If you’ve been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping, and if you’re feeling a bit nostalgic, a layer of toasted mini marshmallows adds that perfect touch of sweetness. This recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for holiday gatherings, making it a versatile favorite that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and warmth. From the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the aromatic spices and crunchy topping, these elements come together to create something truly special yet wonderfully simple.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: The star of the dish, providing a naturally sweet and creamy base.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps achieve that perfectly smooth and creamy mash.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses richness and a silky texture into the sweet potatoes.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings deep, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant warmth that rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses a cozy hint of spice that makes this casserole feel like a comforting classic.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with a subtle, nutty aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweet ingredients perfectly.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Provides delightful crunch and a toasty, nutty contrast.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: For the pecan topping, adding a caramelized sweetness as it bakes.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Binds the topping together and enriches the flavor.
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional): For that nostalgic, golden-browned finish that’s pure joy on top.
How to Make Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect to bake the casserole through while allowing the topping to get beautifully golden and crisp without burning.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Place those cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling water. Cook them for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Cooking them until fork-tender is the key to achieving a velvety mash that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Mash to Perfection
Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot while still warm. Using a potato masher or a sturdy fork, mash them until smooth. This step sets the creamy foundation for your casserole.
Step 4: Flavor the Mash
Now, stir in the milk, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is beautifully combined. This blend of ingredients isn’t just seasoning; it’s what transforms simple sweet potatoes into a sweet, fragrant casserole you’ll crave.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the sweet potato mixture evenly inside. This even layer will make sure every bite has the perfect ratio of creamy base to crunchy topping.
Step 6: Make the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. This luscious topping will caramelize in the oven and add that irresistible crunch that contrasts with the soft sweet potatoes.
Step 7: Assemble and Add Marshmallows (Optional)
Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the casserole. If you love that classic marshmallow-topped finish, scatter mini marshmallows on top too—trust me, they get golden and gooey for an extra touch of richness.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the pecan topping is golden and crisp, and the marshmallows are toasted. The aroma filling your kitchen will be the ultimate reward.
How to Serve Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans right before serving for a super fresh crunch, or add a tiny pinch of cinnamon on top to amplify the warm, cozy spice notes.
Side Dishes
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe shines alongside roast turkey or glazed ham. For a veggie pairing, steamed green beans or a simple mixed greens salad with tangy vinaigrette provide the perfect balance and a splash of color on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch at holiday dinners, or bake it in mini cast-iron skillets to wow your guests. You can even layer it in a trifle dish with toasted marshmallows and pecans for a fun twist on presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the next day’s servings just as delightful.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole (before adding marshmallows) by wrapping it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. If you added marshmallows, you might want to add a fresh handful before reheating for that melty, browned finish.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While canned sweet potatoes can be convenient, fresh sweet potatoes provide a better texture and deeper flavor for this casserole. If you use canned, be sure to drain well and adjust the moisture with less milk.
Is it necessary to add marshmallows?
The marshmallows are optional but add a nostalgic, gooey sweetness that many love. If you prefer a healthier or less sweet version, sticking to the pecan topping alone is perfect.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Skip the marshmallows or use vegan marshmallows to keep it fully plant-based.
How do I make the topping extra crunchy?
Make sure your chopped pecans are fresh and evenly coated with the melted butter and sugar mixture. Baking uncovered helps the topping crisp up beautifully.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes. The baking time might increase slightly, so check for a golden top and heated-through filling.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe isn’t just a side dish—it’s a celebration of cozy flavors and comforting textures that make any meal feel special. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple Sunday dinner, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s straightforward, customizable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table every time.
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Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and delicious side dish perfect for holiday dinners or any cozy meal. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are flavored with warm spices and vanilla, topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar crumble, and optionally finished with melted mini marshmallows for a classic, sweet touch.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature before baking the casserole.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the cubed sweet potatoes. Boil them for 10-15 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the sweet potatoes until they become smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Mix Ingredients. Stir in the milk, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix thoroughly until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare Topping. In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle this pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
- Add Marshmallows (Optional). If desired, scatter mini marshmallows over the pecan topping for a traditional sweet finish.
- Bake Casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and if marshmallows were added, until they are melted and slightly browned.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, you can use a hand mixer to mash the sweet potatoes.
- If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the brown sugar in the sweet potato mixture or topping.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk.
- You can prepare this casserole a day in advance and reheat before serving.
- If you don’t want marshmallows, the pecan topping alone adds wonderful crunch and flavor.
