Sweet Potato Casserole

There’s something about the fall season that calls for the comforting flavors of a Sweet Potato Casserole. I remember the first time I experienced this dish during a family Thanksgiving dinner, the aroma wafting through the house, drawing everyone together around the table. The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked! The sweet, creamy texture of the sweet potatoes paired with a crunchy topping made this casserole a true showstopper. Since then, it has become a staple at every holiday gathering, a dish that warms not only the stomach but also the heart.

Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients

The ingredients for this Sweet Potato Casserole are not only wholesome but also contribute to the rich flavors and textures that make this dish so beloved. The sweet potatoes serve as the perfect creamy base, while the pecans offer a satisfying crunch. Together, they create a delightful harmony that’s hard to resist.

• 3 pounds of sweet potatoes: A rich source of vitamins and fiber, they add a natural sweetness to the dish.
• ½ cup of milk: Adds creaminess; whole milk or 2% works best for a richer texture.
• 3 tablespoons of butter: Provides depth of flavor and helps to blend the ingredients smoothly.
• ⅓ cup of maple syrup: Enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and adds a hint of caramel flavor.
• 1 teaspoon of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
• ¾ cup of chopped pecans: Offers a crunchy texture that complements the soft sweet potatoes.
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps caramelize the topping.
• 1 ½ cups of mini marshmallows: A classic topping that creates a gooey, toasted finish.

Step by Step Guide for Sweet Potato Casserole

Making the Sweet Potato Casserole is a fantastic way to bring warmth into your kitchen. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious.

1. First, wash, dry, and peel the sweet potatoes. It’s important to remove the skin to achieve that smooth texture we all love.
2. Next, dice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes mashing easier later on.
3. Set a steamer basket in a large pot and fill it with water just up to the basket. Add the diced sweet potatoes into the basket and bring the water to a boil.
4. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Steam the sweet potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes or until they are fork-tender. You want them soft enough to mash easily.
5. Transfer the steamed sweet potatoes to a large bowl or pot. Now it’s time to add in the milk, butter, maple syrup, and salt. Mash everything together thoroughly using a potato masher or an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
6. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, spray an 8 x 8 inch pan with spray oil to prevent sticking.
7. Carefully add the mashed sweet potatoes to the prepared pan, spreading them evenly.
8. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and brown sugar.
9. Sprinkle the pecan mixture generously over the top of the mashed sweet potatoes, creating a crunchy layer.
10. Finally, top the sweet potatoes with the mini marshmallows for that classic sweet finish. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the marshmallows are lightly browned.
11. Serve hot and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this Sweet Potato Casserole with your loved ones!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Sweet Potato Casserole turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just cover it tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• Pairing: This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats and greens. Consider serving it alongside turkey or glazed carrots.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and bake it just before serving.
• Variations: Try adding spices like cinnamon for additional flavor, or swap pecans with walnuts for a different crunch.

Serving Options for Sweet Potato Casserole

When it comes to serving your Sweet Potato Casserole, the possibilities are endless. Here are some fun ideas:

• Holiday Gatherings: This dish is a classic for Thanksgiving dinners, bringing warmth and joy to the table.
• Family Dinners: Serve it as a side dish during family dinners to add a touch of sweetness to your meal.
• Potlucks: It’s an excellent choice for potlucks, as it can easily be transported and served warm.
• Pair with Proteins: Consider pairing it with savory proteins like roasted chicken or turkey for a balanced meal.
• Seasonal Flavors: Embrace the fall season by incorporating other seasonal dishes, such as green bean casserole or cranberry sauce.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Sweet Potato Casserole is truly a dish that embodies comfort and warmth, perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Its rich flavors and inviting sweetness make it a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of nostalgia to their table. So why not give it a go? I promise, once you taste it, you’ll understand why this recipe holds a special place in my heart!

Sweet Potato Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, this Sweet Potato Casserole is creamy, crunchy, and perfectly sweet. Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that transforms into a festive dish perfect for Thanksgiving. Delight your friends and family with this classic recipe tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes
• ½ cup milk you can use whatever milk you have, but whole milk or 2% will give you a creamier potato
• 3 tablespoons butter melted, divided
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows

Equipment

• Large knife
• Cutting Board
• Vegetable peeler
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large Pot
• Steamer basket
• Large mixing bowl
• Potato masher
• 8 x 8 inch pan
• Spray oil

Method

 

1. Wash, dry and peel sweet potatoes. Dice into 1 inch pieces for even cooking.
2. Set a steamer basket in a large pot and fill with water up to the basket. Add diced sweet potatoes to the basket and bring water to a boil. Cover with a lid and reduce to a simmer. Steam for 15-20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are fork tender.
3. Transfer sweet potatoes to a large bowl or pot. Add milk, 2 tablespoons butter, maple syrup and salt to the sweet potatoes and mash thoroughly with a potato masher or an electric mixer.
4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8 x 8 pan with spray oil. Add sweet potatoes to the pan.
5. In a small bowl mix together pecans, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and brown sugar. Sprinkle pecan mixture over top of mashed sweet potatoes. Top the sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows.
6. Bake for 15-20; until marshmallows are lightly browned. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Tip: If you don’t have a steamer basket you can put the sweet potatoes directly in the water in the pan. The color tends to be brighter and more vibrant with the sweet potatoes in a steamer basket versus in the water.

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Meet Maya Warren

Our main recipe developer and resident forager. My passion is cooking with what the season gives us, whether it’s wild mushrooms from the woods or fresh berries from the garden. I work with Chloe to create our main dishes and with Tessa on new flavor ideas for her bakes. I love the challenge of turning a fresh, raw ingredient into something magical.