Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that brings warmth and joy to any table, then this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is just what you need! This creamy casserole topped with crunchy candied pecans and toasted vegan marshmallows has stolen my heart (and my family’s too). It’s the perfect side dish for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even a comforting weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand!

What I love most about this casserole is how easy it is to make. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time. It’s a fantastic way to showcase sweet potatoes and impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready for baking in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavors and gooey marshmallows on top, making it a hit for all ages.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the potato mixture in advance and bake it just before serving.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and pecans creates a flavor explosion that warms the soul.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Be it holidays or casual dinners, this casserole fits right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe uses ingredients that are not only accessible but also bring out the best flavors in sweet potatoes.

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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs!

• Add Spices: Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for an extra layer of warmth.
• Nut Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your thing, swap them out for walnuts or even sunflower seeds.
• Dairy-Free Options: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a delightful tropical twist!
• Extra Crunch: Mix in some oats with your topping for added texture and heartiness.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Start by cooking your sweet potatoes. You can boil them until tender or opt for my favorite method: using a slow cooker or Instant Pot! This makes them super soft while keeping all their natural sweetness intact. Once cooked, drain any excess water if boiling.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you mash your cooked sweet potatoes. The key here is to achieve a smooth consistency without over-mixing; I like to leave mine slightly textured for that homemade feel.

Step 3: Mix in Flavorful Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes with eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and heavy cream (or milk). Mix until everything is well blended; this will create that rich flavor we love in casseroles!

Step 4: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Spread your sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Don’t worry about making it perfect; rustic is charming too!

Step 5: Create the Crunchy Topping

In another bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Stir until combined – I always use a spoon because it keeps things simple! Sprinkle this crunchy goodness over your sweet potatoes.

Step 6: Bake Until Caramelized

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. You want those pecans to caramelize beautifully – trust me; it’s worth the wait!

Step 7: Add Marshmallows

Finally, sprinkle mini vegan marshmallows over the top of your casserole. Return it to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until they are puffy and lightly browned. Get ready for some ooey-gooey deliciousness!

Serve warm and enjoy every bite of this delightful Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Making the perfect sweet potato casserole is all about small details that can elevate your dish from good to unforgettable. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve that creamy perfection with a crunchy topping!

• Use fresh sweet potatoes: Fresh sweet potatoes provide a richer flavor and creamier texture compared to canned ones. Plus, they are packed with nutrients!
• Adjust sweetness to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar in the recipe. Sweetness levels can vary depending on the natural sweetness of your sweet potatoes.
• Don’t overmix the potato mixture: For that ideal texture, mix just until combined. Leaving some lumps will add a delightful rustic charm to the casserole.
• Experiment with toppings: While pecans and vegan marshmallows are classic, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth or even using walnuts for a different flavor profile.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set up nicely and makes serving much easier!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Serving sweet potato casserole is not just about presentation; it’s also an opportunity to enhance its flavors and make it a star on your dining table. Here are some ideas for presenting this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint or parsley can provide a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon adds both aroma and flavor, enhancing the sweetness of the dish while making it look beautiful.

Side Dishes

• Green Bean Almondine: This simple side features sautéed green beans tossed with toasted almonds, providing a nice crunch and freshness alongside your rich casserole.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized edges and slightly bitter taste of roasted Brussels sprouts complement the sweetness of the casserole beautifully.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with citrus dressing adds a refreshing element that balances out the richness of the sweet potato dish.
• Cornbread: This classic Southern side pairs perfectly; its crumbly texture contrasts well with the creamy casserole while absorbing all those delicious flavors.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Sweet Potato Casserole will surely impress family and friends at any gathering! Enjoy each comforting bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious comfort food without the last-minute rush. With a few simple steps, you can store it for later or even freeze individual portions for a quick side dish!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with aluminum foil and reheat for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

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

Can I make this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg) for a vegan version.

How do I adjust this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for fewer servings?

You can easily halve the ingredients and use a smaller baking dish. Adjust cooking times slightly if needed, checking for doneness as described in the instructions.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would work well too. Just chop them up and mix them into the topping as you would with pecans.

What can I serve with Sweet Potato Casserole?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, quinoa salad, or any protein like grilled chicken or tofu for a balanced meal.

How long does it take to prepare this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe?

The total time is about 60 minutes, which includes both prep and cooking time. It’s an easy addition to any dinner table!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a dish; it’s a warm embrace on your plate that brings everyone together. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and create wonderful memories around your table. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!