Candied yams are a beloved holiday classic—warm, sweet, buttery, and irresistibly nostalgic. Whether you serve them at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or alongside a cozy family dinner, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their soft texture and caramelized brown-sugar flavor, candied yams bring comfort and tradition to the table in the most delicious way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this classic holiday side dish becomes a yearly favorite:
- Fast & Easy – Using canned yams cuts down on peeling and cooking time.
- Minimum Ingredients, Maximum Flavor – Just a few pantry staples turn into a decadent, buttery dish.
- Perfect for Holiday Tables – Warm spices, sweetness, and gooey marshmallows make this a nostalgic seasonal must-have.
- Customizable – You can make it sweeter, add spices, swap toppings, or even make it dairy-free.
- Kid-Friendly – Soft texture and sweet flavor make it irresistible, even for picky eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is a quick overview of the ingredients needed to make perfect candied yams.
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe card below.
- Canned Yams or Sweet Potatoes – Using canned yams keeps the recipe fast and consistent.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps create a glossy caramel coating.
- Brown Sugar – Sweetens the yams and forms a delicious syrup.
- Mini Marshmallows – Toast on top to create a golden, gooey finish.
Just four ingredients, and you’re on your way to the easiest holiday side dish ever.
Let’s Get Started
Making candied yams couldn’t be more straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). This ensures the marshmallows melt and brown beautifully.
Prepare the Yams
Drain the canned yams thoroughly and place them in a small baking dish. A little leftover syrup won’t hurt, but draining prevents the dish from becoming too runny.
Add the Butter and Sugar
Distribute the butter pieces evenly across the yams, then sprinkle the brown sugar on top. As it bakes, the butter and sugar melt together, creating a rich, sweet glaze.
Bake the Yams
Place the dish into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. The butter will melt, the sugar will dissolve, and the yams will begin absorbing the caramel flavor.
Top with Marshmallows
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the miniature marshmallows evenly over the top.
Finish Baking
Return the dish to the oven for 5–10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted, puffed, and lightly golden.
Serve Warm
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. The syrup thickens as it cools, giving the yams a perfect candied finish.
Servings and Pairing
Candied yams pair beautifully with a variety of holiday favorites and comforting dishes. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Turkey, ham, or roast chicken
- Mashed potatoes, stuffing, or mac and cheese
- Green bean casserole or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Cornbread, rolls, or biscuits
This side dish brings balance to savory meals, offering sweetness that complements roasted flavors and hearty proteins.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Try one of these tasty variations:
- Add warm spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice deepen the flavor.
- Use maple syrup – Replace some brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer caramel note.
- Add pecans – Sprinkle chopped pecans over the marshmallows for crunch.
- Make it dairy-free – Use vegan butter and marshmallows.
- Orange zest – Adds brightness and a citrus twist.
Storage Tips
Candied yams store and reheat wonderfully, making them great for holiday meal prepping.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
- Freezing: Not recommended because marshmallows do not thaw well.
For make-ahead versions, prepare the yams with butter and brown sugar, refrigerate, and add marshmallows right before baking.
FAQs
Why are candied yams sweet?
The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a caramel-like sauce that sweetens the yams naturally.
Can I use fresh yams instead of canned?
Yes! Peel, chop, and boil fresh yams until tender, then use them as you would in the recipe.
Are candied yams and sweet potatoes the same thing?
In most U.S. grocery stores, canned “yams” are actually sweet potatoes. They work perfectly for this recipe.
Can I make this without marshmallows?
Absolutely. It’s just as delicious with only the caramelized brown sugar glaze.
Final Thoughts
Candied yams are a timeless comfort dish that brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia to any meal. With minimal ingredients and almost no prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy holiday cooks or anyone craving a classic Southern-inspired side. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
Print
Candied Yams with Marshmallows
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic holiday side dish made with tender yams baked in butter and brown sugar, topped with perfectly toasted marshmallows. Sweet, cozy, and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 (29-oz) can yams or sweet potatoes, drained
- ¼ cup butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Spread drained yams in a small baking dish.
- Dot with butter pieces and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until the sugar melts and the yams begin to caramelize.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle marshmallows over the top.
- Return to oven for 5–10 minutes, or until marshmallows are melted and lightly golden.
- Cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday flavor.
- For crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans over the marshmallows.
- Use vegan butter and marshmallows for a dairy-free version.
- Make ahead: Prepare yams with butter and sugar, refrigerate, then add marshmallows before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
