Candied yams are a classic holiday side dish featuring tender sweet potatoes baked with butter, brown sugar, and a gooey marshmallow topping. Sweet, rich, and comforting, this recipe is a must-have for Thanksgiving and other festive meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic holiday favorite that’s always a crowd-pleaser
- Simple ingredients and minimal prep work
- Sweet, buttery flavor with a fluffy marshmallow topping
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Pairs perfectly with savory main dishes like turkey
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 (29-ounce) can sweet potatoes, drained
1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place drained sweet potatoes in a medium baking dish.
- Distribute butter pieces evenly over sweet potatoes.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar, then top with miniature marshmallows.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until sweet potatoes are heated through and marshmallows are melted and golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Top with chopped pecans for a nutty crunch.
- Use honey or maple syrup in place of brown sugar for a different sweetness.
- Try using fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned (peel, cube, and boil until tender before baking).
- For a lighter version, skip the marshmallows and just bake with butter and sugar.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual servings.
- Freeze without marshmallows for up to 2 months. Add marshmallows after reheating for best texture.
FAQs
Are candied yams and sweet potatoes the same thing?
In the U.S., candied yams are usually made with sweet potatoes, as true yams are less common.
Can I make candied yams ahead of time?
Yes, assemble without marshmallows, refrigerate, then bake with marshmallows before serving.
Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes, cut them into smaller pieces or use whole, though they may take longer to melt.
How do I keep marshmallows from burning?
Bake uncovered and check after 15 minutes; cover lightly with foil if marshmallows brown too quickly.
Can I make this without sugar?
Yes, reduce or omit brown sugar and rely on the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
What’s the best dish to bake candied yams in?
A medium-sized baking dish (8×8 or similar) works well for even cooking.
Can I add spices to the recipe?
Yes, cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice work beautifully.
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes?
Yes, peel and cube 4–5 medium sweet potatoes, boil until tender, then follow the recipe.
Can I add nuts to candied yams?
Yes, pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.
Are candied yams gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Candied yams are a sweet and nostalgic side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any holiday table. With buttery sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and gooey marshmallows, this dish is simple to prepare yet rich in flavor. Perfect alongside roasted turkey, it’s a traditional favorite that’s sure to delight guests year after year.
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Candied Yams
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Candied yams are a classic holiday side dish made with tender sweet potatoes baked in butter, brown sugar, and topped with gooey marshmallows. Sweet, rich, and comforting, this easy recipe is a Thanksgiving favorite that pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, and other festive dishes.
Ingredients
1 (29-ounce) can sweet potatoes, drained
1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place drained sweet potatoes in a medium baking dish.
- Distribute butter pieces evenly over sweet potatoes.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and top with miniature marshmallows.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until sweet potatoes are heated through and marshmallows are melted and golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh sweet potatoes (boiled until tender) instead of canned for a fresher flavor.
- Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice for extra warmth.
- Top with pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist.
- For a lighter version, skip the marshmallows and bake with just butter and sugar.
- Assemble ahead of time without marshmallows, refrigerate, then bake with marshmallows before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
