Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic holiday side dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes mixed with warm spices and topped with a crunchy pecan streusel and optional toasted marshmallows. It’s baked to perfection, making it a comforting and festive addition to any holiday meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for the casserole.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the water and let the potatoes cool slightly.
- Mash and Mix: In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add melted butter, milk, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Assemble Sweet Potato Layer: Evenly spread the mashed sweet potato mixture into the greased baking dish, smoothing the top.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans, then evenly sprinkle this topping over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
- Add Marshmallows (Optional): If desired, sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over the pecan topping for a sweet, toasted finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and marshmallows (if used) are toasted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This ensures it sets well and is easier to portion.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the topping.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Marshmallows are optional but add a classic sweetness and texture; omit for a less sweet topping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet casserole.
