Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when families gather, stories are shared, and, of course, delicious food is served. For me, *thanksgiving yams* are an absolute must on the table. They’re not just a side dish; they’re a warm hug on a plate! The sweet aroma of yams baking in the oven, combined with the buttery, sugary goodness, creates an atmosphere of love and comfort. Every bite is like a sweet reminder of cherished memories and happy gatherings. Trust me, this dish brings a delightful balance to the savory flavors of turkey and stuffing, making it a beloved staple in my home. You won’t want to miss out on this festive delight!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Yams
- 4 large yams, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional for extra crunch)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Yams
Preparing these *thanksgiving yams* is a breeze, and I promise the delicious outcome is worth every minute! Let’s dive into the step-by-step process so you can have these sweet, delightful yams on your holiday table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your yams will bake evenly and develop that lovely golden color.
- While the oven is heating, peel the large yams and slice them into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. I like to keep them uniform so they cook evenly and look beautiful when served!
- Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add your yam slices and let them cook for about 10 minutes. You just want them slightly tender, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
- After the yams have boiled, drain them well and transfer them to a greased baking dish. This is where all the magic happens!
- In a separate bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until it’s well combined. The smell at this stage is simply heavenly—trust me!
- Pour this delicious mixture evenly over the yams, making sure each slice gets a good coating of that sugary goodness.
- Now, sprinkle the mini marshmallows and optional chopped pecans on top. This adds a fantastic texture and sweetness.
- Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the yams are soft and the marshmallows are beautifully golden and bubbly.
And there you have it! Your *thanksgiving yams* are ready to be enjoyed. Just try not to eat them all before dinner—though I totally understand if you can’t resist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday cooks!
- Sweet and flavorful, bringing a delightful balance to your Thanksgiving feast.
- Always a crowd-pleaser, charming both kids and adults alike.
- Customizable with optional nuts or spices to suit your taste.
- Can be made ahead, letting you enjoy more time with loved ones.
Tips for Success
If you want to elevate your *thanksgiving yams* to the next level, here are a few handy tips! First, feel free to adjust the brown sugar to match your sweetness preference—some folks like it sweeter, while others prefer a more subtle flavor. If you love a bit of crunch, don’t skimp on the pecans; they add a lovely texture! Keep an eye on the yams while they bake; ovens can vary, so check for doneness a bit early to avoid overcooking. Lastly, if you have leftovers, they make a delicious breakfast treat topped with yogurt or as a sweet addition to pancakes!
Variations of Thanksgiving Yams
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of fun ways to change up your *thanksgiving yams*! For a twist, try using sweet potatoes instead of yams; they have a slightly different flavor but are just as delicious. You can also experiment with spices—add a pinch of ginger or allspice for an exciting kick! Want a bit of a citrus zing? A splash of orange juice or some zest can brighten up the dish beautifully. And if you’re a fan of maple, substituting maple syrup for the brown sugar adds a lovely depth of flavor. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover *thanksgiving yams* is super easy! Simply let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, which is perfect for those post-holiday cravings! If you want to save them for later, you can also freeze them. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and they’ll last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw them overnight in the fridge.
To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until they’re warm. Just be careful not to overheat them, or you might lose that delightful creamy texture!
Nutritional Information
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. Each serving of *thanksgiving yams* (about 1 cup) contains roughly 250 calories, 10g of fat, 20g of sugar, and 3g of protein. They also provide 4g of fiber, making them a sweet but wholesome addition to your holiday feast. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Yams
Got questions about making those scrumptious *thanksgiving yams*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams? Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work beautifully in this recipe and add a slightly different flavor. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster.
How do I adjust the sweetness? If you prefer a less sweet dish, feel free to cut back on the brown sugar or even swap in honey or maple syrup for a different twist!
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the yams up to a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
How can I make these yams vegan? To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and skip the marshmallows or use vegan ones instead. They’ll still be delicious!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your festive feast!
Print
Thanksgiving Yams: 7 Secrets for Irresistible Comfort
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and sweet dish made with yams, perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 4 large yams
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and slice the yams into rounds.
- Boil yams in water for 10 minutes until slightly tender.
- Drain and place yams in a baking dish.
- Melt butter and mix with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the mixture over yams.
- Add marshmallows and pecans on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until yams are soft and marshmallows are golden.
Notes
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Can use sweet potatoes as a substitute.
- For a crunch, add more pecans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: thanksgiving yams, sweet yams, holiday side dish
