Candied Sweet Potatoes (Yams) With Marshmallows

This Candied Sweet Potatoes Yams with Marshmallows recipe is prepared Southern style and brings together the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with a luscious layer of melted marshmallows. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion where you crave a touch of sweetness, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these are sure to be a hit at the table.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

With their golden-brown topping and irresistible aroma, they offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

• Classic Flavor Combination: Candied sweet potatoes with marshmallows are a classic dish that combines the natural sweetness of the potatoes with the gooey sweetness of melted marshmallows. The contrast in textures and flavors creates a deliciously comforting dish that many people enjoy.
• Holiday Tradition: These are a staple on many holiday tables, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Making this dish can evoke feelings of nostalgia and tradition, bringing families together to enjoy a beloved comfort food.
• It’s a Beauty: The marshmallow topping creates a golden-brown, gooey layer that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant orange color of the sweet potatoes. This makes the dish look inviting and appetizing.
• Texture Contrast: The combination of soft, caramelized sweet potatoes and melted marshmallows provide the perfect contrast in textures. The tender sweet potatoes pair perfectly with the soft, gooey marshmallows.
• Easy Prep: This dish requires relatively few ingredients and is simple to prepare. It can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving, freeing up time for other meal preparations.

The Difference Between Sweet Potatoes and Yams

The terms “sweet potatoes” and “yams” are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different types of root vegetables with distinct characteristics. In many parts of the world, especially in the United States, what are labeled as “yams” in grocery stores are actually sweet potatoes, as true yams are less common and primarily found in specialty markets catering to specific cultural cuisines.

Here are the main differences:

• Origin:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are native to the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are widely grown in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
  • Yams: Yams are native to Africa, Asia, and Oceania. They are a staple food in many parts of Africa and are less commonly found in other regions.
• Appearance:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Have smooth, thin skin that can range in color from pale yellow to orange, red, or purple. The flesh is usually sweet and moist, with varying shades of yellow, orange, or purple.
  • Yams: Have rough, bark-like skin that is typically brown or black. The flesh is starchy and dry, with a white, yellow, or purple color.
• Texture and Flavor:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Have a creamy texture and a sweet, slightly nutty flavor. They are often used in both sweet and savory dishes.
  • Yams: Have a starchy, dry texture and a milder, less sweet flavor compared to sweet potatoes. They are typically used in savory dishes and are often boiled, roasted, or fried.
• Nutritional Content:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and various other nutrients. They are considered a nutritious vegetable and are often included in healthy diets.
  • Yams: Yams are also nutritious but tend to be lower in vitamins and minerals compared to sweet potatoes.

How to Shop For the Sweet Potatoes

• Appearance: Look for sweet potatoes that are firm and smooth, without any soft spots, bruises, or blemishes. The skin should be free of cuts or cracks.
• Size: Choose sweet potatoes that are medium to large in size, as they will be easier to peel and cut into uniform pieces for cooking.
• Color: Sweet potatoes come in various colors, including orange, purple, and white. Select sweet potatoes with vibrant, uniform coloration. Avoid those with green spots, as they may indicate the presence of solanine, a natural toxin.
• Texture: Check the texture of the sweet potatoes by gently squeezing them. They should feel firm and dense, indicating freshness.
• Weight: Pick up the sweet potatoes and assess their weight. Heavier sweet potatoes are typically moister and have a higher sugar content, resulting in a sweeter flavor.
• Seasonality: While sweet potatoes are available year-round in many places, they are typically harvested in the fall. For the freshest and most flavorful sweet potatoes, consider purchasing them during the fall and winter months.

What Type of Marshmallows to Use

You can use regular marshmallows or miniature marshmallows depending on your preference and the presentation you desire. Both types of marshmallows will melt and create a sweet, gooey topping.

Regular-sized marshmallows are the classic choice for topping candied sweet potatoes. They provide a larger surface area and can create a thicker layer of marshmallow topping when placed on top of the dish. This can result in a more dramatic presentation with big, fluffy marshmallows.

Miniature marshmallows are smaller in size and melt more quickly than regular marshmallows. They’re a popular option for candied sweet potatoes because they create a more even layer of marshmallow topping across the dish. Mini marshmallows also tend to distribute more evenly, ensuring each serving gets a perfect blend of sweet potato and marshmallow.

How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes (Yams) With Marshmallows

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Heat a saucepan on medium-high heat and add butter.
3. When melted, add the white sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir.
4. Once the sugar has melted, add in the vanilla extract and stir.
5. Pour in the water and stir until the glaze caramelizes.
6. Add the sweet potatoes to a 9×13 baking dish.
7. Pour the candied glazed mixture over the sweet potatoes.
8. Cover the sweet potatoes in foil and bake.
9. Remove the foil and stir and baste the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle the marshmallows throughout.
10. Return the pan to the oven and bake.

How to Tell When it’s Finished Baking

• Golden-Brown Marshmallows: The marshmallows on top should be golden brown and slightly puffed. This indicates that they have melted and caramelized, creating a sweet and gooey topping for the sweet potatoes.
• Bubbling Glaze: The syrupy glaze surrounding the sweet potatoes should be bubbling gently around the edges of the baking dish. This indicates that the sugars in the glaze have caramelized and the sweet potatoes are cooked through.
• Tender Sweet Potatoes: Insert a fork or knife into one of the sweet potatoes to check for tenderness. The sweet potatoes should be soft and fork-tender, indicating that they are fully cooked and caramelized.
• Amazing Smell: The kitchen should be filled with a sweet, caramelized aroma as the sweet potatoes bake. This fragrance indicates that the sugars in the glaze are caramelizing and the dish is nearing completion.

Can You Make It Ahead

Follow the recipe instructions to prepare the candied sweet potatoes up to the point of adding the marshmallows on top (don’t add them). Allow the dish to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate.

When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats up. Then, remove the cover and place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake the candied sweet potatoes in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. From here, follow the recipe instructions for the marshmallows.

How to Store

You can refrigerate the dish for 3-4 days tightly covered.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze the dish tightly covered and sealed for 2-3 months. While they may remain safe to eat for longer periods, the texture and flavor may start to deteriorate over time.

More Sweet Potatoes Recipes

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Oatmeal
Stovetop Candied Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar

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