This Sweet Potato Casserole is a warm and cozy dish that makes everyone smile. It’s creamy, sweet, and topped with crunchy pecans or marshmallows—yum!
I can’t help but go back for seconds (and thirds)! It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or just a cozy dinner at home. Don’t forget to share it, or you might be tempted to keep it all to yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! If you can’t find fresh sweet potatoes, canned sweet potatoes work fine. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well for the best texture.
Granulated Sugar: If you want to make it healthier, consider using maple syrup or honey instead. Just remember, you may need to reduce the amount of liquid (like milk) in the recipe.
Eggs: These help bind the casserole. For an egg-free option, substitute with 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1/2 banana, mashed.
Butter: Unsalted is recommended, but if you’re out, use margarine or coconut oil. This will change the flavor slightly, but still delicious!
Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are classic, but feel free to use large marshmallows or even a sprinkle of brown sugar as a topping. It gives a nice caramelized effect when baked!
How Do I Make Sure My Sweet Potatoes Are Smooth?
Mashing sweet potatoes perfectly is key to a creamy casserole. Here’s how:
- Boil until fork-tender. You should be able to pierce them easily.
- Drain well to remove any excess water before mashing. This prevents a watery casserole.
- Use a potato masher for a smooth texture, or even a food processor for extra creaminess.
- Mix in wet ingredients while mashing for a better blend.
Following these tips will help you achieve a lovely creamy base for your casserole!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Casserole:
- 4 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For Topping:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet Potato Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, you can have it ready in about an hour! Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your 9×13-inch casserole dish and grease it with butter or cooking spray so nothing sticks!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Next, peel and chop your sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil them in a pot of water for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re super tender. Then, drain the water and mash them until they are smooth and creamy. You can use a potato masher, fork, or even a blender for this. Your choice!
3. Mix It All Up:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, milk, salt, and ground cinnamon (if you’re using it). Mix everything together really well until it’s nice and creamy. You want all those flavors to come together!
4. Spread in the Dish:
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. This will be the base of your casserole.
5. Add Toppings!
Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the sweet potato layer evenly. Then, take your mini marshmallows and spread them on top. It’s starting to look delicious already!
6. Time to Bake:
Now, pop the casserole into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and when the marshmallows turn golden brown, you know it’s ready to come out!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This allows the layers to set a bit, making it easier to scoop out. Enjoy your creamy, sweet, and nutty Sweet Potato Casserole with the delicious toasted marshmallows on top!
Dig in and enjoy! 🍠✨
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned sweet potatoes are a convenient option. Just drain and mash them before adding to the other ingredients. This will save you time without compromising on flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free spread, and use almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk. It’ll still taste delicious!
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add the pecans and marshmallows right before baking to keep them fresh and crunchy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it up in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Enjoy!
