Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that warms the heart and fills the belly, this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is just what you need. It’s a beloved dish in my home, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. The creamy sweet potatoes paired with a crunchy candied pecan topping and toasted vegan marshmallows create a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will adore. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular feature at your table!

This casserole isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to whip up! Whether you’re hosting friends for a festive dinner or simply craving something comforting on a busy night, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: In just about an hour, you can have this delicious casserole ready to serve!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweet and nutty taste appeals to both kids and adults, making it a hit at any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, nutritious ingredients that everyone can feel good about.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for any meal or even as a sweet treat on its own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. Each item brings its own unique flavor and texture to create a truly special dish.

For the Casserole

• 5 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces)
• 1 cup water
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup butter (melted)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2-3 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk)

For the Topping

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup flour
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 3-4 cups mini vegan marshmallows

Variations

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize it:

• Add Spices: Enhance the flavor with cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice profile.
• Nut Alternatives: Swap pecans for walnuts or even almonds if you prefer.
• Fruit Twist: Mix in some chopped apples or cranberries for an extra fruity touch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free delight!

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Begin by boiling your sweet potatoes until they are tender. You can also use a slow cooker or Instant Pot—my favorite method! Cooking them until soft ensures they will mash easily and create that creamy base we love.

Step 2: Preheat and Mash

Once cooked, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, mash your sweet potatoes in a large bowl until smooth. This step is important because it creates a fluffy texture that will be the foundation of your casserole.

Step 3: Mix in the Goodies

Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and heavy cream (or milk) to your mashed sweet potatoes. Mix everything together until it’s well combined but still has some lovely texture. This mixture is where all those yummy flavors come together!

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread your sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect; it will taste amazing!

Step 5: Make the Crunchy Topping

In another bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Stir with a spoon until mixed well. This topping adds that delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle your pecan mixture over the sweet potatoes and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until everything is caramelized and golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen!

Step 7: Add Marshmallows

Finally, sprinkle those mini vegan marshmallows evenly over the top. Return it to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until they are puffy and lightly browned. And just like that—your Sweet Potato Casserole is ready to be served! Enjoy every bite of this heartwarming dish!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Making the perfect sweet potato casserole is all about those little details that can elevate your dish. Here are some pro tips to ensure your casserole turns out absolutely delicious:

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Opt for vibrant orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, as they tend to be sweeter and creamier, giving your casserole the best flavor and texture.

• Don’t over-mash: When mashing your sweet potatoes, leave a bit of texture for a more rustic feel. Over-mashing can lead to a gluey consistency, which isn’t ideal for this comforting dish.

• Adjust the sweetness: Taste your sweet potato mixture before adding all the sugar. Depending on the natural sweetness of your potatoes, you might want to adjust the brown sugar to suit your preference.

• Toast pecans beforehand: To enhance their flavor, consider toasting the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the topping. This simple step brings out their nutty goodness!

• Let it cool before serving: Allowing your casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set up a bit, making it easier to serve without falling apart.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Presenting your sweet potato casserole beautifully can make your meal even more special. Here are some ideas on how to showcase this delightful dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme adds an aromatic touch that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon over the top just before serving can enhance flavors and provide a warm, inviting aroma.

Side Dishes

• Green Bean Almondine: Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds add a crunchy contrast and vibrant color to your plate.
• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing offers a light and nutritious balance to this rich casserole.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with sweet potatoes.
• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For those who simply can’t get enough comfort food, these creamy garlic mashed potatoes make an indulgent side that everyone will love.

With these serving suggestions and tips in mind, you’re all set to create not just a dish but a memorable dining experience! Enjoy every bite of this delightful sweet potato casserole!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, making your gatherings or weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to best store it so you can enjoy that delightful flavor at any time.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3-5 days.
• If you anticipate not finishing it all, consider portioning it into smaller containers for easy access.

Freezing

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label it with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the casserole with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Heat until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes if thawed or around 45-60 minutes if frozen.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe:

Can I make this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) for a vegan alternative.

How do I know when my Sweet Potato Casserole is done baking?

Your casserole is done when the pecans are caramelized and the marshmallows are puffy and lightly browned—usually around 25-30 minutes after you sprinkle on the marshmallows.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or even almonds if you prefer. The flavor will change slightly, but they will still add a lovely crunch!

Is this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe suitable for potlucks?

Definitely! This casserole is always a hit at potlucks and gatherings. Just remember to bring a spoon!

What should I serve alongside this Sweet Potato Casserole?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad. It’s versatile enough to complement many mains!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe as much as I do! Its creamy texture combined with that sweet crunch from the pecans and marshmallows makes it truly special. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your experience—I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!

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