Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans

Prepare to fall in love with this classic holiday side dish! This sweet potato casserole recipe perfectly blends naturally sweet potatoes with rich, comforting flavors. Topped with a golden crown of toasted marshmallows and crunchy pecans, it offers an irresistible sweet and savory appeal. It’s a beloved addition to any festive table, guaranteed to delight everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

• Simple and Traditional: This recipe offers a straightforward approach to a timeless dish, making it perfect for beginners.
• Easy to Prepare: You can effortlessly make this delightful sweet potato casserole for any family gathering or special occasion.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Save time during busy holidays by preparing most of the dish in advance.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: It uses common, affordable items found at any grocery store, making it a smart choice.
• Dessert-Like Side Dish: With its sweet profile, this casserole often feels like a dessert, pleasing even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

Crafting the perfect sweet potato casserole starts with these simple, wholesome ingredients. Gather them all for a smooth cooking process.

• Sweet Potatoes: 3 pounds, peeled and cut into cubes, forming the creamy base of your casserole. These vibrant root vegetables are also a rich source of essential nutrients and antioxidants, as detailed by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
• Brown Sugar: ½ cup, packed, either light or dark, to enhance the natural sweetness.
• Butter: ⅓ cup, softened, salted for extra flavor and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon, for a warm, inviting aroma and taste.
• Chopped Pecans: ¾ cup, divided, adding a delightful crunch both inside and on top.
• Cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon, ground, or to taste, for that essential warm spice note.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, a pinch of each helps balance the sweetness and brightens flavors.
• Miniature Marshmallows: 2 cups, for that iconic, golden-brown, gooey topping.

Notes & Substitutions

• For an even quicker prep, use drained canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones.
• Opt for dark brown sugar to achieve a richer, deeper molasses flavor in your casserole.
• If using unsalted butter, simply add a small extra pinch of salt to taste.
• Walnuts make a great alternative if you don’t have pecans on hand or prefer their flavor.
• Feel free to add other warm spices like nutmeg or a dash of pumpkin pie spice for more complexity.
• For an adult twist, a small splash of bourbon or orange juice can add an intriguing layer of flavor.

Equipment

Gathering your tools before you begin ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. You’ll need these common kitchen items for your sweet potato casserole.

• A 9×13-inch casserole dish is ideal for baking this generous recipe.
• A large pot is essential for boiling the sweet potatoes until tender.
• A potato masher or a hand mixer will help you achieve a perfectly smooth potato base.
• Several mixing bowls are handy for combining ingredients and preparing the topping.

Instructions

Creating this comforting sweet potato casserole is easier than you think. Just follow these step-by-step directions for a delicious result.

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Boil the sweet potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain them thoroughly.
3. Mash the sweet potatoes: Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large bowl, or use the pot they were cooked in. Add the brown sugar, softened butter, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt and pepper to taste. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy, or leave slightly chunky if preferred.
4. Fold in pecans: Gently fold in half of the chopped pecans (⅜ cup) into the mashed sweet potato mixture. This adds a lovely crunch throughout the casserole.
5. Assemble the casserole: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Ensure the surface is level for even topping distribution.
6. Add toppings: Evenly sprinkle the miniature marshmallows over the sweet potato layer. Then, scatter the remaining chopped pecans (⅜ cup) on top of the marshmallows.
7. Bake until golden: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are beautifully golden brown and the sweet potato mixture is heated through and bubbly.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Desired Potato Texture: For a perfectly smooth sweet potato casserole, use a hand mixer. If you prefer a slightly chunky texture, a potato masher works best.
• Prevent Watery Casserole: Ensure your boiled sweet potatoes are thoroughly drained. Excess water can make the casserole runny, so let them steam dry for a minute or two after draining.
• Marshmallows Don’t Burn: Keep a close eye on the marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking. If they start to brown too quickly, loosely tent the casserole with foil.
• Balance Sweetness and Savoriness: Taste the mashed sweet potato mixture before baking. Adjust salt or sugar to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to increase or decrease the cinnamon, or add other spices like nutmeg, according to your personal preference for this classic dish.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serve this delightful sweet potato casserole warm, fresh from the oven, as a delicious side dish alongside your holiday meal. Its sweet and savory notes complement a variety of main courses.

• Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps it fresh and ready for quick enjoyment.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sweet potato base up to 48 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the marshmallows and pecans just before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm. For a whole casserole, warm in an oven at 350°F until heated through. For a fresh look, add new marshmallows and toast them briefly.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Freeze it before or after baking. If freezing uncooked, add the marshmallow topping only after thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
• Topping Variations: Get creative with your toppings! Try a crunchy streusel made with flour, brown sugar, and butter. A simple pecan crumble or even toasted coconut flakes can add a unique twist.

Nutrition

Understanding the estimated nutritional values can help you plan your holiday meals. Remember, these figures are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

This nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients listed and assumes 16 servings. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and modifications.

FAQ

• Can you make sweet potato casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the sweet potato mixture up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the topping just before baking.
• How to store sweet potato casserole. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to five days.
• How to reheat sweet potato casserole. Reheat individual servings in the microwave. To warm a whole casserole, bake it at 350°F until heated through, adding fresh marshmallows for toasting if desired.
• Can you freeze sweet potato casserole? Absolutely. You can freeze the baked or unbaked casserole (without the marshmallow topping if unbaked) for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.

Conclusion

This easy sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and pecans is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting classic that brings joy to any table. Its simplicity makes it approachable for even beginner cooks, while its irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors ensures it’s a universal favorite. Give this recipe a try and create new cherished memories around your holiday spread. The rich history and cultural significance of sweet potato casserole, particularly in Southern cuisine, contribute to its enduring popularity. For further insight into its origins, explore articles like this one from Southern Living on the history of sweet potato casserole.