This sweet potato casserole is a warm and cozy dish made with creamy sweet potatoes, topped with a crunchy cinnamon pecan topping. It’s like a hug in a dish!
I love serving it at family gatherings; everyone always comes back for seconds. Plus, who can resist that sweet and nutty topping? It’s a total crowd-pleaser! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are the heart of this dish. If you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch. Just drain and mash them. Personally, I always prefer fresh for the best taste and texture!
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness, but if you’re watching your sugar intake, try using maple syrup or honey instead. They blend nicely and add their own unique flavors.
Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are classic, but for an adult twist, use toasted coconut flakes or even a sprinkle of toffee bits. I love experimenting with different toppings!
Pecans: Chopped pecans give a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, try using crushed graham crackers or oats for the topping. It still gets that nice crunch without the nuts!
How Can I Make Sure My Sweet Potatoes Are Perfectly Mashed?
The key to creamy sweet potatoes lies in how you prepare them. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Start by peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes into even chunks; this ensures they cook evenly.
- Boil or steam until tender (about 15-20 minutes). A fork should easily slide through.
- Drain them well before mashing, as excess water can make your casserole runny.
- For the best texture, use a potato masher or a ricer. A blender can make them too gooey.
With these tips, your sweet potato base will be smooth and luscious, a fantastic start to your casserole!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sweet potato casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. That’s just enough time to get everything ready for a family gathering or a cozy dinner! Allow a few extra minutes for cooling before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Sweet Potato Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well incorporated.
3. Spread the Sweet Potato Mixture:
Once the mixture is ready, spread it evenly in the greased baking dish to form the base of your casserole.
4. Prepare the Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, melted butter, and cinnamon until it becomes crumbly. This will be the delightful topping for your casserole.
5. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the topping starts to set.
7. Add Mini Marshmallows:
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and evenly spread the mini marshmallows on top of the baked mixture.
8. Finish Baking:
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and toasted.
9. Cool and Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy sweet potato goodness topped with crispy pecans and toasted marshmallows!
This sweet potato casserole is a comforting dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner. It balances the creamy sweetness of the potatoes with the crunchy topping and luscious marshmallows for a soothing treat that everyone will love!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to drain and mash them well to remove excess moisture. Fresh sweet potatoes generally provide better flavor and texture, but canned ones are a convenient alternative.
How Can I Make This Dessert Dairy-Free?
To make this casserole dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. Your casserole will still be creamy and delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and the topping separately a day ahead. Store them in the fridge and assemble just before baking. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve it!
