Warm, buttery, and kissed with brown sugar—these glazed candied sweet potatoes with marshmallows are the ultimate comfort side dish. Every bite melts in your mouth with caramelized sweetness and just the right amount of toasty marshmallow topping. Whether you’re cooking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply craving something cozy, this dish makes any meal feel like a celebration.
Unlike the overly sweet versions you might have tried before, this recipe strikes the perfect balance. The sweet potatoes hold their shape but are tender enough to soak in all the glaze, while the mini marshmallows add a soft, gooey finish that’s lightly toasted to golden perfection. It’s nostalgic, it’s decadent, and it’s ridiculously easy to make.
What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?
For the best results, go for fresh orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Jewel or Garnet. These varieties are naturally sweet, vibrant in color, and become beautifully creamy once cooked. Avoid canned yams—they tend to be too soft and overly processed for this style of candied dish.

Ingredients for the Glazed Candied Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows
- Sweet Potatoes: The base of the dish. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the glaze.
- Brown Sugar: Brings deep, caramel notes to the glaze.
- Butter: Creates a rich, velvety texture and helps the sugar melt into a syrup.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the overall cozy flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Gives depth and a hint of creaminess.
- Mini Marshmallows: Toasted on top for a gooey, golden layer that finishes the dish beautifully.
How To Make the Glazed Candied Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and slice your sweet potatoes into thick rounds or wedges. Aim for even slices so they cook uniformly. Place them in a large pot of boiling water and cook until just fork-tender—about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it forms a syrupy glaze.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the cooked sweet potatoes in a buttered baking dish. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the top, coating all the pieces. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Marshmallows
Remove the foil and sprinkle the mini marshmallows generously over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and just starting to toast.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Let the dish cool slightly before serving so the glaze thickens a bit. Serve warm and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture with gooey, toasted goodness on top.
How to Serve and Store Glazed Candied Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows
Serve these straight from the oven while they’re warm and the marshmallows are freshly toasted. They make a perfect side for roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple weeknight chicken dinner.
To store, let leftovers cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also broil for a minute or two to re-toast the marshmallows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the sweet potatoes from falling apart?
Boil them just until fork-tender, not soft. Overcooking will make them mushy in the oven.
Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes, but they won’t melt or toast as evenly. If using large ones, slice them in half.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare everything except the marshmallows a day in advance. Reheat and add the marshmallows just before serving.
Is it too sweet?
This version uses just enough brown sugar to glaze without overwhelming the sweet potatoes. Feel free to reduce sugar slightly for less sweetness.
What spices can I add or substitute?
Pumpkin pie spice or allspice can be used in place of cinnamon and nutmeg for a different twist.
Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Just note the marshmallows may lose their texture when thawed.
Want More Holiday Side Dish Ideas?
If these candied sweet potatoes are a hit at your table, here are a few more festive favorites worth adding to your seasonal spread:
- Try the Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecanbread for a nutty, comforting bread that doubles as dessert.
- The Sweet Honey Glazed Carrots offer a simple veggie side with bright flavor.
- Add some crunch with Winter Brittle—a treat that makes the perfect edible gift.
- For a cozy brunch option, the Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake brings both protein and sweetness to the table.
- You’ll also love Heaven in a Bowl—a dessert salad that’s as indulgent as it sounds.
For even more creative recipes, check out my daily recipe shares on Pinterest – Life with Jam.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can come back to it for every gathering and potluck.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add pecans? Or maybe swapped the glaze with maple syrup?
I love seeing how you personalize these dishes. Don’t be shy—ask questions, share tips, and let’s make each other’s kitchens warmer this season.

Glazed Candied Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Glazed Candied Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows are buttery, sweet, and finished with golden toasted marshmallows. A cozy and nostalgic side dish perfect for holidays or any comforting meal. Each bite delivers tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich brown sugar glaze and crowned with gooey, caramelized marshmallows.
Ingredients
4 large sweet potatoes
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
1. Peel and slice sweet potatoes into thick rounds or wedges. Boil in a large pot for 8–10 minutes until just fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until syrupy.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange sweet potatoes in a buttered baking dish. Pour glaze over evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
4. Remove foil and sprinkle mini marshmallows over top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until marshmallows are toasted.
5. Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
Do not overboil the sweet potatoes or they’ll break apart during baking. Just until fork-tender is perfect.
For a fun twist, try adding chopped pecans before adding the marshmallows.
If you like a stronger spice profile, you can use pumpkin pie spice instead of just cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg


