Description
This classic Southern American side dish features tender, sweet yams baked in a rich, buttery, and spiced sugar glaze. The yams are caramelized to perfection and optionally topped with toasted mini marshmallows, making it a perfect comforting holiday or family dinner accompaniment.
Ingredients
Scale
Yams
- 4 medium yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
Sugar Glaze
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping (Optional)
- Mini marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Yams: Arrange the peeled and sliced yams evenly in the prepared baking dish to create a uniform layer.
- Make the Sugar Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger (if using), salt, and vanilla extract. Cook while stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugars dissolve and the mixture becomes smooth and syrupy.
- Coat the Yams: Pour the sugar and butter mixture evenly over the yams in the baking dish, using a spoon to ensure the yams are well coated with the glaze.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the yams to start softening and absorb the flavors.
- Baste and Continue Baking: Remove the foil carefully, baste the yams with the syrup pooled in the dish to keep them moist and flavorful, then bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. This step helps caramelize the sugar glaze and cook the yams until tender.
- Add Marshmallows (Optional): If desired, add a layer of mini marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. Switch your oven to broil and broil until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the candied yams warm as a delicious side dish perfect for holiday meals or comforting dinners.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and reheated gently before serving to save time on busy days.
- For a flavor twist, add a pinch of orange zest or a splash of maple syrup to the sugar glaze mixture before baking.
- If you prefer less sweetness or want a dairy-free version, reduce the sugar amounts or substitute butter with coconut oil.
- Be vigilant when broiling marshmallows as they can burn quickly; watch closely for evenly browned tops.
