Festive Holiday Yam Bake Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Comfort meets celebration in this irresistible festive yam bake that promises to steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Creamy, golden-hued yams nestled with aromatic spices create a mouthwatering side dish that begs to be shared.

Sweet and savory notes dance together in perfect harmony, elevating your holiday table.

Rich, buttery layers melt into a delectable casserole that feels like a warm embrace.

Each forkful delivers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to be the hero of your next holiday meal with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns simple ingredients into culinary magic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 245 kcal

Servings: 9

How To Serve Holiday Yam Bake Warm

• Festive Family Feast: Serve this yam bake alongside roasted turkey or ham for a classic holiday meal that brings everyone together.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform leftovers into a morning delight by topping with a fried egg and fresh herbs for a delicious breakfast twist.
• Sweet Side Star: Pair with green beans almondine or roasted Brussels sprouts to create a balanced and colorful plate that looks as good as it tastes.
• Potluck Perfect: Transport in a covered dish and watch it become the standout side that everyone raves about at community gatherings or family reunions.

Storage Help For Holiday Yam Bake

• Smart Batch Preparation: Make double the recipe and refrigerate extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals or lunch meal prep throughout the week.
• Refrigeration Ready: Store leftover Holiday Yam Bake in sealed containers for up to 4 days, keeping flavors fresh and texture moist when properly covered.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual servings tightly in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags for convenient storage up to 3 months – perfect for future quick reheating.
• Reheating Perfect Plan: Warm refrigerated or thawed portions in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying and maintain original delicious taste and texture.

Everything In Holiday Yam Bake

• Yams: Sweet orange tubers that provide rich, creamy foundation and natural sweetness to the dish.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Milk: Enhances moisture and creates a silky texture for the casserole.

• Brown Sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and balances the yams' natural sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Ground Cinnamon: Introduces warm, cozy spice that complements the yams beautifully.
• Salt: Amplifies and balances all the other flavor components.

• Pecans: Provides delightful crunch and nutty undertones that contrast with the creamy base.
• Mini Marshmallows: Creates a golden, gooey topping that adds playful sweetness and visual appeal.

Gear For Holiday Yam Bake

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining yam ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps blend spices and ingredients evenly.
• Sharp knife: For peeling and cutting yams cleanly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
• Vegetable peeler: Quickly removes yam skin.
• 9×9-inch baking dish: Provides ideal space for the holiday yam bake.
• Spatula: Helps spread ingredients and scrape bowls efficiently.
• Oven mitts: Safely handle hot dishes and baking pan.

Steps To Make Holiday Yam Bake With Ease

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and let it get ready for some delicious magic.

• Prepare Your Baking Vessel

Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of butter or cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

• Mix the Yam Magic

In a large mixing bowl, combine sweet yams with brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla. Stir everything together until it looks glossy and inviting.

• Layer and Sprinkle

Transfer your yam mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, creating a beautiful golden landscape. Top the entire creation with a crunchy layer of chopped pecans for that perfect textural contrast.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and let it transform for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn golden brown and the top looks slightly crispy.

• Cool and Serve

Pull the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving much easier. Scoop out generous portions and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Tips To Upgrade Holiday Yam Bake Flavor

• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for stress-free holiday meal preparation.
• Texture Tip: For extra crispy topping, broil the marshmallow layer for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Dietary Swap: Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour or cornstarch in the sauce and checking marshmallow ingredients for gluten-free certification.
• Nutty Crunch Option: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the marshmallow topping for added texture and a delightful nutty flavor that complements the sweet yams.
• Vegan Variation: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and top with vegan marshmallows or a crumble made from oats and coconut sugar for a dairy-free alternative.

Festive Yam Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy holiday yam bake blends Southern comfort with festive flavors. Marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes offer a delightful side dish packed with warmth and nostalgia for gatherings you’ll cherish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (960 ml / 32 fl oz) yams or sweet potatoes, mashed
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) butter, melted
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) brown sugar
• ⅓ cup (80 ml / 2.7 fl oz) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Yam Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine yams with brown sugar, creating a rich, caramelized base that promises depth of flavor and velvety texture.
3. Butter Integration: Incorporate melted butter into the yam mixture, ensuring even distribution and a luxurious, smooth consistency throughout the casserole.
4. Marshmallow Topping: Delicately spread the marshmallows across the surface, creating a cloud-like layer that will transform into a golden, puffy crown during baking.
5. Baking Process: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows turn a beautiful bronze and the yams become tender and bubbling with sweet intensity.
6. Resting and Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, letting the flavors meld and the temperature become perfectly inviting before presenting this festive side dish that embodies seasonal comfort and culinary celebration.

Notes

• Prevent Burning Marshmallows: Cover with aluminum foil if marshmallows brown too quickly, ensuring an even, golden-brown topping without charring.
• Control Sugar Intensity: Adjust brown sugar quantity based on yam sweetness and personal preference, balancing natural and added sweetness.
• Enhance Texture Variation: Lightly toast chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts and sprinkle on top for a delightful crunch and nutty dimension.
• Accommodate Dietary Needs: Substitute marshmallows with coconut flakes or create a dairy-free version using coconut oil instead of butter for vegan and lactose-intolerant guests.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 245
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg