When it comes to holiday sides, woodfire candied yams are a must-have at any Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.
But this time, we're kicking it up a notch with Woodfire Candied Yams, a delicious twist on a holiday staple that adds just the right touch of smoke and depth to make these yams unforgettable.
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Using the Ninja Woodfire Grill, we’re transforming this classic into a new holiday favorite that captures the sweetness of caramelized yams and marshmallows with a subtle campfire-like smokiness.
Why Woodfire Candied Yams Are a Game-Changer
If you've never tried smoking your sweet potato casserole before, you're in for a treat. Woodfire Candied Yams take all the things we love about this comforting side dish and add a layer of complexity. The smoky flavor from the grill enhances the caramelized sweetness of the yams, giving them that "toasted marshmallow by the fire" vibe. Imagine the traditional flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg warming each bite, plus a delicate hint of smokiness that adds depth without overpowering the dish.
The Ninja Woodfire’s unique ability to air-crisp and smoke allows for a perfect bake that’s evenly heated from all angles. This means you get soft, tender yams with gooey, golden marshmallows on top, all without the worry of overcooking or undercooking. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or just a cozy dinner, these Woodfire Candied Yams bring an irresistible blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors that stand out among any holiday spread.
The Ninja Woodfire Brings Out the Best in Candied Yams
One of the biggest reasons Woodfire Candied Yams shine is due to the Ninja Woodfire Grill’s versatility. This tool combines the power of an air fryer and smoker, letting you achieve both caramelization and that subtle, smoky essence in one go. Typically, when making candied yams, you have to carefully monitor them to avoid burning the marshmallows or drying out the yams. But with the Ninja Woodfire, you can set it, enjoy the process, and let the grill do its magic.
The Woodfire’s air-crisp feature ensures that the marshmallows get perfectly browned without melting into a sticky mess, while the smoking feature lightly infuses each yam with just enough flavor to enhance but not overwhelm the cinnamon, nutmeg, and marshmallow sweetness. This balanced mix of textures and flavors gives you an ideal finish every time. Plus, the "dad shape" trick—adding a specific amount of pellets in a cone shape—guarantees the smoke evenly distributes across the yams for maximum flavor payoff.
Why You’ll Want Woodfire Candied Yams at Your Holiday Table
Woodfire Candied Yams are much more than a standard holiday side—they’re a unique treat that’s perfect for anyone looking to add a little creativity to their holiday menu. When you think of holiday sides, a lot of the flavors can start to blend together, but the smokiness of this dish creates a delightful contrast. The cinnamon and nutmeg pair beautifully with the light smokiness, adding an almost nostalgic, fireside taste that’s so comforting in the colder months. The marshmallows add that creamy, gooey topping that pairs with the warm yams, making each bite feel like a mini-dessert.
Another reason this dish is so appealing is its versatility. While it’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, Woodfire Candied Yams are also a crowd-pleaser that you can bring to potlucks, family gatherings, or any fall or winter occasion. The unique preparation and mouthwatering flavors are sure to make it a standout dish, and the compliments from guests will just keep rolling in.
Tips for Perfect Woodfire Candied Yams
- Use Mini Marshmallows – Instead of large marshmallows, mini marshmallows make it easier to get that beautiful golden-brown layer on top without too much melting. Plus, they’re easier to scoop and get the perfect marshmallow-to-yam ratio in every bite.
- Even Smoke Distribution – To achieve that even smokiness, be sure to use the “dad shape” trick when loading the pellets. Adding the pellets in a cone shape at the top ensures they burn steadily and create consistent smoke.
- Add Spices Liberally – The combination of nutmeg and cinnamon really enhances the sweetness and adds warmth, so don’t be afraid to sprinkle generously!
- Watch the Marshmallows Closely – When you add the marshmallows toward the end, keep an eye on them. A few minutes is all it takes to achieve that golden-brown finish, so don’t wander off!
If you’re looking to create a memorable and mouthwatering side this holiday season, Woodfire Candied Yams are the dish for you. They’re cozy, delicious, and just different enough to spark conversation. Plus, you don’t have to stress over perfect timing; the Ninja Woodfire Grill keeps things simple and flavorful. Give these yams a try, and see how a hint of smoke can take your holiday meal to the next level!
Recipe
Ninja Woodfire Candied Yams
Equipment
- Ninja Woodfire
- Oven Safe Dish or Pan
- Bowl
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ingredients
- 15 Ounce Can of Bruces 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, don't forget to do the "Dad Shake" and set it to 350°F (175°C) on the Air Crisp setting with the Woodfire button enabled.
- Place the Bruce’s Yams into a baking dish and spread them evenly. Melt the butter in the microwave and add cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Toss the yams in the mixture to coat trying not to smush them.
- When the Woodfire says "add food" cook the yams for about 15-20 minutes, checking occasionally until they are hot and bubbling. After that remove the dish.
- Turn off the grill, add mini marshmallows across the top making sure to cover everything.
- Set the woodfire to to 400°F (205°C), and use the air crisp setting with the woodfire button turned on.
- Air Crisp the marshmallows for 5-10 minutes, watching closely until they are golden brown and gooey. Turn them half way if you are getting too much browning on one side.
- Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, smoky goodness of Woodfire Candied Yams and try not to eat all the marshmallows!
Video
Nutrition
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
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