Ah, the holidays! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the aroma of spices and sweet treats. Growing up, my family always gathered around the table, and one dish that was a must-have was my beloved holiday yam bake. It’s sweet, creamy, and downright comforting. I remember the excitement on everyone’s faces when I pulled it out of the oven, golden marshmallows bubbling on top. It felt like a warm hug for the soul! This dish not only brings smiles but also creates memories that linger long after the meal is over. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want it at every holiday gathering!
Ingredients for Holiday Yam Bake
Let’s gather everything we need for this delicious holiday treat! Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 4 cups yams, peeled and cubed – Choose firm, vibrant yams for a sweet flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar – This adds a rich sweetness and depth.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted – It brings creaminess and that buttery goodness.
- 1/2 cup milk – For a smooth, creamy texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – This elevates the flavor to a whole new level!
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – Just a hint of spice to warm your heart.
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows – The crowning glory that melts into gooey sweetness!
These simple ingredients come together to create something truly special—perfect for sharing with family and friends!
How to Prepare Holiday Yam Bake
Alright, let’s get down to business! This holiday yam bake is super easy to whip up, and I promise it’ll be a hit! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Boil
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your yam bake will cook evenly. While that’s happening, toss your peeled and cubed yams into a pot of boiling water. Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re nice and tender.
Step 2: Mash the Yams
Once the yams are tender, drain them and transfer them to a large bowl. Now, it’s time to mash! You want them to be smooth and creamy—think of the texture of your favorite mashed potatoes. A few lumps are okay, but aim for mostly smooth!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, let’s make it delicious! Add the brown sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to your mashed yams. Mix everything together until it’s all well combined. You want a lovely, sweet mixture that’s bursting with flavor—don’t be shy about getting in there and mixing it well!
Step 4: Bake the Dish
Next, spread your yam mixture into a greased baking dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Now, for the fun part—top it off with those mini marshmallows! Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and those marshmallows are golden brown and toasty. Wow, the smell is going to be incredible!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s take a peek at what’s packed into each serving of this fabulous holiday yam bake! Each serving (about 1/8 of the dish) contains roughly 250 calories, which is pretty reasonable for such a sweet treat. You’ll also find about 10g of fat, including 6g of saturated fat. It has approximately 2g of protein and 38g of carbohydrates, with 20g of that being sugar. Plus, it offers 3g of fiber to help balance it all out. It’s comfort food that’s still got some goodness!
Tips for Success with Holiday Yam Bake
Here are some pro tips to make your holiday yam bake absolutely perfect! First, if you want a little crunch, consider adding some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking. It adds a delightful texture! Also, if you can’t find yams, sweet potatoes work just as well—trust me, they’re delicious too! Keep an eye on those marshmallows while baking; you want them golden brown, but not burnt! Finally, if you’re prepping ahead, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and pop it in the oven just before serving. Easy peasy!
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Yam Bake
- It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks!
- Festively sweet and creamy—perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Rich flavors with a delightful marshmallow topping that everyone adores.
- Customizable with nuts or spices for your unique twist.
- Great for prepping ahead, saving you time on busy days!
FAQ About Holiday Yam Bake
Got questions? I’ve got answers! One of the most common questions is about ingredient substitutions. If you can’t find yams, sweet potatoes are a fantastic alternative and will give you a similar flavor. You might also wonder if you can prep this dish in advance. Absolutely! You can assemble it a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add the marshmallows right before baking for that perfect toasty top. As for serving suggestions, this holiday yam bake pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can even stand alone as a comforting vegetarian side. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten holiday yam bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This way, you’ll keep that creamy texture and delicious flavor intact—yum!
For more delicious recipes, check out this sweet potato pie recipe or this holiday punch recipe for your next gathering!
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Holiday Yam Bake: 5 Comforting Secrets You Can’t Miss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and festive holiday yam bake that is sweet and creamy.
Ingredients
- 4 cups yams, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil the yams in water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and mash the yams in a large bowl.
- Add brown sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the mashed yams. Mix well.
- Spread the yam mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with mini marshmallows.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until heated through and marshmallows are golden brown.
Notes
- For a crunchier topping, add chopped nuts.
- You can use sweet potatoes instead of yams.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: holiday yam bake, sweet potato casserole, yam recipe
