Updated on Desserts and Baking

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, blending the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich, creamy texture and crunchy toppings. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe brings comfort to every table with its delightful layers of flavour. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or looking for a wholesome dish for your family, this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a must-try. Packed with nutrients and topped with a hint of indulgence, the Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a harmonious blend of health and flavour. Don’t miss out on creating this classic masterpiece that everyone will love.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base:

  • 4 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped

Optional Marshmallow Layer:

  • 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
  3. Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth using a potato masher or hand mixer.

2. Make the Sweet Potato Base:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Mix until well incorporated and creamy.
  2. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. Prepare the Pecan Topping:

  1. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar and melted butter until crumbly.
  2. Fold in the chopped pecans to create a streusel-like topping.

4. Assemble and Bake:

  1. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
  2. If using marshmallows, add them on top of the pecan layer during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
  3. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

5. Cool and Serve:

  1. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
  2. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy topping.

Flavour-Enhancing Tips

1. Choose Fresh Sweet Potatoes:

Opt for fresh sweet potatoes rather than canned for the best flavour and texture. Their natural sweetness and creaminess make a significant difference.

2. Add a Citrus Zest:

Grate some orange zest into the sweet potato mixture for a bright, tangy contrast to the rich sweetness.

3. Toast the Pecans:

Toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the topping. This enhances their nutty flavour and adds depth to the dish.

4. Make It Vegan:

Swap the butter with vegan butter, the milk with almond milk and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).

FAQs

1. Can I make sweet potato casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sweet potato base and the pecan topping separately. Assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake it fresh, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled dish.

2. Can I freeze sweet potato casserole?

Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, cover it tightly with aluminium foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

3. What can I substitute for pecans?

If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer an alternative, use rolled oats or crushed graham crackers mixed with butter and brown sugar for the topping.

4. How can I make it healthier?

Reduce the amount of sugar in the base and topping, use unsweetened almond milk and replace some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce.

5. Why are my marshmallows burning?

Marshmallows can brown quickly, so add them during the last 10 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on the casserole to ensure they only melt and lightly caramelize.

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