orange juice or other flavorings, resulting in a deliciously caramelized exterior while maintaining a tender interior.

Essential Ingredients for Candied Yams with Marshmallows

The beauty of candied yams lies in their simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients to create this delectable dish:

• 2 ½ pounds yams (or sweet potatoes) – These form the base of your dish and provide natural sweetness and a creamy texture
• 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and helps create the caramelized sauce
• 2 cups brown sugar – Provides the sweet, molasses flavor that makes the dish ‘candied’
• 1 cup orange juice – Adds acidity to balance the sweetness and creates a more complex flavor profile
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Offers a warm, aromatic spice note that complements the sweet potatoes
• 3 cups marshmallows – Creates that iconic gooey, toasted topping

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Preparing the Yams

The first step in creating perfect candied yams is properly preparing the star ingredient:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Wash the yams thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt.
3. Peel the yams using a vegetable peeler or sharp knife, removing all of the skin.
4. Cut the yams into 1-inch cubes or slices of even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
5. Place the prepared yams in a large saucepan and cover with water.
6. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the yams are just fork-tender but not mushy.
7. Drain the yams thoroughly in a colander and transfer them to a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Creating the Candied Sauce

The sweet, caramelized sauce is what transforms ordinary yams into candied yams:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the 2 cups of brown sugar and stir until it begins to dissolve.
3. Pour in the 1 cup of orange juice and stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
5. Add the 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and stir to incorporate.
6. Pour the hot syrup evenly over the yams in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are coated.

Baking and Adding Marshmallows

The final steps create that perfect combination of caramelized yams and gooey marshmallow topping:

1. Bake the yams in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with the syrup that collects in the bottom of the dish.
2. Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the 3 cups of marshmallows evenly over the top of the yams.
3. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown. Watch carefully during this final stage to prevent burning.
4. Allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize candied yams to suit your taste preferences:

Spice Variations

Experiment with different spices to create unique flavor profiles:

• Cinnamon – Add 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon for a classic warm flavor
• Allspice – Include ¼ teaspoon for a complex, slightly peppery note
• Cloves – A pinch of ground cloves adds depth and warmth
• Ginger – ½ teaspoon of ground ginger provides a spicy counterpoint to the sweetness
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon added to the sauce enhances the overall flavor

Sweetener Options

You can adjust or substitute the sweeteners based on preference:

• Dark brown sugar – For a deeper molasses flavor
• Maple syrup – Replace half the brown sugar with real maple syrup for a different sweetness profile
• Honey – Substitute up to half the brown sugar with honey for floral notes

Additional Mix-ins

Consider these additions to make your candied yams even more special:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts – Sprinkle between the yams and marshmallows for added crunch
• Orange zest – Add 1-2 teaspoons to intensify the citrus notes
• Bourbon or rum – A tablespoon or two added to the sauce creates a more complex flavor (the alcohol cooks off)
• Coconut – Sprinkle shredded coconut along with the marshmallows for tropical flair

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Candied yams can be partially prepared in advance to save time during busy holiday meal preparations:

Make-Ahead Options

1. Prep the yams: Peel, cut, and boil the yams up to 2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
2. Prepare the sauce: Make the brown sugar sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate separately.
3. Partial assembly: Combine the yams and sauce in your baking dish up to 1 day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Allow the dish to come to room temperature before baking, and you may need to extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover candied yams:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze without the marshmallow topping for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). Add fresh marshmallows for the last 5 minutes if desired.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

Candied yams with marshmallows are undeniably a treat rather than an everyday health food, but they do have some nutritional benefits:

• Sweet potatoes/yams are excellent sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, and fiber.
• This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and vegan marshmallows.
• To reduce sugar content, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar and use mini marshmallows more sparingly as a garnish.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Candied yams with marshmallows pair beautifully with a variety of main courses and other side dishes:

• Traditional pairings: Roast turkey, ham, or chicken
• Complementary sides: Green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing
• Contrasting flavors: Serve alongside something tangy or savory to balance the sweetness, such as brussels sprouts with bacon or a bitter green salad

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned yams or sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can use drained canned yams or sweet potatoes to save time. Skip the boiling step and reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes since they’re already pre-cooked.

Q: Why are my candied yams watery?

A: This could happen if the yams weren’t drained thoroughly after boiling or if the sauce wasn’t reduced enough. Make sure to drain the yams well and simmer the sauce until it begins to thicken before combining.

Q: Can I make candied yams in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! Combine all ingredients except marshmallows in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until yams are tender. Add marshmallows on top and cover for 15 minutes until melted, or transfer to a baking dish and broil briefly for that toasted marshmallow effect.

Q: How can I make my candied yams less sweet?

A: Reduce the brown sugar by up to half, or substitute part of the orange juice with water. You can also add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Q: My marshmallows always burn before they get golden. What am I doing wrong?

A: Try placing the marshmallows on when the yams are completely done, then watch them carefully under a low broiler setting instead of baking. They can go from white to burnt very quickly, so don’t leave them unattended.

Conclusion

Candied yams with marshmallows are more than just a side dish; they’re a beloved tradition that brings sweetness and comfort to any meal they accompany. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday celebration or simply wanting to enjoy a special treat, this recipe provides the perfect balance of caramelized yams and gooey marshmallow topping that will delight everyone at your table.

By following this guide, you’ll create a dish that not only tastes delicious but also brings a beautiful orange and golden color to your spread. Feel free to experiment with the variations suggested to make this classic recipe your own family tradition. Enjoy the process of creating this sweet side dish, and savor the smiles it brings to those who enjoy it!

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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