Cozy Alton Brown Candied Yams Recipe: Sweet Fall Magic

Candied yams whisper sweet promises of comfort and culinary nostalgia, transforming humble roots into a spectacular side dish.

Southern tables come alive with this legendary recipe that elevates simple potatoes to gourmet heights.

Buttery caramel glaze dances across soft, tender yams, creating a symphony of rich flavors.

Warm spices weave through each forkful, promising pure deliciousness.

Marshmallow crowns add a golden, melt-in-your-mouth dimension that makes this dish irresistible.

Family gatherings sparkle with this classic recipe that connects generations through its delectable charm.

One taste will transport you to a world of pure, indulgent bliss.

Directions for Cooking Alton Brown’s Candied Yams

• Fire Up the Cooking Space

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the ultimate warm zone for transforming sweet potatoes into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Layer and Spread the Sweet Magic

Nestle drained sweet potato slices into a medium baking dish, dotting them with butter chunks scattered like delightful flavor bombs across the surface.

• Shower with Sweet Goodness

Rain down brown sugar generously, creating a glistening blanket over the potatoes. Crown the dish with fluffy marshmallows, setting the stage for a caramelized symphony of flavors.

• Bake and Transform

Slide the dish into the heated oven, letting magic happen for 20-25 minutes. Watch for telltale signs of deliciousness: potatoes turning tender, marshmallows melting into golden clouds, and an irresistible sweet aroma dancing through your kitchen. Pull out a dish that’ll make taste buds cheer and hungry folks gather around with excitement.

Helpful Tips for Alton Brown’s Candied Yams

Transform this classic side dish with creative twists that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to infuse warm, aromatic flavors into the sweet potato base.

Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the marshmallows for a delightful textural contrast and rich, toasted undertones.

Drizzle maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a more complex, natural sweetness that elevates the entire dish.

Replace marshmallows with a dairy-free alternative or use coconut flakes for a lighter, more nutritious topping that still delivers incredible taste.

How to Serve Alton Brown’s Candied Yams

• Festive Family Feast: Pair these candied yams with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or grilled chicken for a hearty holiday meal that brings everyone together.
• Dessert-Like Delight: Serve warm as a sweet side dish or even a decadent dessert, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Brunch Brilliance: Complement weekend breakfast spreads by placing this dish alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or fresh buttermilk biscuits for a crowd-pleasing morning meal.
• Potluck Perfection: Transport in a covered dish to gatherings, keeping it warm and ready to impress fellow guests with its irresistible caramelized marshmallow topping.

Keeping Alton Brown’s Candied Yams Fresh

• Preserve the Magic: Smart Candied Yams Storage Solutions
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover candied yams in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in freezer-safe containers. Candied yams can be frozen for up to 2 months, providing a quick comfort food option for busy days.
• Revive and Reheat Perfectly: Thaw refrigerated or frozen candied yams in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent marshmallows from burning while ensuring even heating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare candied yams in advance during holiday meal planning. Assemble the dish a day before, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save time and reduce kitchen stress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients in Alton Brown’s Candied Yams Recipe

• Sweet Potatoes: Select firm, vibrant orange tubers without blemishes or soft spots for maximum flavor and texture.

• Butter, Brown Sugar: Choose unsalted butter for controlled sweetness and dark brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.

• Miniature Marshmallows: Pick fresh, soft marshmallows that melt smoothly and create a golden, fluffy layer.

Tools You’ll Need for Alton Brown’s Candied Yams

• Oven: Preheats to 400°F for perfect cooking temperature.
• Medium Baking Dish: Provides space for sweet potatoes and even layering.
• Cutting Board: Helps slice butter into small, uniform pieces.
• Knife: Used for precise butter cutting.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate brown sugar distribution.
• Spatula or Spoon: Assists in spreading sweet potatoes and marshmallows evenly.

Heavenly Alton Brown Candied Yams Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s candied yams elevate classic sweet potato comfort into a delectable Southern side dish. Caramelized brown sugar and warm spices create a luxurious glaze that makes this recipe irresistible for gatherings where you crave rich, memorable flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can (29 oz / 822 g) sweet potatoes, drained
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter, cut into pieces
• 1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 400°F (204°C), creating an ideal environment for transforming sweet potatoes into a luscious, caramelized delicacy.
2. Layering Foundation: Spread drained sweet potatoes evenly in a ceramic or glass baking dish, establishing a uniform base for the upcoming flavor transformation.
3. Flavor Infusion: Strategically distribute cold butter pieces across the potato surface, followed by a generous, even dusting of granulated brown sugar, ensuring maximum caramelization potential.
4. Marshmallow Crowning: Meticulously arrange miniature marshmallows in an overlapping, decorative pattern, completely concealing the sugar and butter underneath to create a delightful golden-brown topping.
5. Baking Transformation: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes, carefully monitoring the marshmallows as they turn golden, puffy, and irresistibly caramelized without burning.
6. Resting and Serving: Carefully extract the dish using heat-resistant mitts and allow the candied yams to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the sugars to set and the luxurious layers to stabilize before presenting this indulgent side dish.

Notes

• Butter Precision: Cut cold butter into small, uniform pieces to ensure even melting and consistent flavor distribution across sweet potatoes.
• Sugar Caramelization: Sprinkle brown sugar evenly to create a perfect caramelized layer that enhances the natural sweetness of the yams.
• Marshmallow Monitoring: Watch marshmallows closely during baking to achieve golden-brown perfection without burning, creating a delightful toasted exterior.
• Resting Time Matters: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking, letting sugars set and marshmallows stabilize for the best texture and flavor experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg