Jam-Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

Jam-Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

Golden, gooey marshmallows melting over tender sweet potatoes—that cozy holiday smell that says the holidays have arrived. One pan, simple ingredients, and a warm, caramel finish that makes everyone pull their chair a little closer. This isn’t just a side dish—it’s a warm embrace in your kitchen, a Southern holiday classic that brings people together with every delicious bite.

 Product Spotlight

This dish leans into what we love most: honest sweetness and real flavor. Roasted sweet potatoes bring a deep, earthy sweetness. A jam glaze adds bright fruit and a silky shine. Brown sugar and butter round it out with caramel notes. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring the warmth of the season. And finally, marshmallows on top finish it with a perfectly toasted, gooey cap that appeals to young and old alike. It’s classic Southern comfort, kissed with a little fresh shine.

Discover how our carefully crafted Jam and Sauces can add that same rich, authentic flavor to your holiday dishes. Whether you pick peach, fig, or cranberry-style jam, each variety lends its own special note to the final dish—bringing a touch of sweetness and fruit brightness that elevates the entire experience.

Craft Moment

We keep this recipe simple and small-batch—just like the Southern kitchens that taught us the value of patience and care. The sweet potatoes are roasted slowly, whole, to really draw out their natural sugars and soften their texture without becoming mushy. The jam glaze is warmed gently on the stove until it loosens and glistens, balancing sweetness with a little citrus and spice. No shortcuts, no heavy-handed sweetness—just honest, balanced flavors carefully layered with love.

This approach honors the tradition of Southern kitchens where nothing is rushed, and attention to detail is what makes all the difference. The buttery brown sugar glaze melds with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, evoking that comforting aroma that fills the house during holiday gatherings. When the marshmallows toast to golden perfection, the dish becomes an irresistible, celebratory centerpiece everyone looks forward to.

Jam-Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows Recipe

Serves:  8–10 as a side  

Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (mostly hands-off)

Why Jam?

Fruit jam adds a bright, rounded sweetness that brown sugar alone can’t achieve. It gives the glaze a lovely rosy hue and a silky texture that hugs every bite of sweet potato. Whether you choose peach, fig, or cranberry-style jam, each variety complements the natural earthiness of sweet potatoes beautifully, adding a subtle fruitiness and warm acidity. This contrast keeps the dish from becoming too sweet and adds depth to each mouthful.

Ingredients

**For the Sweet Potatoes:**  

- 3 to 3.5 pounds sweet potatoes (about 5–6 medium), scrubbed  

- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened  

- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)  

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract  

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon  

- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg  

- 1 teaspoon kosher salt  

- Splash of milk or cream, as needed (1–3 tablespoons for creamier mash)

**For the Jam Glaze:**  

- 1/2 cup Emily G's jam

- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter  

- 2 tablespoons orange juice or apple cider  

- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for extra caramel notes)  

- Pinch of kosher salt

**For Topping:**  

- 2 to 3 cups mini marshmallows (enough to lightly blanket the top)  

- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans for crunch

Directions

1. **Roast the Sweet Potatoes**  

   Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Prick the sweet potatoes a few times with a fork. Roast whole for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on their size, until they are very tender when squeezed or pierced through. Once done, let them cool just enough to handle before peeling.

2. **Make the Mash**  

   Place the peeled sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add the softened butter, brown sugar (if using), vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Mash the mixture until smooth, or leave a little texture if you prefer. Add a splash of milk or cream to achieve your desired creaminess. Taste and adjust the seasoning: sweetness and saltiness both help bring out the flavors.

3. **Stir the Jam Glaze**  

   In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the fruit jam, butter, orange juice (or apple cider), brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir and warm gently until glossy and pourable, about 2 to 3 minutes. If the glaze seems too thick, add a teaspoon more juice; if it’s too thin, simmer a little longer to reduce.

4. **Assemble**  

   Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly into the dish. Spoon half the jam glaze over the top and swirl it in with a spatula or butter knife so you get pretty ribbons of fruit throughout the mash. Next, spread the remaining glaze evenly over the surface.

5. **Bake, Then Top with Marshmallows**  

   Bake the assembled dish, uncovered, for 15 minutes. This sets the mash and allows the glaze flavors to mingle and deepen. Remove from the oven, scatter the mini marshmallows evenly on top, then return to bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the marshmallows puff and turn lightly golden. For a deeper toasted finish, switch the oven to broil for 20 to 60 seconds—watch closely to avoid burning.

6. **Rest and Serve**  

   Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes so the topping settles and the glaze thickens. If you like, sprinkle on chopped toasted pecans for a buttery crunch. Serve warm and enjoy!

Flavor Notes and Smart Swaps

- Choose Your Jam:

  - Peach lends bright, sunny sweetness with a slight tang.  

  - Fig offers deeper, molasses-like richness that pairs beautifully with the nutmeg.  

  - Cranberry-style jams bring tartness and festive brightness that balance the sweetness.  

  - Mixed berry jams provide a playful and jammy feel that’s especially kid-friendly.

- Add Citrus: Stir in 1 teaspoon grated orange zest to the mash for a fresh, bright note.

- Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flake in the glaze adds a subtle warmth that balances sweeter elements without overwhelming the dish.

- Nutty Crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the finished casserole add texture and buttery flavor.

- Bourbon Whisper: For an adult twist, stir 1 tablespoon bourbon into the warm jam glaze after removing it from heat, adding mellow depth and complexity.

Make-Ahead and Reheating Tips

- Prepare Ahead: Assemble through step 4 (mash and glaze), but hold off on adding marshmallows. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate up to two days in advance. When ready to serve, bake covered at 350°F until thoroughly heated, roughly 25 minutes. Then uncover, add marshmallows, and bake until toasted.

- Same-Day Prep: Roast and mash in the morning, then glaze and bake before dinner. This timing keeps the flavors fresh and the texture perfect.

- Reheating Leftovers: Warm the casserole uncovered in a 300°F oven until heated through. If marshmallows have melted down, add a fresh handful on top and toast briefly again to refresh their gooey charm.

Diet-Friendly Tips

- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter alternatives when preparing the mash and glaze. Check marshmallow packaging to find dairy-free or vegan options, as many traditional marshmallows contain gelatin.

- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check that your jam and marshmallows have no cross-contamination if necessary.

- Less Sweet: Omit brown sugar from the mash and rely on the fruit jam to sweeten the dish. Reduce marshmallows or reserve half for a lighter topping to please those preferring less sugar.

What Makes This Dish Sing

- Roasting whole sweet potatoes concentrates their natural sugars and creates a deep, rich flavor that can’t be rushed.

- The jam glaze adds complexity and balance—the fruit brings brightness and depth, cutting through the buttery sweetness.

- Swirling half the glaze into the mash creates elegant ribbons of fruit flavor throughout every bite, making the dish visually inviting as well as delicious.

- A brief broil finishes the marshmallow topping with a campfire-toasty flare that’s nostalgic and irresistible.

Cook’s Notes

- Texture Control: For the smoothest mash, use a ricer or a hand mixer on low speed. If you prefer rustic texture, mash by hand and leave a few chunks to enjoy the natural mouthfeel of sweet potatoes.

-Salt Matters: A touch of kosher salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors—it’s essential, so don’t skip it!

- Pan Size: A 9x13-inch baking dish offers the ideal mash-to-marshmallow ratio. Smaller, deeper dishes may need slightly longer baking to set before topping.

- Scaling for Crowd: For 12 to 14 servings, increase the sweet potatoes by 1 to 1.5 pounds and bump up the glaze ingredients by 25%. Consider using a second baking dish to ensure even cooking.

Ways to Use It

- Holiday Table Staple: Slide this dish between your sliced turkey and green beans for Thanksgiving or Christmas—the warm colors and sweet, spiced flavors anchor the holiday plate beautifully.

- Weeknight Upgrade: Roast a chicken or pork tenderloin and add this dish as a cozy, flavorful side for an easy, comforting weeknight dinner.

- Breakfast Twist: Warm a scoop and spread it over buttered toast or pancakes. Add a dash of leftover jam glaze on top for a sweet, spiced morning treat.

- Party Scoop: Serve warmed on a charcuterie board to add a sweet counterpoint to sharp cheeses like cheddar or blue cheese, along with toasted nuts.

- Leftover Remix Ideas:

  - Fold leftovers into cooked quinoa or farro with toasted pecans and dried cranberries for a hearty grain bowl.  

  - Spread on crostini with creamy goat cheese and a crack of black pepper for a savory-sweet appetizer.  

  - Bake into hand pies: spoon a dollop of sweet potato mixture with a dab of jam into pastry rounds, crimp, and bake until golden.

Looking for more ways to bring Southern warmth to your table? Discover our collection of recipes that highlight real ingredients and cozy flavors.

Troubleshooting Tips

- Too Sweet? Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the jam glaze or a pinch more salt to the mashed sweet potatoes to balance the flavors.

- Not Sweet Enough? Drizzle a little warm jam over individual servings to brighten and sweeten as needed.

- Marshmallows Melting Too Fast? Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and cover loosely with foil until the mash is bubbling hot, then uncover and toast marshmallows toward the end.

- Mash Too Loose? Bake the sweet potato base a few minutes longer (without marshmallows) to help it set before topping.

 Shopping List at a Glance

- Sweet potatoes (3–3.5 pounds)  

- Unsalted butter  

- Brown sugar  

- Vanilla extract  

- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg  

- Kosher salt  

- Emily G's Jam

- Orange juice or apple cider  

- Mini marshmallows  

- Optional: toasted pecans or walnuts

Serving Ideas for a Full Plate

- Pair this casserole with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or bourbon pork tenderloin.

- Add something green and crisp, like collard greens, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a bright citrus-dressed salad for freshness.

- Keep beverages simple and welcoming: fresh iced tea, a light red wine, or sparkling apple cider complement these warm flavors perfectly.

 A Note on Balance

Sweet potato casserole can easily tip into dessert territory with marshmallows and sugar. The addition of fruit jam is key to keeping flavors bright, balanced, and inviting. The fruit brings acidity and freshness that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy or cloying. Taste as you go, letting the sweet potato’s natural flavor lead and using the glaze and spices to lift and enhance.

 Clean-Up Tips

- Roast the sweet potatoes on parchment paper so caramelized sugars don’t stick stubbornly to your pan. This makes cleanup a breeze.

- Warm the glaze in a small nonstick saucepan; it rinses clean easily with warm water.

- Butter your baking dish well; the mash will release easily even around the edges where the sticky glaze caramelizes to a delicious finish.

Why It Belongs on Your Table

This sweet potato casserole with marshmallows embraces the best of Southern comfort cooking—slow-roasted roots, warm spices, a hint of butter, and that iconic golden marshmallow topping beloved by generations. The jam glaze keeps the dish bright and modern without losing its classic heart, making it stand out in a sea of holiday standards.

Sweet potatoes with marshmallows aren’t just a side—they’re a little tradition, a dish that invites you to slow down, gather close, and savor moments with family and friends. Made thoughtfully with real ingredients and a gentle hand, it’s the kind of dish that people can’t help but go back for seconds (or thirds).

Every jar and recipe has a story and discover the passion for genuine, wholesome flavor that inspires all that we create. It’s this commitment to authenticity and care that makes every bite a little taste of Southern hospitality.

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Disclaimer: 

This recipe is intended for home cooks and reflects Emily G’s commitment to small-batch, Southern-inspired cooking. Oven temperatures and baking times vary, so watch carefully to achieve the perfect toasted marshmallows. Adjust ingredients as needed to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies.*

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Jam-glazed sweet potatoes topped with toasted marshmallows blend warm spices and fruity sweetness for a classic, cozy Southern holiday side dish.