Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and festive side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes combine with a crunchy pecan topping and gooey marshmallows for a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into cubes)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ⅓ cup butter (softened)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chopped pecans (divided)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan evenly.
- Step 2: Place the sweet potatoes in a pot of boiling water. Simmer for about 15 minutes until they are fork tender, then drain well.
- Step 3: In a large bowl or the pot used for cooking, mash the sweet potatoes with brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt and black pepper to taste until smooth and well combined.
- Step 4: Fold in half of the chopped pecans gently, then spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the top with the miniature marshmallows and the remaining pecans.
- Step 6: Bake for about 25 minutes or until the marshmallows turn golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred or to change the nutty profile.
- Use a hand mixer to mash the sweet potatoes smoother for a creamier texture.
- For a less sweet option, reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit the marshmallows.
Storage
Store leftover sweet potato casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the texture of the marshmallows and pecans. Avoid microwaving to keep the topping crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Add the marshmallows and pecans right before baking for the best texture.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes yield the best flavor and texture, canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch. Drain them well and mash gently before mixing with other ingredients.
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Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and classic Sweet Potato Casserole featuring tender mashed sweet potatoes blended with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla, topped with crunchy pecans and golden mini marshmallows baked to perfection. This dish perfectly balances sweetness and texture, making it a beloved side for holiday meals or family dinners.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¾ cup chopped pecans, divided
Topping
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- Remaining chopped pecans (from the ¾ cup total)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot of boiling water. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily mashable. Drain well to remove excess water.
- Mash and Mix: Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large bowl or back into the pot. Add the brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and black pepper. Mash the mixture thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Add Pecans: Fold in half of the chopped pecans into the mashed sweet potato mixture, then spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with Marshmallows and Pecans: Evenly sprinkle the miniature marshmallows over the sweet potato layer. Then, scatter the remaining chopped pecans on top of the marshmallows for added crunch.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the sweet potatoes are heated through.
Notes
- To speed up sweet potato cooking, you can microwave the cubed potatoes for 5-8 minutes until tender instead of boiling.
- Adjust the cinnamon and sugar to taste for sweeter or spicier variations.
- For a nut-free option, omit the pecans and consider using crushed graham crackers for a crunchy topping.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sweet potato casserole, holiday side dish, mashed sweet potatoes, pecan topping, marshmallow topping, Thanksgiving side
