Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and festive holiday side dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with crunchy toasted nuts and optional marshmallows. It balances sweet and savory flavors with smooth, rich textures and a delightful crunchy topping, making it perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 3 to 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Topping
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (optional)
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces. Boil or steam them until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
- Mash and Mix: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and mash until smooth. Add softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, milk or cream, and beaten eggs. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, sweet base.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Butter a casserole dish and spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly, smoothing the top for an even surface.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle toasted, chopped pecans or walnuts over the sweet potatoes. Optionally, spread mini marshmallows evenly on top of the nuts or directly on the casserole.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown, bubbly, and fragrant. Watch carefully to avoid burning marshmallows if used.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix the mashed sweet potatoes to keep them light and fluffy.
- Toast nuts before adding to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar or substituting some with maple syrup.
- If marshmallows brown too quickly, tent the casserole with foil to keep them soft.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: sweet potato casserole, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving recipe, Christmas, gluten free, comfort food, mashed sweet potatoes, nut topping