Gourmet Hasselback Yams with Marshmallows and Pecans
Elevate your holiday dining with these Gourmet Hasselback Yams, a delightful twist on a classic recipe. This dish features beautifully sliced yams baked to tender perfection, infused with rich spices, and topped with mini marshmallows and crunchy pecans for a sweet and savory experience. Perfect as a side dish for family gatherings or dinner parties, these yams are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious, making them a showstopper on any table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
yams
4 (peeled and sliced)
butter
1/4 cup (softened)
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
dark brown sugar
4 tablespoons (none)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground cloves
1 pinch (none)
grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon (none)
mini marshmallows
2 cups (none)
chopped pecans
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9"x 9" baking dish with butter and set aside.
2
Wash, peel, and prepare 4 yams, then slice them into thin rounds, stopping just before you reach the bottom to create a fan-like appearance. Arrange the sliced yams in your prepared baking dish.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 4 tablespoons dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, a pinch of ground cloves, and 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
4
Spread the butter mixture evenly over the yams, allowing it to seep between the slices for maximum flavor. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
5
Bake the covered yams for 40 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and baste the yams with the pan juices. Return them to the oven and continue to bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the yams are fork-tender.
6
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and generously top the yams with 2 cups of mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, pressing some nuts between the slices for added crunch.
7
To finish, place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and slightly caramelized, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
8
Serve the Hasselback yams hot, allowing everyone to enjoy the gooey, sweet topping with a hint of nuttiness and spice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Hasselback Yams with Marshmallows and Pecans?
This is an elevated holiday side dish featuring thinly sliced yams baked with warm spices, topped with toasted mini marshmallows and crunchy pecans.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 yams, butter, salt, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cloves, lemon zest, mini marshmallows, and chopped pecans.
How do I slice the yams into a Hasselback shape?
Slice the yams into thin rounds, stopping just before you reach the bottom so the slices stay connected at the base, creating a fan-like appearance.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Do I need to peel the yams for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify to wash and peel the yams before slicing.
How long do the yams need to bake in the oven?
The yams bake for 40 minutes covered with foil, then an additional 15 minutes uncovered until fork-tender.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x9 inch baking dish greased with butter is recommended.
What spices are used in the butter mixture?
The butter mixture includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and a pinch of ground cloves.
Why is lemon zest included in the recipe?
Grated lemon zest is added to the butter mixture to provide a bright citrus note that balances the sweetness of the sugar and marshmallows.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always verify the labels on your marshmallows and spices.
How do I apply the butter mixture to the yams?
Spread the mixture evenly over the yams, ensuring it seeps between the Hasselback slices for maximum flavor.
When do I add the marshmallows and pecans?
Add the marshmallows and pecans after the yams are fully baked and fork-tender, just before the final broiling step.
How long should I broil the marshmallow topping?
Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and caramelized.
Can I substitute sweet potatoes for yams?
Yes, sweet potatoes and yams can be used interchangeably in this recipe with excellent results.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning?
Watch the dish closely while it is under the broiler, as marshmallows can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, though dark brown sugar provides a deeper molasses flavor that complements the yams well.
What is the purpose of basting the yams?
Basting with the pan juices halfway through cooking helps keep the yams moist and distributes the spice flavors.
How many yams does this recipe call for?
The recipe calls for 4 yams.
Can I use large marshmallows?
Mini marshmallows are recommended for even coverage, but you can use large ones if you cut them into smaller pieces.
What can I serve with these yams?
These yams pair perfectly with holiday mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or roasted chicken.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can slice the yams and prep the butter mixture in advance, but it is best to bake and add the marshmallow topping just before serving.
Is the butter salted or unsalted?
The recipe calls for butter and additional kosher salt, so unsalted butter is typically used to control the salt level.
Can I omit the pecans?
Yes, if you have a nut allergy or preference, you can leave the pecans out or substitute them with pumpkin seeds.
How do I know the yams are finished cooking?
The yams are done when they are fork-tender, meaning a fork slides easily into the thickest part of the yam.
What does 'Hasselback' mean?
It refers to a method of slicing vegetables partially through into thin layers, which allows flavors to penetrate deeper and creates more surface area for crisping.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, walnuts or slivered almonds would also work well in place of pecans.
Do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Yes, covering with foil for the first 40 minutes helps steam the yams so they become tender without drying out.
How do I get the pecans to stick?
The recipe suggests pressing some of the chopped nuts between the slices of the yams.
Is this a sweet or savory dish?
It is a sweet and savory side dish, combining the natural earthiness of yams with sugary toppings and warm spices.