When the holidays roll around, certain side dishes are simply non-negotiable. Among these cherished staples, candied yams often steal the spotlight at Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts, beloved for their sweet, comforting flavors. But what if you could elevate this classic to a truly unforgettable culinary experience? This year, we’re introducing an incredible twist: Woodfire Candied Yams. This recipe takes everything you love about traditional candied yams and infuses it with a subtle, smoky depth that will captivate your taste buds and impress every guest at your table.
Prepare to transform this familiar holiday favorite into a sensational dish that stands out. By harnessing the power of a woodfire grill, we unlock new dimensions of flavor, marrying the sweet caramelization of yams and gooey marshmallows with a delicate, campfire-like smokiness. It’s a culinary innovation that promises to become your new go-to holiday tradition.
This Page Contains Affiliate Links. For more Info See My Disclosures here.
Why Woodfire Candied Yams Are a Holiday Game-Changer
If you’ve never ventured into smoking your sweet potato casserole or candied yams, prepare for a revelation. Woodfire Candied Yams aren’t just an improvement; they’re a complete reimagining of this comforting side dish. The introduction of smoke adds an unexpected layer of complexity, enhancing the natural sweetness of the yams and the caramelized marshmallows with a savory undertone. Imagine that nostalgic “toasted marshmallow by the campfire” aroma, now infused into every bite of your holiday yams.
The traditional flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, which provide warmth and spice, are beautifully complemented by the subtle smokiness. This isn’t an overpowering campfire flavor; rather, it’s a delicate whisper that adds depth and intrigue without masking the cherished holiday spices. The result is a harmonious blend that feels both familiar and excitingly new, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who tastes it.
The secret to achieving this perfect balance lies in the innovative technology of modern woodfire grills, such as the Ninja Woodfire Grill. These devices offer a unique combination of air-crisping and smoking capabilities, allowing for an even, consistent bake. This means your yams emerge soft, tender, and perfectly cooked through, while the marshmallow topping turns golden, gooey, and irresistibly toasted. You can wave goodbye to worries about uneven cooking or burnt edges, ensuring a flawless presentation and taste experience every time. Whether it’s for your grand Thanksgiving spread or a cozy Christmas dinner, these Woodfire Candied Yams deliver an irresistible symphony of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors that will undoubtedly steal the show.
The Ninja Woodfire Grill: Unlocking Unparalleled Flavor and Texture
The exceptional appeal of Woodfire Candied Yams owes much to the remarkable versatility of the Ninja Woodfire Grill. This culinary marvel seamlessly integrates the functions of an air fryer and a smoker, allowing you to achieve both exquisite caramelization and a delicate smoky essence in a single, streamlined process. In contrast, traditional methods for preparing candied yams often demand constant vigilance to prevent marshmallows from burning or the yams from drying out. With the Ninja Woodfire, much of this guesswork is eliminated; you can simply set it and allow the grill to work its magic, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish.
The grill’s advanced air-crisp feature is instrumental in crafting that perfect marshmallow topping. It ensures that the marshmallows achieve a beautifully golden-brown finish, with a slightly crisp exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth gooey interior, all without turning into a sticky, unmanageable mess. Simultaneously, the integrated smoking function gently infuses each yam with just the right amount of woodfire flavor. This subtle infusion enhances the warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, complementing the sweetness of the yams and marshmallows rather than overwhelming them. The result is a masterfully balanced blend of textures and flavors that guarantees an ideal finish every single time.
For those seeking optimal smoke distribution, a clever technique known as the “Dad shape” trick is highly recommended. This involves arranging the wood pellets in a cone shape at the top of the pellet box. This specific configuration ensures a steady and consistent burn, allowing the smoke to circulate evenly throughout the cooking chamber. This meticulous attention to detail guarantees that every portion of your candied yams receives an equal, delicious smoky kiss, maximizing flavor payoff and ensuring a consistently delightful experience.
Make Your Holiday Table Shine with Woodfire Candied Yams
Woodfire Candied Yams are far more than just another side dish; they represent a culinary statement, a unique treat designed for anyone eager to infuse their holiday menu with creativity and distinctiveness. In a spread often filled with rich, savory, and sweet dishes, many flavors can sometimes blur into one. However, the unexpected smokiness of this particular dish creates a captivating contrast that truly sets it apart. The comforting warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg finds a perfect partner in the light woodfire essence, evoking a nostalgic, fireside ambiance that is especially comforting during the colder months.
The crowning glory, the marshmallow topping, adds a layer of creamy, gooey indulgence that beautifully complements the tender, warm yams. Each spoonful feels like a delightful mini-dessert, an explosion of textures and harmonious flavors. This dish is designed to not only satisfy but to delight, offering a sophisticated twist on a beloved classic.
Beyond its unparalleled flavor profile, another compelling reason to embrace Woodfire Candied Yams is their sheer versatility. While they are an absolute showstopper for major holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, their unique preparation and mouthwatering taste make them an undeniable crowd-pleaser for a variety of occasions. Consider bringing them to festive potlucks, intimate family gatherings, or any fall or winter celebration. The innovative cooking method and the resulting exquisite flavors are guaranteed to make this dish a standout. Prepare for a cascade of compliments from your guests, as they discover and rave about this extraordinary addition to your festive spread.
Expert Tips for Perfect Woodfire Candied Yams
Crafting the perfect batch of Woodfire Candied Yams is easier than you might think, especially with a few insider tips:
- Opt for Mini Marshmallows: While large marshmallows certainly have their charm, mini marshmallows are the secret to achieving that beautifully even, golden-brown layer on top without excessive melting. Their smaller size allows for better distribution, ensuring that every scoop offers a delightful marshmallow-to-yam ratio, delivering the perfect balance of sweetness and texture in each bite.
- Ensure Even Smoke Distribution: To infuse your yams with a consistently delightful smoky flavor, mastering the “Dad shape” trick when loading your wood pellets is essential. By forming a cone shape with the pellets at the top of the burner box, you promote a steady and even burn. This meticulous arrangement guarantees uniform smoke production and distribution, ensuring that every inch of your yams benefits from that subtle, aromatic kiss of woodfire.
- Embrace Spices Liberally: The synergy between nutmeg and cinnamon is paramount in enhancing the natural sweetness of the yams and imparting a comforting warmth to the dish. Do not shy away from a generous sprinkling! These spices are key to building the complex flavor profile that makes candied yams so beloved, and their presence is beautifully accentuated by the smoky backdrop.
- Monitor Marshmallows Closely: The final stage, when you add the marshmallows, requires your full attention. The transformation from soft to perfectly golden-brown and gooey happens incredibly quickly—often in just a few minutes. Staying vigilant will prevent them from burning, ensuring a beautiful, toasted finish that is both visually appealing and deliciously textured.
- Choose Quality Yams: While canned yams are convenient and work wonderfully, selecting a reputable brand like Bruce’s Yams (as suggested in the recipe) can make a difference in flavor and texture. If using fresh sweet potatoes, ensure they are cooked until tender before adding the candied mixture.
- Prevent Sticking: Lightly grease your oven-safe baking dish before adding the yams. This simple step ensures that your caramelized yams and melted marshmallows don’t adhere to the pan, making serving easier and cleanup a breeze.
If your goal this holiday season is to present a memorable, mouthwatering side dish that sparks conversation and delights the senses, Woodfire Candied Yams are your answer. They embody coziness, exquisite taste, and just enough novelty to intrigue. Moreover, with the intuitive design of the Ninja Woodfire Grill, you can bypass the stress of meticulous timing, ensuring a simple yet profoundly flavorful cooking experience. Give these exceptional yams a try and discover how a subtle hint of smoke can truly elevate your holiday meal to an unprecedented level of deliciousness!
Recipe
Ninja Woodfire Candied Yams
Print
Pin
5 minutes
30 minutes
35 minutes
6
372
kcal
Dad
7
Equipment
- Ninja Woodfire Grill
- Oven Safe Dish or Pan
- Bowl
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ingredients
- 15 Ounce Can of Bruce’s Yams
- 4 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- ½ Cup Brown Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 3 tablespoon Juice from the Yams
- 10 Ounce Bag Mini Marshmallows
Instructions
- Load the Ninja Woodfire with pellets, remembering the “Dad Shake” for even smoke, and set it to 350°F (175°C) on the Air Crisp setting with the Woodfire button enabled.
- Place the Bruce’s Yams into an oven-safe baking dish and spread them evenly. Melt the butter in the microwave and add cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gently toss the yams in this mixture to coat them, being careful not to mash them.
- When the Woodfire indicates “add food,” cook the yams for approximately 15-20 minutes, checking occasionally until they are thoroughly hot and bubbling. After this initial cook time, carefully remove the dish from the grill.
- Turn off the grill. Evenly spread mini marshmallows across the top of the yams, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- Reset the Woodfire to 400°F (205°C), using the air crisp setting with the woodfire button still activated.
- Air crisp the marshmallows for 5-10 minutes, monitoring them very closely until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become wonderfully gooey. If you notice one side browning faster, rotate the dish halfway through.
- Serve warm and savor the sweet, smoky goodness of your Woodfire Candied Yams. Try not to devour all the marshmallows before sharing!
Video
Nutrition
Calories:
372
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
76
g
|
Protein:
2
g
|
Fat:
8
g
|
Saturated Fat:
5
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
0.4
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
2
g
|
Trans Fat:
0.3
g
|
Cholesterol:
20
mg
|
Sodium:
147
mg
|
Potassium:
609
mg
|
Fiber:
3
g
|
Sugar:
45
g
|
Vitamin A:
332
IU
|
Vitamin C:
12
mg
|
Calcium:
33
mg
|
Iron:
1
mg
Tried this recipe?
Mention @DadGotThis or tag #DadGotThis!
Ingredient and Equipment Links for Dad’s Woodfire Candied Yams Recipe:
Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Grill:
https://ninjakitchen.pxf.io/k0JNLN
Ninja Woodfire Grill Griddle:
https://amzn.to/3S2Dpnd
Smokin Pecans Pellets:
https://amzn.to/3LiZx9i
Raised Grates for Ninja Woodfire:
https://amzn.to/3LjweU2
Did you know Dad is on YouTube?
Go check out Dad’s YouTube channel for all kinds of great cooking videos and food-related content.