Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy nut and brown sugar layer, often finished with gooey marshmallows. Perfect for holiday feasts and family gatherings, this casserole blends sweet and savory notes, is easy to prepare, and can be customized for various dietary preferences.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Sweet Potato Base
- 4 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes (about 3 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop sweet potatoes into even cubes. Boil in water for 15 to 20 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Mash and Mix: Mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, and milk until fully combined, creating a creamy base.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and spread the sweet potato mixture evenly across the bottom to form the casserole base.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine chopped nuts, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sweet potato base. For a classic finish, scatter mini marshmallows on top.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor; avoid canned or pre-packaged varieties.
- Boil sweet potatoes just until tender to prevent watery mash.
- Bring eggs and dairy to room temperature before mixing for a smooth consistency.
- Toast nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor and add crunch.
- Add marshmallows near the end of baking to achieve the perfect golden brown without burning.
- You can prepare the sweet potato base a day ahead to save time on serving day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: sweet potato casserole, holiday side dish, comfort food, creamy sweet potatoes, nut topping, marshmallow topping, easy casserole, gluten free casserole