Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows is one Southern recipe you should have on the Thanksgiving dinner table! Southern candied yams are as easy as 123. All ingredients are thrown into your favorite dish and cooked until golden brown. Leaving you with the ultimate classical Soul food dish. Which is the perfect holiday side dish.
Why You Should Make This Classic Soul Food Dish?
- Easy Recipe-the fresh sweet potatoes are easy to have cooked into tender sweet potatoes, making this the ultimate easy casserole dish.
- Perfect make-ahead dish- if you are trying to have this dish hot and ready for the Thanksgiving table then this is the one. Make it and save for later. Try not to cook until golden brown. Wait until you warm your Southern candied yams up the next day.
- Simple Ingredients- these old fashioned candied sweet potatoes with marshmallows are a real treat and the ingredients are very few. You have white sugar, pumpkin pie spice(optional), thick slices of sweet potatoes, dark brown sugar, and butter. All of these ingredients are whipped up to make a buttery syrup.
- Sunday Dinner- not only are these Southern candied sweet potatoes easy to make they are also a great way to spice up any special occasion! The warm spices easily bring comfort to your soul.
Ingredients You Will Need Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
- Sweet Potatoes- Try to use medium-sized sweet potatoes and cut them into thick slices.
- Brown Sugar- is a fantastic addition to candied yams. It adds a rich sweetness and a lovely caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the yams. When combined with butter and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it creates a deliciously indulgent glaze that coats the yams beautifully.
- Granulated Sugar- is a common ingredient in candied yams. It sweetens the dish and creates a caramelized syrup that coats the yams.
- Vanilla Extract- Adding a splash of vanilla extract to your candied yams can bring a delightful depth of flavor. Vanilla extract has a sweet and aromatic profile that complements the natural sweetness of the yams.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg- That combination is absolutely delicious and adds a warm and cozy flavor to the dish. Cinnamon brings its sweet and aromatic notes, while nutmeg adds a slightly nutty and earthy taste. The two spices work beautifully together to enhance the natural sweetness of the yams.
- Mini Marshmallows- This adds a ton of texture and is extra flabbier. The marshmallow topping is a plus old old-fashioned sweet potatoes.
The full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Old Fashion Candied Yams
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. This will ensure that your yams cook evenly and turn out perfectly. You’ll need garnet yams or sweet potatoes with white flesh to make candied yams without using the stovetop. These varieties work best for this dish due to their natural sweetness. You can find them at your local grocery stores during the holiday season.
- Start by peeling and slicing the yams into thick rounds or cubes, depending on your preference.
- To the dish, add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extra, butter, and granulated sugar and mix well.
- Use your preheated oven. Place the yam mixture in a baking dish, ensuring it is evenly spread. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Bake the yams in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to an hour or until the orange flesh of sweet potatoes is fork tender. This will allow the yams to cook and absorb the flavors from the butter and spices. As the yams bake, they will become tender and develop a rich, caramelized syrup.
- When the yams are almost done, remove the foil and sprinkle a generous amount of miniature marshmallows on top. Return the dish to the oven for a few more minutes until the marshmallows turn golden and gooey. The combination of the sweet yams and toasted marshmallows is absolutely delightful!
Substitutions/Variations For Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
- You can try using cranberry sauce as a flavorful alternative in the recipe.
- Have access to specialty stores? Look for unique yam varieties or sweet potatoes at your local farmers’ market for a distinctive twist.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts as a perfect addition to the candied yams, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.
- For a different flavor profile, infuse the candied yams with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, giving it a warm and cozy taste.
- Create a gooey and decadent topping by mixing mini marshmallows with a drizzle of maple syrup before baking the candied yams.
- Infuse the yams with a buttery caramel toffee flavor by stirring in a tablespoon of caramel sauce into the candied yams mixture.
- Experiment with different candied yams recipes to find your personal favorite, whether it’s a classic recipe or a unique variation.
- Explore the versatility of sweet potatoes by trying out various sweet potato dishes like sweet potato casserole, sweet potato fries, or sweet potato pie.
Equipment
- Baking dish or casserole dish to bake the candied yams in
- Mixing bowl to combine the ingredientsWhisk or spoon to mix the ingredients and use a cutting board to peel and slice the yamsMeasuring cups and spoons to measure the ingredients accurately
- Aluminum foil or plastic wrap to cover the baking dish while baking oven to bake the candied yams.
- Optional: Marshmallows to add as a topping (requires a baking dish and oven).
Storage For Southern Candied Yams
– Airtight container or resealable plastic bag to store leftover candied yams
– Refrigerator to keep the candied yams fresh
– Label or marker to write the date on the storage container
– Optional: Freezer-safe storage containers or bags if you want to freeze the candied yams for longer storage.
Tips For Southern Candied Yams
– Indulge in the rich and flavorful taste of southern candied yams, a traditional dish that adds a touch of soul to any holiday meal.
– Candied yams are a perfect make-ahead dish, allowing you to prepare them a day in advance and reheat them before serving.
– There’s a good reason why candied yams are a favorite side dish during Christmas dinner – they complement a wide range of main courses and add a touch of sweetness to the meal.
– Be sure to follow the recipe’s instructions for the full measurements of the ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
– Don’t limit yourself to serving candied yams as a side dish. Explore different ways to incorporate them into main courses, such as using them as a topping for pork chops or integrating them into a whole casserole dish.
– Cut the yams into uniform slices or cubes before baking for a visually appealing presentation, ensuring even cooking and a beautiful dish.
– Note that while the terms “yams” and “sweet potatoes” are often used interchangeably, true yams are not readily available in most stores. Use sweet potatoes as a substitute in your recipes for similar results.
Heating Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
– Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the candied yams in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
– Microwave: Place the candied yams in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated evenly.
– Stovetop: Place the candied yams in a saucepan or skillet and heat over medium-low heat. Stir Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows is popular in the United States and South America. Candied yams, a beloved side dish in the American South, can be easily reheated to bring a wonderful addition to any holiday table. Whether you prefer a brown sugar glaze or a candied glaze made with orange juice.
Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
Ingredients
- 5 Lb Sweet potatoes Medium, Cut into thick pieces
- 1 Cup Brown sugar Light or Brown
- 1 Stick Butter Melted
- 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/8 Teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1 1/2 -Cups – 1 1/2 Cups Miniature marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.1 Cup Brown sugar, 1 Stick Butter, 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon, 1/2 Teaspoon Salt, 1/8 Teaspoon Nutmeg
- Pour the brown sugar mixture over the cooked sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Gently toss the potatoes to ensure they are coated evenly. Mix well.5 Lb Sweet potatoes
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the edges start to caramelize.
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the miniature marshmallows evenly over the top of the sweet potatoes.1 1/2 -Cups – 1 1/2 Cups Miniature marshmallows
- Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.