Brown Sugar Glazed Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows
Sweet potatoes glazed with brown sugar and spices, topped with marshmallows and nuts for a comforting, caramelized side dish perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. red-skinned sweet potatoes (yams), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2/3 cup packed golden brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- pinch of ground ginger ⓘ
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds or pecans (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange peeled and cut sweet potatoes in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish.
- Combine brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and ginger in a heavy small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Pour the sugar mixture over the potatoes and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake the potatoes for 50 minutes.
- Uncover and bake until tender and syrup thickens slightly, about 20 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Increase oven temperature to 500°F (260°C).
- Top the baked potatoes with miniature marshmallows and sliced nuts.
- Return to the oven and bake until marshmallows begin to melt and nuts begin to brown, about 3 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of golden brown sugar. If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the sugar by a quarter. You can also substitute pecans for sliced almonds if you prefer a different nut. Be sure to keep an eye on the marshmallows in the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
These brown sugar glazed sweet potatoes make a perfect side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with roasted meats like turkey or ham, and are a delightful addition to any vegetarian recipes spread. Consider serving them alongside Oven Cinnamon French Toast for a unique brunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover glazed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a quick reheating option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Sugar Glazed Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows contains roughly 584 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 922mg per serving (40% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and glaze a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven, and adjust the baking time as needed.
What can I use instead of marshmallows?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute the miniature marshmallows with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or almonds on top for added crunch. For a more decadent option, try using a chocolate drizzle or a layer of caramel sauce instead.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
The sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and the syrup has thickened slightly. You can test for doneness by inserting a fork into a piece of potato; it should go in easily. Keep an eye on them during the final baking stage to ensure the marshmallows don’t over-brown.
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).