Description
Southern comfort shines through Paula Deen’s candied yams, a classic holiday side dish blending sweet potatoes with gooey marshmallow topping. Creamy, caramelized, and rich with brown sugar, this recipe promises a delightful slice of warmth you’ll savor with each comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 medium-sized yams (peeled and sliced)
- 1 stick (113 grams) salted butter
Sweeteners:
- ¾ cup (150 grams) dark brown sugar
- ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cup mini marshmallows
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Wash and peel the yams, cutting them into uniform 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Gently add the yam cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender but not mushy. Carefully drain in a colander and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat until it becomes golden and fragrant. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar and dark brown sugar, stirring continuously.
- Enhance the butter-sugar mixture with ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, powdered ginger, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk until the ingredients are fully integrated and the mixture develops a smooth, glossy texture.
- Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) ceramic baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange the parboiled yam cubes in a single layer, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour the aromatic sugar mixture evenly over the yams, using a spatula to coat each cube thoroughly. Ensure no yam piece is left unglazed.
- Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 18-22 minutes, allowing the yams to caramelize and absorb the sweet spices.
- Remove the dish from the oven and generously top with miniature marshmallows, covering the entire surface in a uniform layer.
- Return to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The marshmallows should transform into a golden-brown, puffy topping.
- Remove from the oven and let the candied yams rest for 8-10 minutes, allowing the sugars to set and the marshmallows to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Warm ovens transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a festive masterpiece with golden marshmallow peaks.
- Fresh, firm sweet potatoes guarantee the most vibrant and delectable holiday side dish.
- Perfectly balanced spices like cinnamon and nutmeg elevate the natural sweetness of yams.
- Prepare components in advance to streamline your holiday cooking and reduce day-of stress.
- Refrigerated leftovers reheat beautifully, maintaining the original dish’s rich, comforting flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg