Description
These Crock Pot Candied Yams are a classic holiday side dish featuring tender sweet potatoes cooked slowly with brown sugar, butter, maple syrup, warm spices, and topped with gooey mini marshmallows. The slow cooker method ensures easy prep and perfectly caramelized yams that complement any festive meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch pieces
Sauce
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping
- 10 ounce bag mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch pieces, then place them in a large bowl and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together salted butter, light brown sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves to create a smooth mixture. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the sauce over the diced sweet potatoes and stir thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
- Load Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the slow cooker.
- Cook Yams: Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to avoid burning. The yams are done when they are tender and the liquid has thickened.
- Add Marshmallows: Stir in half of the mini marshmallows to incorporate them into the warm yams.
- Top and Melt Marshmallows: Sprinkle the remaining marshmallows on top. Place the slow cooker lid back on for a few minutes to let the marshmallows melt, or remove the yams and broil in the oven briefly until the marshmallows are browned and toasted.
- Serve: Serve warm as a sweet, comforting side dish perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Notes
- The marshmallows add a delightful sweetness and texture but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a smoother texture, mash the yams slightly after cooking.
- There is no need to precook the sweet potatoes before adding to the slow cooker.
