Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows: The Best Holiday Recipe
Sweet potato casserole brings warmth and comfort to any table, and it’s a must-have for your holiday gatherings. This versatile dish is perfect for those looking to add a touch of sweetness to their meals without overwhelming flavors. Sweet potato casserole can be prepared ahead, making it a stress-free addition to your Thanksgiving recipes.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | 4 cups mashed |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 1/3 cup melted |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 1/3 cup |
| Chopped pecans | 1/2 cup |
| Additional brown sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Additional unsalted butter | 1/4 cup melted |
The combination of creamy sweet potatoes and the crunch of pecans creates a delightful texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether using fresh sweet potatoes or canned, this casserole adapts to your needs, making it an easy sweet potato casserole recipe for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Preparation Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for the baking process.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel and chop 2 pounds of large sweet potatoes into cubes. Boil in a large pot of salted water until they are fork-tender. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl until smooth. You can use a potato masher or an electric mixer for a creamier texture.
- Add ingredients to sweet potatoes: Stir in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of whole milk, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased casserole dish or baking dish.
- Prepare the pecan topping: In a separate bowl, combine 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/3 cup of light brown sugar, and 1/3 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato mixture. Ensure it covers the entire surface for an even crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is lightly browned and the casserole is heated through.
- Optional marshmallow topping: If you like it extra sweet, you can add miniature marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking. Just spread them over the pecan topping and let them lightly brown.
Remember to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to enjoy all the wonderful flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet potato casserole can be a delightful centerpiece or side dish for any meal. You might find it pairs well with proteins like roasted turkey or baked chicken, adding a comforting and hearty dimension to your meal.
Consider serving it as part of a Thanksgiving dinner alongside classic dishes such as stuffing and cranberry sauce. It also makes a wonderful side with ham or even beef, enhancing the flavors with its natural sweetness.
For a twist, you can serve sweet potato casserole alongside grilled or baked salmon. This combination balances out the dish with heart-healthy proteins and omega-3 fatty acids.
Think about storing or making the casserole in advance. You can store sweet potato casserole in the refrigerator for a few days, which makes it a good make-ahead option.
If you wish to keep it for longer, you can easily freeze sweet potato casserole. Just remember to let it cool before wrapping it tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container.
Pair this dish with a light dessert, such as a fruit salad or sorbet. With its high carbohydrates and natural sugars, it complements a variety of sweets while providing energy and nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
When serving the casserole as a dessert, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream can turn it into a comforting end to any meal.
Be mindful of portions, as the casserole can be calorie-dense. Balance your meal with lighter sides or fresh veggies to ensure a diverse nutritional intake.
