When it comes to sweet potato recipes for Thanksgiving, this casserole is an absolute showstopper! I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve made this dish for my family gatherings, and every single time, it disappears faster than I can say “pass the gravy!” There’s something so comforting about the creamy sweet potatoes topped with those irresistible, melty mini marshmallows. Trust me, the combination of flavors is pure magic, and it brings a little sweetness to the savory spread of the holiday table.
What I love most is how easy it is to whip up! You can have this casserole in the oven in no time, leaving you free to enjoy the company of your loved ones while it bakes to golden perfection. Plus, it’s just the right balance of sweet and savory, making it a perfect side dish that everyone can enjoy. So, let’s dive into the recipe and make this Thanksgiving one to remember!
Ingredients List
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your casserole bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden color on top.
- Next, let’s get those sweet potatoes boiling! Place the peeled and chunked sweet potatoes in a large pot of water. Bring it to a boil and cook for about 20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You want them soft enough to mash easily, so don’t rush this part!
- Once they’re done, drain the sweet potatoes and let them cool for just a minute. Then, transfer them to a large mixing bowl and mash them until smooth. You can use a potato masher or even a hand mixer for this—whatever floats your boat!
- Now, it’s time to add the magic! Stir in the brown sugar, softened butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix everything together until it’s beautifully smooth. Oh, the aroma will be heavenly!
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so it cooks perfectly.
- Now for the best part—top the mixture with those mini marshmallows! Feel free to add as many as you like; I’m a firm believer that the more, the merrier!
- Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want to keep an eye on those marshmallows; they should turn a lovely golden brown and get all melty and gooey. Just imagine that sweet, sticky goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy dish that comes together in just 45 minutes—perfect for a busy Thanksgiving!
- The combination of creamy sweet potatoes and the sweet, gooey marshmallows creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser! Everyone from kids to grandparents loves this delightful casserole.
- It adds a beautiful pop of color to your holiday table, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make for a delicious breakfast or snack the next day—just pop it in the microwave!
- This dish can easily be made ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying the holiday with your family and friends.
Tips for Success
- For the best flavor, choose fresh, firm sweet potatoes. They should feel heavy for their size and have smooth skin.
- If you want to save time, you can peel and chop the sweet potatoes a day in advance and store them in water in the fridge. Just drain and boil when you’re ready to make the casserole!
- Don’t skip the mashing step! A creamy texture is key to a delicious casserole, so make sure there are no lumps.
- If you’re a fan of a little crunch, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top before the marshmallows for a delightful twist!
- Keep an eye on the marshmallows as they bake; they can go from perfectly golden to burnt pretty quickly. You want that beautiful toasted look!
- Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes after baking; this helps it set up a bit and makes serving easier.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a little breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for each serving of this delicious sweet potato casserole. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Total Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g
This casserole is not only a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving feast but also brings a touch of nutrition to the table, thanks to those fabulous sweet potatoes! Enjoy every bite knowing you’re indulging in something a little more wholesome!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this amazing sweet potato casserole ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it. Trust me, it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes that will elevate your Thanksgiving feast to new heights!
- Herb-Roasted Turkey: You can’t go wrong with the classic! The savory flavors of a perfectly roasted turkey balance out the sweetness of the casserole.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add another layer of creamy goodness to your table. These fluffy mashed potatoes are a comforting favorite that everyone will love.
- Green Bean Almondine: For a little crunch and a pop of color, serve up some sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds. It’s a fresh contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce is a delightful complement to the sweet potatoes, cutting through the richness and adding a burst of flavor.
- Stuffing: Whether you go for a traditional bread stuffing or something more adventurous, it’s the perfect hearty side to round out your meal.
- Rolls or Biscuits: Soft, warm rolls or flaky biscuits are always a hit! They’re perfect for mopping up all those delicious flavors on your plate.
With these dishes on your table, your sweet potato casserole will shine even brighter as part of a delicious Thanksgiving spread. Enjoy the feast and the time spent with loved ones—it’s what the holiday is all about!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this delicious sweet potato casserole (and trust me, it’s a wonderful problem to have!), here’s how to store and reheat it properly so you can savor every last bite.
First up, let’s talk storage! Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature before you store it. Once it’s cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil. It should stay good for about 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze. If you stored it in the fridge, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you froze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, or you can bake it directly from frozen, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
And if you’re in a pinch for time, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave! Just pop a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps keep it moist), and heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through. You want it warm, but not too hot that it scalds your tongue!
With these tips, you can enjoy your sweet potato casserole just as much the next day as you did fresh out of the oven. Happy feasting!
FAQ Section
Can I make this sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, transfer it to your greased baking dish, top with marshmallows, and pop it in the oven. This way, you can enjoy more time with family on Thanksgiving!
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas for each egg. This will keep the casserole moist and add a hint of sweetness, perfect for this sweet potato recipe for Thanksgiving!
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
You can, but I recommend using fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. Canned sweet potatoes might work in a pinch, but they can add extra moisture and sweetness, so adjust the brown sugar accordingly if you go that route!
How do I know when my casserole is done baking?
You’ll know it’s done when the marshmallows on top are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. Just keep an eye on those marshmallows—they can go from perfect to burnt in a blink!
Can I add other toppings to this casserole?
Definitely! If you want to switch things up, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking for an extra sweet touch. Customize it to your heart’s desire!
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Sweet Potato Recipes for Thanksgiving: 7 Comforting Sides
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious sweet potato casserole perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Peel and mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
- Add brown sugar, butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with mini marshmallows.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor.
- You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and bake before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: sweet potato recipes for thanksgiving
