Yams And Apple Casserole
A warm, comforting casserole combining sweet yams and tart apples, enhanced with cinnamon, raisins, and a caramel-like sauce, topped with marshmallows—perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Layer the precooked yams and sliced unpeeled red apples in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle cinnamon over the layers to taste.
- Add raisins evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Pour brown sugar, orange juice, and molasses over the mixture.
- Add small pieces of butter on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and top with marshmallows.
- Return to the oven until the marshmallows are browned and bubbly.
- Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon. If you're out of molasses, honey or maple syrup can work as substitutes, though they will alter the sweetness slightly. To enhance the dish, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge before baking, making it a great option for holiday gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
This yams and apple casserole is perfect as a side dish for holiday meals, pairing wonderfully with roasted meats. It can also serve as a comforting dessert on its own. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad, like Hawaiian Salad (Good As Salad Or Dessert), for balance and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack, but be sure to cover to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yams And Apple Casserole contains roughly 897 calories, with 9g protein, 212g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (100% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 577mg per serving (25% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just layer all the ingredients in the baking dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This helps ensure even cooking.
What types of yams work best for this recipe?
You can use orange-fleshed yams or sweet potatoes, as both lend a delicious sweetness to the dish. If you prefer a firmer texture, choose yams over sweet potatoes, as they hold up better during baking and maintain their shape.
Can I substitute the raisins?
Absolutely! If you're not a fan of raisins, try using dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different flavor. You could also omit the dried fruit altogether for a less sweet dish, or add fresh fruit like sliced pears for extra freshness.
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).