This Sweet Potato Casserole is a cozy dish that brings warmth to any meal. With creamy sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan blend, it’s both sweet and satisfying!
I love how it adds a twist to my dinner table. Plus, who can resist a dish that’s like dessert and a side at the same time? It’s got that sweet, nutty goodness that makes you smile! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish! I recommend medium sweet potatoes for a sweeter and creamier mash. If you’re in a pinch, canned sweet potatoes can work! Just rinse and drain well before mashing.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness, but you can use brown sugar if you prefer a richer flavor. Honey or maple syrup could also be nice natural alternatives, just adjust the liquid ingredients slightly.
Eggs: They help bind everything together. For a vegan option, you could use flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg) or unsweetened applesauce.
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the flavors without too much salt. You can replace it with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a healthier or dairy-free option.
Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy texture. For dairy-free, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can work great too!
Pecans: They add crunch! If you’re nut-free, try using seeds like sunflower seeds for a similar texture.
Mini Marshmallows: They create that delightful topping! Look for vegan marshmallows if you want to keep the dish dairy-free.
How Do I Get My Sweet Potatoes Super Creamy?
Getting that perfect creamy texture is all about mashing the sweet potatoes properly. Here’s how you can nail it:
- Boil the sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender—this is key!
- Drain well to avoid excess water, then mash while they are still warm. I love using a potato masher for a smooth consistency.
- Mix in the other ingredients while the potatoes are warm to help them blend together smoothly.
Don’t rush this step, as a little patience goes a long way to creamy perfection!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4-5 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup pecan halves or chopped pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet Potato Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes to bake. So, from start to finish, you’ll be looking at about 45 minutes to enjoy this cozy dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) first. While it warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Making the Sweet Potatoes:
Take your sweet potatoes, peel them, and cut them into cubes. Boil them in a big pot of water for about 15 minutes or until they’re tender enough to poke with a fork. Drain them well and then mash them until completely smooth. You can do this with a potato masher or a fork—whatever works best for you!
3. Mixing It All Together:
In a large mixing bowl, throw in the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything together until you have a smooth and creamy consistency. I love using a hand mixer for this part to make it extra fluffy!
4. Spreading into the Dish:
Now, scoop that delicious sweet potato mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. We want every bite to be equally tasty!
5. Adding the Crunchy Topping:
Sprinkle the pecans all over the top of your sweet potato mixture. This gives it a lovely crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy sweetness.
6. Marshmallow Magic:
Next up, add the mini marshmallows! Spread them evenly over the top of the pecans so that they melt and get all gooey while baking.
7. Baking to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake it uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and look for those marshmallows to turn a beautiful golden brown color—they should be perfectly toasted!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then it’s ready to serve! This Sweet Potato Casserole is truly delightful as a side dish or even a dessert at your holiday gatherings or cozy dinners.
Enjoy this sweet, creamy dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using canned sweet potatoes can be a great shortcut. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well before mashing to avoid excess moisture.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture and place it in the baking dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add the toppings and adjust the baking time as it may need a few extra minutes if it’s starting from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick heat-up.
Can I Swap the Marshmallows?
Definitely! If you’d like to get creative, you can top with crushed graham crackers or a streusel topping instead of marshmallows for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change slightly.
