Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also brings a warm, comforting touch to your table, then this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is just what you need! This casserole is like a cozy hug in a dish, perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights when you want to treat your loved ones to something special without too much fuss. With its creamy sweet potato base topped with crunchy candied pecans and fluffy vegan marshmallows, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home.

This recipe is one I’ve cherished over the years. It brings back memories of holiday dinners and happy gatherings. It’s simple enough for everyday meals yet fancy enough for celebrations, making it truly versatile!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple steps, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and creamy flavors, making it a hit at any dinner table.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare this casserole in advance, saving you time on busy days or during holiday festivities.
• Deliciously comforting: The combination of flavors and textures will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are all about wholesome goodness! You won’t need anything fancy—just good old pantry staples along with some vibrant sweet potatoes. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe:

For the Sweet Potato Base

• 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 quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations if you want to mix things up:

• Add some spice: Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
• Nutty twist: Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty crunch on top.
• Fruit infusion: Mix in some mashed bananas or applesauce for natural sweetness and extra creaminess in the base.
• Vegan alternative: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a fully plant-based option.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Start by cooking your sweet potatoes until they’re tender. You can boil them in water until soft, or use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for an easier method. Cooking them well is key; this ensures your casserole has that rich, creamy texture we all love!

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

While your sweet potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F. This step is essential because it allows the casserole to bake evenly, giving you that perfect golden top.

Step 3: Mash the Potatoes

Once cooked, drain (if boiled) and mash your sweet potatoes until smooth or slightly textured—whichever you prefer! Then combine them with eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and heavy cream (or milk). Mixing these ingredients well creates that luscious base everyone will rave about.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread your sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Don’t worry if it isn’t perfectly smooth; that rustic charm adds character!

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Stir this mixture together gently until everything is coated—this will create that delightful crunchy topping we all crave!

Step 6: Bake It!

Sprinkle the pecan mixture over the sweet potatoes and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until everything is bubbly and caramelized on top.

Step 7: Add Vegan Marshmallows

Finally, sprinkle mini vegan marshmallows evenly over the top of your casserole. Return it to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until those marshmallows are puffy and lightly browned. Once done, serve warm and watch everyone dig in happily!

Enjoy making this delightful Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe! It’s sure to be a beloved addition to your meal rotation!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Creating the perfect sweet potato casserole is all about the little details that make a big difference. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time!

• Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth sweet potatoes with no blemishes. This ensures a creamy texture and vibrant flavor in your casserole.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the sweet potato mixture, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can lead to a gummy texture, while leaving some lumps adds character.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and quality butter make a noticeable difference in flavor. Always check expiration dates for maximum freshness.

• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on your preference, feel free to modify the brown sugar quantity. Tasting the mix before baking allows you to achieve the perfect sweetness balance.

• Experiment with Toppings: Get creative! You can add oats or coconut flakes to the pecan topping for extra crunch and flavor variation.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

This sweet potato casserole not only tastes fantastic but also looks beautiful on any dinner table. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a cozy family dinner, here’s how to serve it up right!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped rosemary or thyme adds a lovely contrast and brightens up the dish visually.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon on top before serving enhances flavor and provides a warm aroma that complements the sweetness.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes: For an exotic twist, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over your casserole just before serving for added texture and sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Green Bean Almondine: This classic dish features sautéed green beans with slivered almonds for a crunchy, nutty counterpart to your creamy casserole.

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed with olive oil and sea salt, these crispy sprouts bring a delightful earthy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the casserole.

• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette makes for a light, nutritious side that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.

• Cornbread Muffins: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread muffins provide a comforting element alongside your casserole, making it an inviting meal everyone will love.

Enjoy serving this delightful Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe! The combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prep and can easily be made ahead of time, saving you stress on busy days. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or simply want a comforting side dish ready to go, this casserole stores beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes if you want a crispy topping.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe.

Can I make this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the two eggs with a flaxseed egg by mixing 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.

How do I know when my Sweet Potato Casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the pecans are caramelized and the mini vegan marshmallows are puffy and lightly browned. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes for the first bake and an additional 5-7 minutes after adding marshmallows.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

While sweet potatoes give this casserole its signature flavor, you can use regular potatoes if desired. However, this will change the taste and texture of the dish.

What can I serve with this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, quinoa salad, or even as a side dish to your favorite plant-based main course.

How long does it take to prepare this recipe from start to finish?

The total time is approximately 60 minutes, which includes about 15 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of cooking time.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this creamy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe as much as I do! It’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner, this dish will surely become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!