There’s something truly special about Southern sweet potato casserole that warms my heart every time I make it. This classic dish has been a staple at my family gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table with its sweet, comforting flavors. The creamy, mashed sweet potatoes topped with gooey, toasted marshmallows create a delightful contrast that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a cozy Sunday dinner, this casserole never fails to steal the show and remind me of home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s beloved in Southern cuisine and a must-have holiday side dish in every kitchen!
Ingredients for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (freshly cooked and mashed for the best texture)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste if you prefer it less sweet)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk works best, but you can use any kind you have on hand)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (this adds richness, so don’t skimp!)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (these help bind the casserole together)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that lovely depth of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (this warms up the dish beautifully)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows (these will transform into gooey perfection on top!)
How to Prepare Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Preparing Southern sweet potato casserole is a breeze, and you’ll love how everything comes together to create this delightful dish. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your casserole bakes evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. I usually use a hand mixer for this, but a sturdy whisk works just fine, too!
- Once your mixture is ready, pour it into a greased baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. You want it to be set but not overcooked.
- After 25 minutes, take the casserole out and sprinkle the mini marshmallows generously over the top. This is my favorite part because they create that perfect, gooey topping!
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and toasty.
And there you have it! Let it cool for just a moment before diving in. Enjoy the sweet, comforting flavors of this classic dish!
Why You’ll Love Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
- Quick preparation – You can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy holiday meals!
- Rich flavor – The combination of sweet potatoes, butter, and marshmallows creates a decadent taste that everyone will adore.
- Nostalgic appeal – This casserole brings back fond memories of family gatherings and Southern hospitality.
- Suitability for holiday meals – It’s an essential dish that complements any festive spread, from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
Tips for Success with Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
To ensure your Southern sweet potato casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, always use fresh sweet potatoes; they make a world of difference in flavor and texture. If you like your casserole sweeter, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste—some folks love it extra sweet! Also, don’t skip the cinnamon; it adds a warm, cozy note that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully. Keep an eye on your marshmallows while they bake; they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a flash! Finally, let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to help it set up nicely before serving. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Each serving of this delicious Southern sweet potato casserole is estimated to contain about 250 calories, 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find 20g of sugar and 3g of fiber in every delightful bite. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes!
Frequently Asked Questions about Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Here are some common questions I get about making this Southern sweet potato casserole, along with my answers!
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to drain them well and mash them thoroughly. Fresh sweet potatoes give a better flavor, but canned can save time.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the marshmallows before baking.
What can I substitute for marshmallows?
If you’re looking for a twist, try topping it with pecans or a crumb topping for a crunchy texture!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Storing your Southern sweet potato casserole is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those comforting flavors again, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick treat—just be careful not to overheat it, or the marshmallows might get a bit too melty! Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
This Southern sweet potato casserole is a star on its own, but it shines even brighter when paired with the right dishes! I love serving it alongside a savory honey-glazed ham or roasted turkey—both add a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the casserole. For a complete Southern feast, consider adding collard greens or green bean almondine for some freshness. And don’t forget a warm batch of cornbread to soak up all those delicious flavors! Trust me, these pairings will take your meal to the next level and leave everyone asking for seconds!
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Southern Sweet Potato Casserole: 5 Irresistible Flavors
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic southern sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, butter, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with mini marshmallows.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until marshmallows are golden.
Notes
- Make sure to use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: southern sweet potato casserole, sweet potato dessert, holiday side dish
