This delightful yams casserole is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a favorite for holiday gatherings. The creamy mashed yams combined with a touch of brown sugar and spices create a comforting dish that everyone will love. Topped with mini marshmallows, it becomes an irresistible treat with a golden, gooey finish.
Photos of Yams Casserole
While most of the ingredients for this yams casserole are common pantry items, you may need to pick up a bag of mini marshmallows and fresh yams if you don’t already have them. The ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg add warm spice notes, so ensure you have those on hand as well.
Ingredients for Yams Casserole
mashed yams: Cooked and mashed yams provide a creamy and hearty base for the casserole.
brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor to the dish.
melted butter: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
ground cinnamon: Adds a warm and slightly spicy note.
ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with its sweet and nutty flavor.
mini marshmallows: Creates a sweet, toasted topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy yams.
One reader, Barton Fields says:
This yams casserole is a delightful blend of sweet and savory! The spices add a warm touch, and the marshmallow topping is perfectly golden and gooey. It’s a comforting dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Techniques Required
How to mash yams: To mash yams, first peel and cut them into chunks. Boil the chunks in water until they are tender, then drain and mash them using a potato masher or fork until smooth.
How to melt butter: To melt butter, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on low heat for 15-30 seconds, or until fully melted. Alternatively, you can melt it in a small saucepan over low heat on the stove.
How to preheat an oven: To preheat an oven, set the oven to the desired temperature (350°F or 175°C in this case) and allow it to heat up fully before placing any food inside. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
How to combine ingredients: To combine ingredients, use a mixing bowl and a spoon or spatula to mix them together until they are evenly distributed.
How to bake: To bake, place the prepared dish in the preheated oven and cook for the specified time (25-30 minutes in this case) until the dish is done.
How to cool a dish: To cool a dish, remove it from the oven and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it is safe to handle and serve.
Yams Casserole
A delicious and comforting yam casserole perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed yams
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed yams, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with mini marshmallows.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
For a crunchier topping, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts.
Nutrition
- Sugar: 25g
- :
- Calcium: 50mg
- Calories: 250kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Iron: 1.5mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Protein: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Vitamin A: 10000IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
Technique Tip for This Dish
For a smoother texture in your yams casserole, make sure to thoroughly mash the yams before combining them with the other ingredients. You can use a potato masher or a food processor to achieve a creamy consistency. This will help the flavors meld together more effectively and create a more cohesive dish.
How to Save Time on This Dish
Prepare ingredients in advance: Peel, boil, and mash the yams ahead of time to save prep time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-mashed yams: Purchase pre-mashed yams from the store to cut down on preparation steps.
Melt butter in the microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave instead of using the stovetop.
Mix dry ingredients together: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl before adding to the yams.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you mix the ingredients to save waiting time.
Substitute Ingredients For Yams Casserole
- mashed yams – Substitute with mashed sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes have a similar texture and sweetness, making them an excellent substitute.
- brown sugar – Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and adds a unique flavor profile.
- melted butter – Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil offers a similar fat content and a subtle coconut flavor that complements the dish.
- vanilla extract – Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor that can enhance the overall taste.
- ground cinnamon – Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon along with other spices that add depth to the flavor.
- ground nutmeg – Substitute with allspice: Allspice has a similar warm, spicy flavor that can replace nutmeg effectively.
- mini marshmallows – Substitute with whipped cream: Whipped cream offers a creamy, sweet topping that can replace the marshmallows’ sweetness and texture.
Best Way to Present This Dish
- Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the yams casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets to create an elegant and refined appearance.
- Use decoration: Garnish with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a few fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to add a touch of color and sophistication.
- Create texture contrast: Add a crispy element by incorporating a small pecan or walnut crumble on top of the mini marshmallows before baking. This will provide a delightful crunch.
- Utilize height: Stack the mini marshmallows slightly higher in the center of the dish to create a visually appealing peak that draws the eye.
- Use high-quality serving ware: Serve the yams casserole on a pristine white plate or in a sleek, modern dish to highlight the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
- Add a sauce drizzle: Finish with a light drizzle of maple syrup or a brown sugar glaze around the edge of the plate to enhance the sweetness and add a touch of elegance.
- Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums, around the dish to add a pop of color and a gourmet touch.
- Highlight the ingredients: Use a small card or menu insert to list the key ingredients, such as mashed yams, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, to inform and impress your guests with the quality and thoughtfulness of the dish.
Best Tools for This Recipe
- Oven: Used to bake the casserole at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the mashed yams, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Baking dish: Used to transfer and spread the yam mixture evenly before baking.
- Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the mashed yams, brown sugar, and mini marshmallows.
- Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg precisely.
- Spatula: Helpful for mixing the ingredients thoroughly and transferring the mixture to the baking dish.
- Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.
- Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Potato masher: Useful if you need to mash the yams before combining them with other ingredients.
- Whisk: Can be used to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed and smooth.
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the yams casserole to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator.
- Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the yams casserole. First, ensure it has cooled completely. Then, wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer will protect it from freezer burn.
- Label the wrapped casserole with the date to keep track of its storage time. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- When you’re ready to serve the frozen casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap and foil, and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and the mini marshmallows are golden brown.
- If you prefer individual portions, you can also freeze the casserole in smaller, single-serving containers. This makes it easier to reheat just the amount you need without defrosting the entire dish.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed yams, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with mini marshmallows.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Reheating in the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover yams casserole in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the marshmallows from burning.
- Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through.
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the marshmallows.
- Reheating in the Microwave:
- Place a portion of the yams casserole in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to stir and ensure even heating.
- If the marshmallows become too soft, you can finish by placing the dish under a broiler for a minute to re-crisp them.
- Reheating on the Stovetop:
- Scoop the yams casserole into a non-stick skillet.
- Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to keep it moist.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and heat over medium-low heat.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, cooking for about 10-15 minutes.
- For a crispy top, you can transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and broil for a minute or two.
- Reheating in an Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the yams casserole in an air fryer-safe dish.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
- If the marshmallows need crisping, increase the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the last 2-3 minutes.
Random Fact About This Recipe
A random fact about this yams casserole recipe is that yams are often confused with sweet potatoes, but they are actually two different root vegetables. Yams have a starchy and dry texture, while sweet potatoes are sweeter and moister.
Is This Dish Economical for Home Cooking?
This yams casserole is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients, such as yams, brown sugar, and mini marshmallows, are relatively inexpensive and can be found in most grocery stores. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD. Considering the simplicity and affordability of the ingredients, this recipe offers great value for a delicious and comforting dish. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Healthy or Unhealthy?
This yams casserole recipe leans towards the unhealthy side. While yams are nutrient-dense, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals, the addition of brown sugar, melted butter, and mini marshmallows significantly increases the calorie and sugar content. This can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently. The butter adds saturated fat, which isn’t ideal for heart health.
- Replace brown sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey, which have a lower glycemic index.
- Use a smaller amount of butter or substitute it with a healthier fat like coconut oil or olive oil.
- Swap mini marshmallows with a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and healthy fats.
- Add more spices like ginger or allspice to enhance flavor without additional sugar.
- Incorporate a layer of oats mixed with a bit of honey and cinnamon on top for a healthier, crunchy topping.
Editor's Thoughts
This yams casserole recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a comforting side dish. The combination of brown sugar, butter, and spices enhances the natural sweetness of the yams, while the vanilla extract adds a subtle depth. Topping it with mini marshmallows creates a beautiful golden crust that adds both texture and visual appeal. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers a rich, satisfying dish, ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
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Why trust this Yams Casserole:
This yams casserole recipe is a trusted favorite because it combines the natural sweetness of mashed yams with the rich flavors of brown sugar, butter, and spices. The addition of mini marshmallows creates a delightful contrast in texture, making each bite a perfect blend of creamy and crispy. Easy to follow and consistently delicious, this recipe is sure to become a staple at your family gatherings.
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