Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Are you searching for an inviting dish to serve at your next holiday gathering or family dinner? Look no further! Sweet potato casserole may just be what’s needed to satisfy both comfort and flavor in equal measures. With its sweet, creamy texture and succulent marshmallow topping, this recipe brings both together in perfect harmony!

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

Before we get into the fun part (the marshmallows!), we need to prepare the sweet potatoes, the heart of this sweet potato casserole recipe. Here’s how you’ll do it:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes

As for ingredients, you will require approximately 3 pounds of sweet potatoes – roughly equivalent to 12 small or 6 large potatoes. When selecting them, look for ones with firm surfaces free from any blemishes; size should not be an issue here – though larger potatoes will take more time to cook!

Sweet potatoes come in various varieties, but any common variety will work perfectly well in this dish. Opt for those with smooth reddish-brown skins and vibrant orange flesh for the best sweet and creamy textures in your casserole.

Step 2: Peeling and Cutting the Sweet Potatoes

Once you’ve selected your sweet potatoes, peel away their skins using either a vegetable peeler or knife and cut into large chunks; aim for 1- to 2-inch chunks for easier mashing later on.

Step 3: Cooking the Sweet Potatoes

Once your sweet potato pieces are chopped up and in a pot, fill the entire thing up with water until the sweet potatoes are just submerged. Bring this water to a boil over medium-high heat and allow your sweet potatoes to simmer for 15-20 minutes – you’ll know they’re done when they can be easily punctured with a fork.

Once cooked, drain and set aside until ready to use in this sweet potato casserole recipe.

Mashing and Seasoning the Sweet Potatoes

Now that your sweet potatoes are soft and tender, it’s time to transform them into the creamy base for your sweet potato casserole recipe. By using just a few simple ingredients you’ll be all set to move onto the final steps and let’s get mashing!

Step 1: Mashing the Sweet Potatoes

Assemble your cooked and drained sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl before mashing with either a potato masher, fork, or hand mixer (for smoother results) until all lumps have been broken down and they form an even surface texture.

If you want your casserole to have an especially creamy texture, use a hand blender to puree the sweet potatoes, but be wary not to overwork them; otherwise it might result in an unappetizing watery mixture instead of our desired perfectly thick, velvety consistency.

Step 2: Adding Flavor

Now comes the fun part—seasoning! For a perfect sweet potato casserole recipe, you’ll want to balance the natural sweetness of the potatoes with a few key ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar: This will give the casserole a nice, caramel-like sweetness. Don’t skimp on the brown sugar; it’s what makes this dish so rich and flavorful.
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter: Cut into small pieces, the butter will melt right into the mashed sweet potatoes, giving them a silky smooth texture and a little bit of savory richness to balance out the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice: This warm, aromatic spice is a must for any fall or holiday dish. It adds a cozy depth of flavor and pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes.
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness from becoming too overwhelming.

Stir everything together until the butter is fully melted and the seasonings are well incorporated. The mash should be smooth, slightly fluffy, and incredibly fragrant!

Step 3: Taste Test

Do not be shy to experiment! Taste as you go; if it needs more sweetness, add another teaspoon of brown sugar; for those who like spicy dishes, a dash more pumpkin pie spice might do just the trick. This step is all about personalization so feel free to experiment! This process should make for delicious results – don’t be intimidated to add something different than is suggested here.

Assembling and Topping the Casserole

Now that your sweet potatoes have been mashed and seasoned, it’s time to put the casserole together with its trademark topping – gooey mini marshmallows! So let’s get baking.

Step 1: Preparing the Baking Dish

Before adding our mashed sweet potatoes, first prepare our baking dish. Use a 9×13-inch dish (standard size is ideal) and lightly coat with unsalted butter using either paper towels or hands – this will prevent sticking and make cleanup simpler after your casserole has baked!

Step 2: Adding the Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Now, pour the perfectly mashed sweet potatoes into the baking dish. Evenly distribute the potatoes by using either the back of a spoon or spatula to spread and smooth their surface – to give the marshmallows enough room to toast on top!

Step 3: Topping with Marshmallows

Now for the exciting part: topping your casserole with mini marshmallows! Generously sprinkle about 2 cups of mini marshmallows over your mashed sweet potatoes in an even layer, but keep in mind that as this bakes the marshmallows will puff up and become golden brown, adding irresistible sweetness and texture that we all adore!

Step 4: Ready for the Oven

Now that your casserole is assembled and covered with marshmallows, it’s time to put it into the oven. Be sure your oven is preheated to 350degF (175degC). Place your baking dish on the middle rack and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, until its marshmallows become golden-brown and slightly puffy. Keep an eye out as you near completion – you want crispy marshmallows without burning!

Baking, Serving, and Final Tips

It’s almost time to enjoy your sweet potato casserole recipe! In this final part, we’ll cover how to bake the casserole to perfection, some tips for serving, and a few ideas for making this dish your own. Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Baking the Casserole

Once your casserole has been decorated with golden marshmallows, place it into a preheated 350degF (175degC) oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the marshmallows have become puffy and beautifully golden-brown – it should become crispy on top for the perfect contrast to its smooth and creamy sweet potatoes underneath!

As your casserole bakes, keep an eye on it carefully. Marshmallows can quickly go from golden-brown to burnt in an instant! If the marshmallows start browning too rapidly, cover your casserole with aluminum foil to prevent further browning while your sweet potatoes finish cooking.

Step 2: Serving the Casserole

Once your casserole has been baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for several minutes before refrigerating or serving it. This allows it to set more easily, making scooping it out easier! Use a large spoon or spatula when serving so each spoonful gets some of that crispy marshmallow topping!

Sweet potato casserole is an irresistibly tasty side dish to add to any holiday or family dinner celebration, from dinner parties with guests to regular family meals. It pairs beautifully with roast meats, grilled vegetables and other festive fare; warm or at room temperature alike it makes the perfect addition. Best when served hot out of the oven while its marshmallow topping still remains slightly gooey for maximum flavour and enjoyment!

Step 3: Make It Your Own

While this sweet potato casserole recipe is a classic, there’s plenty of room to put your own twist on it! Here are a few ideas:

• Add a crunchy topping: If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a streusel topping on top of the marshmallows before baking.
• Add a dash of vanilla: A teaspoon of vanilla extract in the mashed sweet potatoes can add an extra layer of flavor.
• Spice it up: If you love spices, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the pumpkin pie spice.
• Savory version: For a more savory casserole, skip the marshmallows and top with crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of cheese for a unique twist.

---

So there you have it–a delicious sweet potato casserole recipe in just 3 steps! From Thanksgiving, Christmas or just cozy family meals – this classic never goes out of style!

Enjoy your sweet potato casserole, and happy cooking!

Print