Sweet, buttery candied yams baked with brown sugar, cinnamon, and marshmallows are a beloved Southern family side dish. This classic holiday accompaniment is sweet, comforting, and a must-have at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Peel the yams and cut them into 1/2-inch-thick slices for even cooking and tender results.
Arrange yam slices in the baking dish, overlapping slightly but keeping a single layer whenever possible.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Simmer, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is glossy.
Pour the sugar-butter mixture evenly over the yams to coat all pieces, then cover the dish tightly with foil.
Bake for 35 minutes, then remove foil and gently stir to coat the yams in the syrup. Continue baking uncovered for 20 minutes until yams are fork-tender and caramelized at the edges.
Top evenly with mini marshmallows. Return to the oven for an additional 7–10 minutes, watching closely, until marshmallows are toasted and gooey.