Best Easy Candied Yams Recipe

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.

Cook 55 min Difficulty EASY 315 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • yams 3 lbs
  • unsalted butter 0.5 cup
  • mini marshmallows 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • brown sugar 1 cup
  • ground cinnamon 1 tsp
  • salt 0.5 tsp
  • pure vanilla extract 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 62 g 79%
Protein 2 g 3%
Fat 7 g 18%
Serving size 195g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  2. 2

    Peel the yams and cut them into 1/2-inch-thick slices for even cooking and tender results.

  3. 3

    Arrange yam slices in the baking dish, overlapping slightly but keeping a single layer whenever possible.

  4. 4

    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.

  5. 5

    Pour the sugar-butter mixture evenly over the yams to coat all pieces, then cover the dish tightly with foil.

  6. 6

    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.

  7. 7

    Top evenly with mini marshmallows. Return to the oven for an additional 7–10 minutes, watching closely, until marshmallows are toasted and gooey.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the key ingredients that give candied yams their signature flavor?
The signature flavor of candied yams comes from the combination of yams, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Yams provide natural sweetness and soft texture, while brown sugar and butter create a rich, caramel-like syrup. Cinnamon and vanilla extract add warm, fragrant notes, making this dish a comforting holiday favorite.
Q. How can I ensure the yams cook evenly and don't become mushy?
To ensure even cooking and prevent mushy yams, slice them uniformly to about 1/2-inch thickness and arrange in a single layer in the baking dish as much as possible. Baking covered for the first part helps the yams tenderize, while finishing uncovered allows them to caramelize without overcooking. Stirring gently halfway through the bake ensures each piece gets coated without breaking apart.
Q. What is the nutritional breakdown per serving for this candied yams recipe?
Each serving of this candied yams recipe (195g) provides approximately 315 kcal, with 62g carbohydrates (79% of calories), 7g fat (18%), and 2g protein (3%). It's on the sweeter side, making it an indulgent, classic side dish for festive occasions.
Q. At what point should the marshmallows be added for the best texture?
Add the mini marshmallows after the yams are tender and have been caramelized in the oven. Return the dish to the oven just long enough for the marshmallows to melt and become golden brown—about 7 to 10 minutes—so you get a perfectly gooey, toasted topping without burning.
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