Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when we gather around the table with family, friends, and a plethora of delicious dishes. And let’s be honest, while turkey steals the spotlight, it’s the side dishes that truly make the meal unforgettable! One side dish that holds a special place in my heart (and stomach) is this *thanksgiving yams recipe*. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
Growing up, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without my mom’s sweet yams, bubbling away in the oven. The smell of buttery sweetness mixed with cinnamon and nutmeg fills the house, and you can’t help but feel warm and fuzzy inside. This dish is not only sweet and satisfying, but it also has that comforting nostalgia that brings everyone together. I love how simple ingredients transform into a dish that’s both elegant and homey.
This recipe is a delightful mix of yams, brown sugar, and a touch of maple syrup, topped with marshmallows that get all gooey and golden in the oven. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that complements the savory dishes on your Thanksgiving table. So, let’s dive in and get cooking! You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 3 large yams, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional, but oh so good!)
How to Prepare the Thanksgiving Yams Recipe
Preheat and Boil
First things first, let’s get that oven fired up! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Toss in your beautiful, cubed yams and bring it to a boil. Let them cook for about 15 minutes until they’re tender. You want them soft enough to easily pierce with a fork, but not mushy—no one wants a pile of goo!
Prepare the Yams for Baking
Once your yams are perfectly boiled, carefully drain them in a colander. Be cautious, that steam is no joke! Then, transfer those lovely yams into a baking dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish for this, but any oven-safe dish will do. Just make sure they’re spread out evenly so they can soak up all that delicious topping we’re about to make.
Mix the Topping
Now, let’s make that heavenly topping! In a medium bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and pure maple syrup. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended. The smell alone will have you dreaming of Thanksgiving! It should be a thick, gooey mixture that’s just begging to be poured over those yams.
Combine and Bake
Pour that glorious mixture over the yams, and toss them gently to coat every cube in that sugary goodness. If you’re feeling a little indulgent (and who isn’t during the holidays?), sprinkle mini marshmallows on top—because let’s be real, they’re the cherry on top of this sweet dish! Now, pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for those marshmallows to get golden and bubbly, and for the yams to be heated through. Your kitchen is about to smell like pure Thanksgiving magic!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! I always find it helpful to know what I’m serving up, especially during the holiday feasts. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my delightful *thanksgiving yams recipe*:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are typical estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and any adjustments you decide to make. But hey, when it comes to Thanksgiving, it’s all about enjoying the moment, right? So, indulge a little and savor every bite of these sweet yams! You deserve it!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your *thanksgiving yams recipe* turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve learned over the years:
- Adjust the sweetness: If you like your yams a bit sweeter, don’t be shy! You can add a touch more brown sugar or maple syrup to suit your taste. Just remember, these yams already have a natural sweetness, so taste as you go!
- Add some crunch: For an extra layer of texture, consider tossing in some chopped pecans or walnuts. They add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft yams and gooey topping.
- Spice it up: If you want to switch things up, feel free to experiment with spices! A pinch of ginger or allspice can bring a whole new flavor profile to your dish. Just a little can go a long way!
- Don’t skip the marshmallows: Seriously, those mini marshmallows are like the icing on the cake! They create that gooey, sweet layer that makes this dish a holiday favorite. If you want them a bit toasted, broil them for the last couple of minutes of baking—just keep a close eye on them!
- Make ahead: You can prep the yams and topping the night before! Just store them separately in the fridge and combine them right before baking. It saves time and makes your Thanksgiving morning a little less hectic.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a show-stopping side dish that everyone will rave about. Now, go ahead and get those yams ready for the spotlight!
Variations
Now, if you’re feeling a little adventurous (and let’s be real, who isn’t during the holidays?), there are so many fun ways to switch up my *thanksgiving yams recipe*! Here are some of my favorite variations that will keep everyone on their toes and coming back for seconds:
- Fruit Fusion: Why not throw in some diced apples or cranberries for a pop of tartness? They add a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the yams and make the dish even more festive. Just mix them in with the yams before adding the topping!
- Spice it Up: If you want to give your yams a little kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder. It might sound unusual, but the heat really enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful depth of flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Swap out some of the brown sugar for crushed pecans or walnuts in the topping. They’ll add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet yams. Just be sure to toast them lightly for extra flavor!
- Coconut Twist: For a tropical flair, sprinkle some shredded coconut on top of the marshmallows before baking. It adds a wonderful chewiness and a hint of coconut flavor that’s just delightful.
- Maple Bacon: If you’re a fan of sweet and savory, consider adding some crispy chopped bacon to your yams. Just toss it in with the yams before baking for a smoky twist that’s sure to impress!
- Herb Infusion: For a unique twist, try adding some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Just a sprinkle can elevate the flavor profile to something truly special—perfect for impressing your Thanksgiving guests!
These variations are just a starting point! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own. After all, Thanksgiving is all about sharing love and delicious food, so have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delicious *thanksgiving yams recipe* ready to go, let’s talk about how to serve it up! The beauty of these sweet, buttery yams is that they complement so many traditional Thanksgiving dishes. I mean, what’s more comforting than a plate filled with all the classics?
First off, you absolutely can’t go wrong pairing these yams with a beautifully roasted turkey. The savory flavors of the turkey balance perfectly with the sweetness of the yams. And don’t forget about stuffing! A scoop of savory stuffing alongside those sweet yams creates such a harmony of flavors that your taste buds will be dancing.
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try serving them with some honey-glazed ham! The sweetness of the ham paired with the sweet yams is a match made in holiday heaven. And let’s not overlook the green bean casserole—those crunchy green beans and creamy texture make an amazing contrast to the soft, sweet yams.
For a well-rounded meal, I always like to add a fresh salad on the side. Something light and crisp can really balance out all that richness. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette does the trick beautifully! And of course, don’t forget the cranberry sauce. That tartness is the perfect zing to cut through all the flavors on your plate.
So, when you set your Thanksgiving table, make sure to showcase those gorgeous yams alongside your favorite dishes! Trust me, your guests will be coming back for seconds (or thirds!) as they savor every delicious bite of this delightful feast. Happy feasting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about leftovers! If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably have some of these delicious *thanksgiving yams* hanging around after the big feast. No worries, though! They store beautifully and can taste just as wonderful the next day (or even later!).
To store your yams, simply let them cool down to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them later on, you can also freeze them! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They’ll last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
When it’s time to reheat those sweet yams, you’ve got a couple of options! If you’re reheating from the fridge, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep that moisture in. This will help them warm through without drying out.
If you froze your yams, the best way to reheat is to thaw them overnight in the fridge first. Then, follow the same oven instructions as above. If you’re in a pinch, you can also reheat them in the microwave—just be sure to stir them halfway through to ensure even heating. But honestly, I find that the oven method keeps the texture nice and fluffy, especially if you had those gooey marshmallows on top!
So go ahead and enjoy those leftovers! They’re just as sweet and comforting as when they came out of the oven. Trust me, a second serving of this *thanksgiving yams recipe* is always a good idea!
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thanksgiving yams recipe that will astound your guests
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious Thanksgiving yams recipe that is sweet and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 3 large yams, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil yams in a large pot for 15 minutes until tender.
- Drain and transfer yams to a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup.
- Pour the mixture over the yams and toss to coat.
- If using, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes until heated through and marshmallows are golden.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness to your preference.
- You can add pecans for extra crunch.
- This dish pairs well with turkey and stuffing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: thanksgiving yams recipe
