Candied Yams Marshmallow Vanilla (Printable)

Tender yams bathed in buttery brown sugar glaze and topped with melted marshmallows and vanilla.

# What You'll Need:

→ Yams

01 - 4 large yams, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks

→ Glaze

02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
04 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
05 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Topping

09 - 2 cups mini marshmallows

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Arrange yam chunks evenly in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
04 - Pour glaze evenly over yams, tossing gently to coat thoroughly.
05 - Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
06 - Remove foil, gently stir yams, and bake uncovered for 10 minutes until yams are fork-tender and glaze is bubbling.
07 - Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over yams.
08 - Return to oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until marshmallows are golden and melted.
09 - Let cool for several minutes before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Effortlessly easy: With a difficulty level of Easy and only 15 minutes of prep, this dish is approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
  • Rich, layered flavor: The combination of brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a deeply fragrant and complex glaze that clings beautifully to every yam chunk.
  • Crowd-pleasing topping: Gooey, golden-toasted mini marshmallows add a nostalgic sweetness that both kids and adults adore.
  • Vegetarian-friendly: A naturally vegetarian side dish that fits seamlessly into holiday menus for guests with dietary preferences.
  • Make-ahead friendly: You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking, making holiday cooking significantly easier.
02 -
  • Swap the base: Substitute sweet potatoes if yams are unavailable — the result is equally delicious and just as beautiful.
  • Brighten the glaze: For extra flavor, add a splash of orange juice or zest to the glaze before pouring it over the yams.
  • Broiler trick: Toast the marshmallows under the broiler for 1–2 minutes for a deeply caramelized top — watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Check allergens: Marshmallows may contain gelatin; check for vegetarian or vegan versions if necessary. Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergens, including dairy from the butter.
  • Tools matter: Use a 9x13-inch baking dish, a mixing bowl, a whisk, foil, and oven mitts to ensure a smooth and safe cooking process.
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