Ah, the glorious Sweet Potato Casserole—an absolute staple at gatherings in my home! This dish is a perfect blend of velvety sweet potatoes and a luscious marshmallow streusel topping. Not only does it warm the heart, but it also fills the room with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a Dish: This Sweet Potato Casserole brings warmth and happiness to every bite with its creamy texture.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, this dish is both easy to make and utterly delicious.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings and holiday dinners, it’s always a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The joy of this Sweet Potato Casserole lies in its simplicity. Here’s a quick rundown of the essential ingredients that each play a vital role in making this dish unforgettable.
- Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet and packed with nutrients, they form the creamy base of the casserole.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve that smooth, velvety texture.
- Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens the dish while enhancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, buttery flavor; melted for easy mixing.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and an inviting aroma to the casserole.
- Marshmallows: Tops the casserole with a golden, gooey sweetness that is utterly irresistible.
- Streusel Topping: A crunchy finishing touch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes.
Variations
One of the best things about this Sweet Potato Casserole is its adaptability. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it and make it unique to your taste and dietary preferences.
- Nuts Galore: Replace or add to the marshmallows with a handful of pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of allspice or ginger to the filling for a spicier flavor profile.
- Reduced Sugar: Opt for less sugar or a sugar substitute to make it a little less sweet.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. Place them in a pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Once they’re fork-tender, drain and mash them to your desired consistency.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Add milk, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to the mashed potatoes. Stir everything until it’s fully combined and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the potato mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish. If you’re preparing this in advance, cover and refrigerate it. Otherwise, pop it into the oven to let those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Top and Bake
While the casserole is baking, combine the ingredients for the streusel topping. Once the casserole is cooked through, add the marshmallow and streusel topping, then bake until golden.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
For an extra toasty marshmallow crust, you can switch your oven to broil for a few minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Casserole
- Perfect Texture: For an extra smooth filling, use an electric mixer to mash the sweet potatoes.
- Quick Prep: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes a day in advance and store them in cold water in the fridge.
- Make Ahead Marvel: Assemble the casserole a day before and simply bake before you’re ready to eat.
- Streusel Secrets: Toast the streusel topping lightly before adding marshmallows for an extra crispy finish.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped pecans over the marshmallow topping not only looks beautiful but also adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy potatoes.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Potato Casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or glazed ham, making it an ideal addition to festive meals and holiday tables.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins as a chic dessert or a savory side at your next dinner party. The personal servings make it feel extra special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors become even more melded and delicious over time.
Freezing
For longer storage, the casserole can be frozen without its marshmallow topping for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before adding the topping and reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a few fresh marshmallows on top if needed, then broil for a minute or two for a toasted effect.
FAQs
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Can I make this Sweet Potato Casserole vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative, replace the butter with vegan butter, and use egg replacers. Ensure your marshmallows are vegan-friendly as well.
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What type of marshmallows should I use?
Mini marshmallows are perfect as they melt quickly and evenly. If you prefer a non-traditional look, try using marshmallow fluff as an alternative.
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How can I prevent the marshmallows from burning?
Toasting under the broiler requires close supervision. Use the lowest setting for a gentle brown and rotate the casserole midway for even coloring.
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Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeled sweet potatoes provide a smoother texture. However, if you enjoy a more rustic, robust flavor, you can leave the skins on.
Final Thoughts
With its rich flavors and mouthwatering aroma, the Sweet Potato Casserole promises to be a beloved dish at your table. I hope you give it a try and experience the joy it brings. Happy cooking!
PrintSweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This irresistibly sweet and creamy sweet potato casserole combines tender mashed sweet potatoes with a buttery streusel topping and gooey marshmallows, making it the perfect comforting side dish for holiday feasts or family dinners. Prepared with a simple baking method, it offers a delightful balance of spice, sweetness, and crunch.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Filling
- 3 lbs fresh sweet potatoes (4-5 large), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1 cup (225g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Marshmallow Streusel Topping
- 1/3 cup (44g) all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (75g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 3 tbsp (42g) salted butter, melted
- 2–3 cups marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven: To 350°F (176°C).
- Cook sweet potatoes: Put the sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
- Mash potatoes: Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth or your desired consistency.
- Mix filling: Add milk, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. You can refrigerate at this point for up to 2 days or proceed to bake.
- Bake initially: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
- Prepare streusel topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl. Mix in melted butter until crumbly.
- Finish baking: Remove casserole from oven, sprinkle marshmallows over top, then add the streusel crumbs, followed by more marshmallows if desired. Return to oven and bake an additional 10-15 minutes. For extra browning, broil at 400°F until marshmallows are golden. Serve warm.
Notes
- Can be prepared ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.
- For a different texture, mash the sweet potatoes more or less.
- For a crispy topping, broil marshmallows until golden but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg