Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth and joy to any table, this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is definitely the one! This casserole is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Creamy sweet potatoes, crunchy candied pecans, and gooey vegan marshmallows come together to create a delightful harmony. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, holiday feast, or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe shines in every occasion.

What makes this casserole so special is its comforting blend of sweet and savory notes. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike. Plus, you can make it ahead of time—just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes with brown sugar and vanilla creates an irresistible taste that everyone will adore.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is straightforward enough for any home cook.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet marshmallow topping combined with crunchy pecans.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and simply bake when you need it—perfect for busy days!
• Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole is sure to impress your guests at any gathering or holiday meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need for this delicious dish!

For the Casserole

• 5 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 1 cup water
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup butter (melted)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2-3 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk)

For the Topping

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup flour
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 3-4 cups mini vegan marshmallows

Variations

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is very flexible! Feel free to get creative with it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Some Spice: Consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra warm flavor.
• Nut Alternatives: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different crunch.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk to make the entire dish vegan-friendly.
• Fruit Addition: Mix in some chopped apples or cranberries for a fruity twist.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Start by cooking your sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender. You can boil them in water until soft or use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for convenience. Cooking them well ensures they mash smoothly, creating that creamy texture we all love.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

Once cooked, drain your sweet potatoes if boiling. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you mash those sweet potatoes until smooth (or leave a bit of texture if you prefer). Adding eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and heavy cream (or milk) will create that rich base. Mixing these ingredients well incorporates all those delicious flavors into the potatoes.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

In another bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans using a spoon—no need for mixers here! This mixture will form the crunchy topping that contrasts so beautifully with the creamy base. Sprinkle it generously over your potato mixture; it’s okay if some areas are left uncovered.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Place your layered casserole in the oven uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want those pecans to caramelize nicely without burning. The aroma alone will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner!

Step 5: Add Marshmallows

Finally, pull out your casserole and sprinkle mini vegan marshmallows evenly over the top. Return it to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until those marshmallows turn puffy and lightly browned. When you serve this dish, expect smiles all around!

Enjoy every bite of this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe—it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Creating the perfect sweet potato casserole can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve that creamy, crunchy goodness!

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without blemishes. The fresher your ingredients, the better your casserole will taste.

• Don’t overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can lead to a gummy texture. A little bit of texture in the mashed sweet potatoes adds to the rustic charm of this dish.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: Sweetness preferences vary from person to person. Start with the recommended amount of brown sugar and adjust according to your taste for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

• Experiment with toppings: While pecans are traditional, feel free to try walnuts or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost. This keeps your casserole exciting and allows for personal touches.

• Make-ahead option: Prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Simply add the topping before baking for a stress-free serving experience!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Presenting your sweet potato casserole can be as fun as preparing it! With its vibrant color and enticing aroma, it makes a fantastic centerpiece on any table.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme brightens up the dish visually and adds a pop of freshness.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle over each serving enhances sweetness and adds a touch of elegance.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon just before serving elevates both fragrance and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their crispy outer layer and tender inside complement the creamy sweetness of the casserole perfectly.
• Green bean almondine: Crunchy green beans sautéed with almonds add a contrasting texture and fresh flavor that balances out the richness.
• Quinoa salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette provides a light counterpoint to the heaviness of the casserole.
• Cornbread: The slightly sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes, creating a comforting southern-inspired meal.

With these serving suggestions and tips in mind, you’ll have everything you need to create an unforgettable dining experience around this delicious Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance, store it, and enjoy it later without losing any of its deliciousness. Here’s how you can easily manage leftovers and prepare for future meals.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

• Let the casserole cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. For best results, label with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• For a crispy topping, uncover during the last 5 minutes of heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions I often receive about this recipe.

Can I make this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving!

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe?

You can use almond milk, coconut cream, or any non-dairy milk of your choice as a substitute for heavy cream. It will still be creamy and delicious!

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of vegan marshmallows?

While regular marshmallows are not suitable for this recipe, you can find various vegan marshmallow options that work just as well for that sweet topping.

How do I know when my sweet potatoes are done cooking?

If boiling, they should be fork-tender after about 15-20 minutes. If using a slow cooker or Instant Pot, they will also be tender and easy to mash when cooked properly.

Is this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe suitable for special diets?

Yes! This recipe is free from pork, alcohol, and animal-derived gelatin, making it suitable for various dietary preferences while still being indulgent and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe a try! With its creamy texture and crunchy topping, it’s bound to become a favorite at your table. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or simply indulging on a cozy night in, this dish truly embodies comfort food at its best. Enjoy making it as much as you’ll enjoy eating it!

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