A Holiday Yam Bake is the perfect side dish to bring warmth and sweetness to your festive table. With tender yams, a rich buttery glaze, and a crunchy topping, this dish blends comforting flavors with a touch of indulgence. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and steps make this dish accessible for any home cook.
- Perfectly Sweet and Savory – A delightful balance of natural yam sweetness with buttery, spiced flavors.
- Crowd-Pleaser – A holiday favorite that pairs beautifully with any main course.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prep it in advance, making holiday cooking less stressful.
- Customizable – Easily adapt the toppings or sweetness level to your preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Yams (sweet potatoes can also be used)
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Mini marshmallows or pecans for topping
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and slice the yams into rounds or cubes, then place them in a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat, then stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Cook until combined and smooth.
- Pour the buttery glaze over the yams and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil, stir, and bake for another 15-20 minutes until tender.
- If using marshmallows, sprinkle them on top in the last 5 minutes and broil until golden. If using pecans, add them in the last 10 minutes for a toasted crunch.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Variations
- Healthier Option: Reduce the butter and sugar, or use maple syrup instead.
- Nutty Crunch: Swap marshmallows for chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use dairy-free butter and a vegan marshmallow alternative.
- Savory Twist: Skip the sugar and marshmallows, adding rosemary and garlic instead.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use canned yams?
Yes, but reduce the baking time since they are already soft. Drain them well before using.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to a day in advance and bake just before serving.
How do I keep the marshmallows from burning?
Add them in the last few minutes of baking and watch closely while broiling.
What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?
In the U.S., most “yams” are actually orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. True yams have rougher, starchy flesh.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Yes, honey or maple syrup can work as natural sweeteners.
How do I make this dish less sweet?
Reduce the sugar, skip the marshmallows, or use more spices for flavor depth.
Can I add a crumble topping?
Yes! Mix oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar for a crispier top layer.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients used are gluten-free.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
What pairs well with Holiday Yam Bake?
It complements roasted turkey, ham, green beans, stuffing, and cranberry sauce beautifully.
Conclusion
Holiday Yam Bake is a delicious, festive side dish that brings warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia to the table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite flavors, it’s sure to be a highlight of your holiday feast. Make it ahead, store it easily, and enjoy a stress-free, crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love!
Print
Holiday Yam Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and savory baked yam dish that’s perfect for the holidays. This recipe combines tender yams with brown sugar, butter, and warm spices, all topped with a crunchy pecan topping or gooey marshmallows. A must-have for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!
Ingredients
For the Yams:
- 3 lbs yams (sweet potatoes), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping (Choose One or Both):
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the Yams: In a large bowl, toss the cubed yams with brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until well coated.
- Bake the Yams: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the yams are fork-tender.
- Add the Topping: If using pecans, mix them with brown sugar and melted butter, then sprinkle over the baked yams. If using marshmallows, evenly distribute them over the yams.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and caramelized.
- Serve Warm: Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use canned yams for a quicker version—just reduce the baking time.
- For a healthier option, reduce the brown sugar or swap it for maple syrup.
- Add a pinch of cloves or ginger for extra warmth.
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