Imagine a dish overflowing with tender, sweet yams, glistening under a rich, buttery glaze, and crowned with perfectly toasted marshmallows. That’s the magic of Bruce’s Candied Yams with Marshmallows – a holiday staple that brings joy to every table. This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a comforting tradition, a sweet indulgence that perfectly complements the savory flavors of your festive feast. For generations, families have relied on the simplicity and consistent quality of Bruce’s Yams to create this beloved recipe. And now, you can too! This guide provides a foolproof, step-by-step recipe and helpful tips to ensure your Bruce’s Candied Yams with Marshmallows are a resounding success.
What are Bruce’s Candied Yams, Anyway?
Bruce’s Yams are canned sweet potatoes, a convenient and readily available pantry staple. While often labeled as “yams,” they are technically sweet potatoes, but the distinction is less important than the deliciousness they bring to the table. For many, Bruce’s Yams represent ease and consistency, particularly during the busy holiday season. The brand has become synonymous with quality and reliability, making it a go-to choice for cooks of all skill levels. Bruce’s provides a head start on preparing this classic dish, saving you time and effort without compromising on flavor.
Why This Recipe is a Guaranteed Winner
Let’s face it, holiday cooking can be stressful. This recipe cuts through the chaos with its remarkable simplicity. The combination of sweet yams, a rich buttery glaze, and gooey, toasted marshmallows is a symphony of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist. It’s a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both kids and adults, and requires minimal effort, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones. Bruce’s Candied Yams with Marshmallows is the perfect solution for a delicious and stress-free holiday side dish.
Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this holiday masterpiece:
- Bruce’s Yams (two twenty-nine ounce cans, sliced or cut)
- Butter (half a cup, unsalted)
- Brown Sugar (half a cup, light or dark)
- Ground Cinnamon (half a teaspoon)
- Ground Nutmeg (a quarter teaspoon, optional)
- Miniature Marshmallows (one ten-ounce bag)
- Vanilla Extract (one teaspoon, optional)
- Salt (a pinch)
Creating Your Culinary Masterpiece: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Yams
Begin by gently draining and rinsing the Bruce’s Yams. This step helps to remove any excess syrup. If desired, you can cut the yams into smaller, bite-sized pieces. While pre-sliced yams are convenient, cutting them further allows for better glaze absorption and a more uniform texture.
Crafting the Candied Glaze
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly. This process creates a rich, caramel-like glaze that coats the yams beautifully. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract (if using) for an extra layer of flavor.
Combining the Yams and Glaze for Flavor Harmony
Carefully fold the drained yams into the warm glaze, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving that signature candied yam flavor in every bite. Be gentle to avoid breaking the yams apart.
Baking with Marshmallows: The Grand Finale
Pour the yam mixture into a greased or sprayed baking dish (an eight-by-eight inch dish works well). Bake in a preheated oven at three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit for approximately twenty to twenty-five minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the miniature marshmallows evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven for an additional five to ten minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and perfectly toasted. Keep a close watch during this final stage to prevent the marshmallows from burning. Alternatively, you can broil the marshmallows for a minute or two, but be extremely cautious as they can burn very quickly.
Serving: A Sweet Ending
Allow the Bruce’s Candied Yams with Marshmallows to cool slightly before serving. This allows the glaze to thicken and the marshmallows to set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet symphony of flavors and textures.
Pro Tips for Exceptional Candied Yams
To ensure your Bruce’s Candied Yams with Marshmallows are a culinary triumph, keep these tips in mind. Watch the marshmallows closely during the final baking or broiling stage; they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds. Use good quality butter for the richest flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your personal preference. If you’re short on oven space, you can also adapt this recipe for a slow cooker (see variations below). And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with optional additions like pecans, walnuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Variations to Spice Things Up
While the classic recipe is undeniably delicious, there are endless possibilities for customization. Adding chopped pecans or walnuts before baking creates a delightful nutty crunch. Swapping some of the brown sugar for maple syrup adds a warm, autumnal flavor. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. Stirring in dried cranberries adds a tart and festive twist. And for those who prefer a slow cooker approach, simply combine all ingredients (except the marshmallows) in a slow cooker and cook on low for three to four hours, then top with marshmallows and cook for another thirty minutes, or until melted and lightly browned.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
Bruce’s Candied Yams with Marshmallows is the quintessential holiday side dish, perfectly complementing Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive meal. It pairs exceptionally well with turkey, ham, or roasted chicken, providing a sweet counterpoint to the savory flavors of the main course. It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to your holiday spread.
Storing Leftovers to Savor Later
Leftover Bruce’s Candied Yams with Marshmallows can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a baking dish in a preheated oven at three hundred degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. Be mindful that the marshmallows may soften during reheating.
A Sweet Conclusion
Bruce’s Candied Yams Recipe with Marshmallows isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a memory, a taste of home. Its simplicity makes it accessible to all, and its deliciousness guarantees a satisfied crowd. With its perfect blend of sweet and comforting flavors, this dish is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to create a dish that will delight your family and friends. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how your Bruce’s Candied Yams with Marshmallows turned out! We’d love to hear your variations and tips as well.
