Sweet potato casserole is like a warm hug on a plate, isn’t it? Every bite is pure comfort, and the delightful blend of creamy sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel takes this dish to another level! I love serving it during the holidays, but honestly, it’s perfect any time of year. The sweetness of the potatoes combined with the nutty, caramelized pecans creates a wonderful harmony of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s so simple to make! I often catch myself sneaking spoonfuls right out of the dish before it even hits the table. Trust me, this casserole will become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole
Let’s gather everything you need to make this scrumptious sweet potato casserole! Here’s your shopping list:
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes – You want them nice and firm!
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – For that perfect touch of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup milk – Any kind works, but whole milk gives it a creamier texture.
- 1/4 cup butter – Melted, for richness and flavor.
- 2 eggs – These help bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Trust me, it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – A warm spice to enhance the sweet potatoes.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – Just a pinch for that cozy feeling.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped – For that delightful crunch on top.
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows – These are optional, but they’re a fun sweet addition!
Make sure you have everything handy, and let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Sweet Potato Casserole
Ready to whip up this delightful sweet potato casserole? Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering dish!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring that your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown!
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Now, grab those sweet potatoes! Peel and chop them into small chunks to help them cook faster. Toss them into a pot of boiling water and let them cook until they’re tender, about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork. Drain the potatoes and get ready to mash!
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash those sweet potatoes until smooth. Now, let’s add in the brown sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix everything until it’s well combined and creamy. You want that sweet and cozy flavor to shine through, so don’t rush this step!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans and mini marshmallows, then sprinkle this glorious topping over the sweet potatoes. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a little crunchy. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth to any table.
- The crunchy pecan streusel adds a delightful texture contrast!
- Simple ingredients mean you can whip it up without a fuss.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
- It’s easily customizable – adjust the sweetness to your liking!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make a delicious snack or side dish.
- Vegetarian-friendly and full of wholesome goodness.
Tips for Success
To make your sweet potato casserole truly shine, here are my top tips! First, make sure to mash the sweet potatoes thoroughly for a smooth texture; nobody wants lumps in their casserole! If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to adjust the brown sugar to your taste. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the baking time—ovens can vary, so check for that golden brown topping a few minutes early. If you’re using mini marshmallows, add them in the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning. Trust me, these little details will elevate your dish!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one serving of this delicious sweet potato casserole:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy this comforting dish without worry, knowing it’s packed with flavor and nourishment!
FAQ About Sweet Potato Casserole
Got questions about making the perfect sweet potato casserole? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear.
Can I make sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, bring it to room temperature, add the topping, and pop it in the oven. This way, you’ll save time and still enjoy that fresh-baked taste!
Can I use other toppings?
Sure thing! While the pecan streusel is a classic, you can get creative! Try adding crushed graham crackers for a twist or even a sprinkle of coconut. If you’re feeling adventurous, a layer of crispy bacon bits can add a savory touch. The possibilities are endless!
Is sweet potato casserole gluten-free?
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is a big if, right?), storing your sweet potato casserole is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. You can also use the microwave for quicker reheating, but I recommend the oven if you want that lovely crunchy topping to stay crispy. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Sweet potato casserole: 7 Comforting Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet potato casserole is a comforting dish made with mashed sweet potatoes and topped with a crunchy pecan streusel.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and chop sweet potatoes, then boil until tender.
- Drain and mash sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
- Add brown sugar, milk, butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans and mini marshmallows. Spread this mixture over the sweet potato layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: sweet potato casserole
