Banana Yams
A sweet, comforting baked yam dish with bananas, pineapple, cherries, and marshmallows, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings with vibrant tropical flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and quarter the yams.
- Cook the yams in boiling salted water for 20 minutes, then drain.
- Cut the yams into 1-inch cubes and add sliced bananas.
- Add the pineapple chunks along with half the pineapple juice.
- Mix in the halved maraschino cherries and marshmallows.
- Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture into a buttered baking dish.
- Pour melted butter over the top, sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mashing some of the yams before mixing in the other ingredients. If fresh yams are unavailable, you can use canned yams, but reduce cooking time. To add a touch of spice, sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. This dish is a delightful twist on traditional American recipes, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm as a delightful side dish at family gatherings or holiday meals. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or even vegetarian dishes like Best Scalloped Potatoes. For a festive touch, top with additional maraschino cherries and serve alongside a refreshing salad or your favorite dessert, like Frozen Cherry Dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions for quicker reheating. Ensure it’s covered to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Yams contains roughly 1065 calories, with 11g protein, 224g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (130% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (84% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 829mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Banana Yams ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance by assembling all the ingredients, covering, and refrigerating. Just bake it fresh before serving to maintain its texture and flavor. This makes it convenient for busy holiday meal prep.
What can I substitute for pineapple chunks?
If you prefer not to use pineapple, you can substitute with diced peaches or apricots for a similar sweetness and texture. Alternatively, you could use a mix of apples and raisins for a different flavor profile that still complements the yams well.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! Banana Yams is a vegetarian dish, making it a great choice for those following vegetarian recipes. The combination of yams, fruits, and marshmallows provides a deliciously sweet flavor that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).