If you’re searching for a show-stopping comfort food that brings warmth, sweetness, and a delightful crunch to your table, look no further than this Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a cozy hug in every bite, combining buttery mashed sweet potatoes with fragrant spices, topped generously with toasted pecans and perfectly golden marshmallows. This casserole strikes the ideal balance between creamy, nutty, and sweet, making it the star of holiday dinners or a much-loved side all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is all about simplicity with maximum impact. Each component plays a vital role, from the naturally sweet and silky sweet potatoes to the crunchy pecans adding texture, and the marshmallows delivering that irresistible golden finish.
- Sweet potatoes (3 pounds): The creamy base of the casserole, naturally sweet and full of vibrant color.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Lends rich creaminess and helps meld the flavors together.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Enhances smoothness and moisture for a luscious texture.
- Eggs (2): Bind the mixture, ensuring a sturdy yet tender casserole.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, aromatic undertone that brightens the dish.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle spice and warmth, elevating the flavor profile.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a subtle nutty nuance to complement the cinnamon.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors beautifully.
- Pecans, chopped (3/4 cup): Provide a toasty crunch and nutty depth to each bite.
- Mini marshmallows (1–2 cups): Toast to golden perfection, creating a gooey, sweet topping that kids and adults adore alike.
How to Make Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Start by rinsing and scrubbing your sweet potatoes well, leaving them whole and unpeeled. You can cook them either by boiling or baking: to boil, pierce each potato a few times and submerge in boiling water until tender; or to bake, pierce them and microwave for 6 minutes, then roast at 425°F for about 20 minutes until soft all the way through. This step is crucial as it makes peeling easier and ensures creamy mashed potatoes.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish
While the sweet potatoes cook, set your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the middle. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish so that your casserole doesn’t stick and offers a perfectly crisp edge after baking.
Step 3: Mash and Mix the Sweet Potato Filling
Once your sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them and place into a large bowl. Mash them well with the brown sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. The goal is a smooth, evenly blended mixture without clumps of spice. If you prefer it extra smooth, an immersion blender works wonders after mashing by hand.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mashed sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for a uniform bake. The smooth base sets the stage for the delightful toppings that follow.
Step 5: Add the Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Toppings
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the sweet potato layer, then generously layer the mini marshmallows over the top. The pecans add that satisfying crunch, while the marshmallows bring a nostalgic sweetness that’s loved by everyone.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the casserole for about 20 minutes, keeping a close eye toward the end so the marshmallows toast to a beautiful golden-brown without burning. This finishing touch brings both eye appeal and the perfect gooey texture to your Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle an extra handful of freshly chopped pecans or a dash of ground cinnamon on top just before serving for a fresh pop of texture and aroma that complements the rich casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with savory mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or herb-roasted chicken, balancing hearty proteins with its sweet comfort. Consider adding simple steamed greens or a crisp salad to add freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at smaller gatherings, or top with a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent twist that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
Freeze any extras by wrapping the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven covered loosely with foil until heated through, about 20-30 minutes, to preserve the creamy texture and prevent the marshmallows from burning. Alternatively, microwave portions on medium power to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I make the Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed sweet potato mixture and assemble the casserole a day before baking. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Is it necessary to use marshmallows on top?
While marshmallows add a traditional sweet and gooey topping, you can skip or substitute them with a streusel topping of pecans, brown sugar, and butter for a less sweet but equally delicious finish.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh sweet potatoes provide the best texture and flavor, but if short on time, canned sweet potatoes can be used. Drain well and combine ingredients carefully to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half, though the casserole might be slightly less rich. Adding a bit more butter can help maintain the creamy texture.
How can I make the topping more crunchy?
Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet before adding them on top, and consider sprinkling a bit of brown sugar mixed with melted butter before baking to achieve a delightful crunchy crust.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a treasured comfort food that brings warmth and sweetness straight to your table. With its simple ingredients and fuss-free preparation, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to make this at home and share the love with family and friends—it just might become your new favorite tradition.
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Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and delicious holiday side dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes blended with brown sugar, butter, spices, and vanilla, topped with crunchy pecans and toasted mini marshmallows. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this casserole combines sweet and nutty flavors with a hint of warm spice, making it an irresistible addition to festive meals.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup (packed) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter (half stick), softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 3/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1–2 cups mini marshmallows, or more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly but leave the skins on. Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. You can either boil them in a large pot of water until very tender, or microwave them for 6 minutes and then roast at 425°F for 20 minutes or until tender.
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish: Set your oven to 375°F and place the rack in the middle position. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the sweet potato mixture: Once the sweet potatoes have cooled enough to handle, peel away the skins. Mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl along with brown sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly combined. For an extra smooth texture, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture after mashing.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a flat surface.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes. Then add a generous layer of mini marshmallows on top according to your preference.
- Bake to finish: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the marshmallows have melted and turned lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes to prevent the marshmallows from burning, as oven temperatures may vary.
Notes
- You can boil, microwave, or roast the sweet potatoes depending on your time and equipment.
- For an extra smooth texture, use an immersion blender after mashing the potatoes.
- Adjust the amount of marshmallows according to your preference for sweetness.
- Watch the casserole closely during baking to prevent marshmallows from burning.
- To make this dish ahead, assemble it without marshmallows, refrigerate, then add marshmallows and bake before serving.
