Candied yams with toasted marshmallows emerge from the oven perfectly when you layer and time each component correctly. If you want to know how to make yams in the oven with marshmallows, this guide walks you through every step. You will get soft, sweet yams under a golden, gooey marshmallow top. Its a classic holiday side dish that works any time of year.
The method is simple. You roast the yams first, then add the marshmallows at the end. That way nothing burns and everything tastes right.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather your ingredients and tools first. This keeps the process smooth and stress free.
Ingredients List
- 3 pounds of fresh yams or sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Tools You Will Need
- A sharp knife and cutting board
- A large pot for boiling or a baking sheet for roasting
- A 9×13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- A whisk or fork
How To Make Yams In The Oven With Marshmallows
Follow these steps in order. The timing matters more then anything else.
Step 1: Preheat And Prepare
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash and peel the yams. Cut them into cubes about one inch thick. Try to keep the pieces the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Cook The Yams Until Tender
You have two good options here. Pick the one that fits your time.
- Boil method: Place yam cubes in a large pot. Cover with water. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes until a fork slides in easy. Drain well.
- Roast method: Toss cubes with a little oil. Spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until soft.
The boil method is faster. The roast method gives a deeper flavor. Both work fine for this recipe.
Step 3: Make The Syrup Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Taste it. Add a pinch more salt if it seems to sweet.
Step 4: Assemble The Dish
Place the cooked yams in your baking dish. Pour the syrup mixture over them. Gently toss so every piece gets coated. Spread them into an even layer. If you are using pecans, sprinkle them on now.
Step 5: Bake The Yams
Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. This lets the yams soak up the syrup. Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes. The edges should bubble slightly.
Step 6: Add The Marshmallows
Take the dish out of the oven. Spread the mini marshmallows in a single layer over the top. Do not stir them in. They need to sit on the surface to toast right.
Return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch them closely near the end. You want them golden brown, not black.
Step 7: Broil For Extra Color (Optional)
If you like a darker toast on top, switch the oven to broil for 1 to 2 minutes. Stay right there and watch. Marshmallows go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
Step 8: Rest And Serve
Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. The syrup thickens as it cools. Spoon some of the syrup from the bottom over each serving.
Tips For The Best Results
Choose The Right Yams
Look for firm yams with smooth skin. Avoid any with soft spots or sprouts. Smaller yams tend to be sweeter and less stringy.
Control The Sweetness
This recipe is sweet by design. If you want it less sweet, cut the brown sugar to 1/4 cup. You can also skip the maple syrup and add a splash of orange juice instead.
Prevent Soggy Yams
Drain the boiled yams very well. Let them steam dry in the colander for a few minutes. Extra water makes the dish runny.
Keep Marshmallows From Burning
Add them only at the end. Never put them under the broiler for more then 2 minutes. If your oven runs hot, lower the rack to the middle position.
Make It Ahead
You can cook the yams and mix the syrup up to two days ahead. Store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake on the day you serve. Add marshmallows just before the final bake.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Adding marshmallows at the start. They will melt into nothing or burn.
- Undercooking the yams. Hard chunks ruin the texture.
- Skipping the salt. It balances the sugar and makes the flavors pop.
- Using large marshmallows. Minis toast more evenly and look better.
- Walking away during broiling. Stay close and check every 30 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with roast turkey, ham, or baked chicken. It also works as a side for a weekend brunch. Leftovers keep in the fridge for three days. Reheat in the oven at 325 degrees, covered, so the marshmallows soften again without burning.
Now you know how to make yams in the oven with marshmallows. The key is simple. Cook the yams first. Add marshmallows last. Watch the broiler. With a little practice, this becomes one of the easiest dishes you make.