Holiday Yams With Marshmallows

Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

A comforting holiday side featuring sweet yams topped with toasted marshmallows, infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger—perfect for festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 (16 oz.) cans yams
  • 6 to 8 Tbsp. margarine
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ginger

Instructions

  1. Mix together all ingredients except marshmallows.
  2. Add yams just until desired texture is reached.
  3. Transfer to a baking dish and top with marshmallows.
  4. Bake at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes, covering halfway through.
  5. Let marshmallows brown slightly before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a more natural sweetness, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar. To enhance the spices, try adding a pinch of allspice or cardamom. If you're short on time, canned yams can be quickly heated in the microwave before mixing, allowing for less prep time in comparison to homemade yams.

Serving Suggestions

These holiday yams with marshmallows are a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham. Serve them alongside Ranch Roasted Potatoes for a complete meal. For a festive touch, garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts. They also complement a Sweet And Sour Cabbage Salad, balancing the sweetness of the yams with tangy flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. If the marshmallows have lost their texture, you can add a few fresh ones on top before reheating for added fluffiness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Holiday Yams With Marshmallows contains roughly 908 calories, with 10g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2098mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

908 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.7g 19% DV
Total Fat 56.2g 72% DV
Carbs 101g 37% DV
Fiber 37.5g 100% DV
Sugar 19.4g 39% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2098.5mg 91% DV
Potassium 640.9mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 0.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 4.5mg 5% DV
Calcium 466.5mg 36% DV
Iron 5.5mg 30% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 yams and combine them with the other ingredients a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and then bake them just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and still ensures that the marshmallows are fresh and fluffy when baked.

What can I use instead of marshmallows?

If you're looking for an alternative to marshmallows, consider using toasted coconut or a crumbly topping made from crushed graham crackers mixed with butter and sugar. This will give you a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the yams. Additionally, for a healthier option, you could also top with chopped nuts.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter alternative. Ensure that the marshmallows you use are vegan-friendly, as many conventional marshmallows contain gelatin. There are several brands available that offer vegan marshmallows, making it easy to adjust the recipe for a vegan diet.

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).

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