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Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Sweet potato casserole with mashed sweet potatoes is one of my favorite parts of any holiday meal. That marshmallow topping is something else - there's something ridiculously satisfying about those golden, slightly caramelized marshmallows sitting prettily on top of the sweet, buttery mashed potatoes.

This recipe hits the mark for simplicity. You only need a handful of basic ingredients – sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and some vanilla and cinnamon for that cozy warmth. Mash everything together, pop it into a baking dish, add marshmallows and pecans, and into the oven it goes. The hardest part? Waiting for it to bake while the heavenly smell teases you.

You can prep this casserole ahead of time, which is a godsend during chaotic holiday preparations. Whip up the sweet potato mixture, refrigerate it, then bake just before serving. It turns out perfectly every time.

This dish effortlessly straddles the line between side dish and dessert. Serve it with turkey and stuffing, or keep it for that after-dinner sweet fix. It's so good you might find people sneaking bites long after the meal is over.

It's also wallet-friendly. Sweet potatoes are generally affordable, and the other ingredients are likely already in your pantry. Swapping pecans for walnuts or trying different nuts can give this a fun twist without breaking the bank.

The first time I made this casserole, I was nervous about the marshmallow topping. But oh, sweet joy, it was perfection. The marshmallows melted just right, and the pecans added that perfect crunch. It became "the dish" at our holiday table, the one everyone makes sure to snag a big spoonful of.

Ingredients List

3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (or canned sweet potatoes, drained well)
1 cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups mini marshmallows
¾ cup chopped pecans, divided
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel topping)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for streusel topping)

Preparing The Sweet Potatoes

For boiling: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then chop into 1-inch pieces. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt if desired, and bring to a boil. Add the sweet potato chunks and simmer for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender.

For baking: Preheat oven to 425°F. Wash the sweet potatoes and poke several holes in them with a fork. Place directly on the oven rack or on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 40-50 minutes, turning halfway through, until a knife slides in easily. Let cool slightly before peeling or scooping out the flesh.

Either method will give you tender, flavorful sweet potatoes ready for your casserole.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

To prevent a watery casserole, drain boiled sweet potatoes thoroughly in a colander. For canned sweet potatoes, drain well to avoid extra liquid.
Use a potato masher for a rustic texture, or a hand mixer for a smoother consistency. Season with a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, and taste before adding eggs.
For the streusel topping, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until clumpy. It should hold together when pressed but still be crumbly.
Add marshmallows during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent burning. If they brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to firm up and allow flavors to meld.

Topping Variations

Pecan Crumble: Mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle over the casserole before baking for a crispy, nutty topping.
Streusel Topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Spread over the sweet potato mixture for a sweet, crunchy layer.
Large Marshmallows: Cut large marshmallows in half and arrange in a single layer for big, gooey pockets of toasted goodness.
Mix of Nuts: Use a variety of chopped nuts in your streusel for different textures and flavors.
Maple-Pecan Combo: Mix pecans with a touch of maple syrup before adding to the casserole for a rich, aromatic topping.
Coconut-Pecan Streusel: Add shredded coconut to your streusel mixture for a tropical twist.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

To prepare in advance: Make the sweet potato mixture and transfer to a baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, add topping, and bake as directed.

For freezing: Cool the mixture completely and transfer to a foil pan. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Storing leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven (covered with foil) at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

To freeze baked casserole: Cool completely, wrap in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warm throughout.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet potato casserole is a hit as both a side dish and a dessert, making it perfect for any holiday spread.

As a side, it pairs beautifully with turkey and glazed ham. The sweetness balances the richness of the meats, while the pecans add a nice crunch. Serve it with stuffing and cranberry sauce for a classic holiday plate. The tart cranberry sauce complements the sweet elements, creating a well-balanced bite.

Try placing it next to roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans. The earthy veggies mix well with the sweet and spiced notes of the casserole. A light drizzle of gravy can even sneak its way onto the casserole for an unexpectedly tasty combo.

As a dessert, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It's a cozy, sweet treat that feels festive and indulgent yet comforting. When planning your menu, consider pairing it with a pie or simple cake to give your guests a variety of sweet experiences.

Whether it's the star of your side dishes or the surprise in your dessert course, this sweet potato casserole brings warmth and sweetness to the table in every possible way.