Description
Creamy, cozy, and topped with gooey marshmallows and crunchy pecans — the ultimate holiday side dish! Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any comforting family meal.
Ingredients:
4 large sweet potatoes
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5 minutes
Peel and chop sweet potatoes into large chunks. Boil in salted water until tender, 15–20 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly.
15–20 minutes
Mash sweet potatoes in a large bowl until smooth.
3 minutes
Add brown sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until creamy and fully combined.
5 minutes
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
2 minutes
Sprinkle chopped pecans on top, then scatter mini marshmallows over the surface.
3 minutes
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until marshmallows are lightly golden and casserole is heated through.
25–30 minutes
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
5 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
#SweetPotatoCasserole #HolidaySideDish #MarshmallowTopping #ComfortFood
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof casserole. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease your 9×13-inch dish. While the oven heats, peel and chop the sweet potatoes into uniform, large chunks. Boil them in well-salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Draining them extremely well is crucial to avoid a watery filling. Let them cool for 5-10 minutes before mashing in a large bowl until completely smooth. Next, incorporate the wet and dry ingredients: add the brown sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until luxuriously creamy and free of lumps. Transfer the mixture to your prepared dish, spreading it into a perfectly even layer. For the topping, evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans first, creating a nutty base, then generously scatter the mini marshmallows across the entire surface. Bake on the middle rack for 25-30 minutes, watching for the marshmallows to become puffed and golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is the star of any holiday table. Serve it warm alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with a few whole pecans and a dusting of cinnamon. It also pairs wonderfully with green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food feast. Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
How-to Summary
In short, this dish involves boiling and mashing sweet potatoes, mixing them with creamy, spiced ingredients, spreading the filling in a dish, topping with pecans and marshmallows, and baking until golden and bubbly. The key steps are ensuring the potatoes are well-drained and achieving a smooth, lump-free base before adding the iconic topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes. Prepare the sweet potato base up to 2 days in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the toppings just before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the bake time.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes? You can, but for best flavor and texture, fresh is superior. If using canned, ensure they are drained and rinsed to remove the syrup.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning? Bake on the middle rack and check at the 20-minute mark. If they are browning too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time.
Can I omit the nuts for allergies? Absolutely. The recipe works fine without them. You could substitute with a crunchy oat streusel topping if desired.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free? Yes. Use plant-based butter and milk (like oat or almond milk). Ensure your marshmallows are vegan if necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining Potatoes Well: Excess water leads to a soggy, loose casserole. Let them drain in a colander for several minutes after boiling.
- Lumpy Filling: Mash the potatoes thoroughly while they are still warm for the smoothest consistency before adding other ingredients.
- Overmixing After Adding Eggs: Once eggs are incorporated, mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air.
- Adding Toppings Too Early: If assembling ahead, add marshmallows right before baking to prevent them from dissolving into the dish.
Conclusion
This sweet potato casserole is more than a side dish; it’s a cherished tradition that brings warmth and sweetness to any holiday gathering. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a consistently perfect, crowd-pleasing dish. The combination of creamy spiced filling, crunchy pecans, and toasted marshmallows is simply irresistible. We hope this recipe becomes a beloved part of your family’s celebrations for years to come.