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The Ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Sweet potato casserole transforms humble root vegetables into a show-stopping side dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors. This beloved comfort food combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a golden marshmallow topping, creating a dish that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any time you crave something special, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home for under $15.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly comfort food that costs less than $15 to make and feeds a crowd of 8-10 people generously
- Packed with nutrients including vitamin A, fiber, and potassium while satisfying your sweet tooth naturally
- Simple preparation using common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator
- Perfect make-ahead dish that can be assembled the night before and baked when needed for stress-free entertaining
- Versatile recipe that works beautifully for Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, or casual weeknight dinners
Why This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Works
This sweet potato casserole recipe succeeds because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy texture and complementary flavors. The secret lies in properly cooking the sweet potatoes until fork-tender, which ensures a smooth, lump-free base.
The combination of brown sugar and vanilla extract enhances the natural sweetness without overwhelming it. Meanwhile, the eggs provide structure and richness, creating a custard-like consistency that holds together beautifully when served.
The marshmallow topping isn’t just for show – it creates a delightful textural contrast. As it bakes, the marshmallows form a golden crust while staying soft underneath, adding visual appeal and a touch of sweetness that complements the earthy sweet potatoes perfectly.
What You’ll Need for Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | 3 medium (2 lbs) | Main base – provides natural sweetness and creamy texture |
| Light Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup | Enhances sweetness and adds molasses depth |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup (melted) | Creates richness and smooth consistency |
| Whole Milk | 1/2 cup | Thins mixture to perfect creamy texture |
| Large Eggs | 2 | Provides structure and custard-like binding |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Enhances overall flavor profile |
| Mini Marshmallows | 2 cups | Creates golden, sweet topping layer |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Pot | Boiling sweet potatoes until tender |
| Mixing Bowl | Mashing and combining ingredients smoothly |
| Potato Masher | Creating smooth, lump-free sweet potato base |
| Baking Dish | Holding casserole during baking process |
| Spatula | Smoothing mixture and spreading evenly |
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Prepare | Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and chop sweet potatoes into uniform chunks for even cooking |
| Step 2: Cook Potatoes | Boil sweet potato chunks in salted water for 15-20 minutes until easily pierced with a fork |
| Step 3: Mash Base | Drain thoroughly and mash sweet potatoes. Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, and milk until completely smooth |
| Step 4: Add Binding | Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until mixture is well combined and creamy throughout |
| Step 5: Assemble | Pour mixture into greased baking dish and smooth top with spatula for even surface |
| Step 6: Top & Bake | Sprinkle marshmallows evenly over surface. Bake 25-30 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Choose orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best color and natural sweetness in your finished casserole
- Drain sweet potatoes completely after boiling to prevent a watery casserole that won’t set properly
- Let the sweet potato mixture cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent them from scrambling in the hot mixture
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for easier mixing and a smoother final texture without lumps
- Cover edges with foil if marshmallows brown too quickly, allowing the center to finish cooking properly
Serving and Storage Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole
Serving Tips
Serve your sweet potato casserole immediately while the marshmallows are golden and slightly crispy on top. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or ultimate chicken casserole for a complete comfort food meal.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving. Use a large spoon to portion servings, ensuring each person gets both creamy sweet potato base and marshmallow topping.
For elegant presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped pecans. This casserole works wonderfully alongside other holiday favorites and complements both sweet and savory dishes perfectly.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Sweet Potato Casserole
Don’t overcook the sweet potatoes during the initial boiling phase. Mushy potatoes will create a watery casserole that won’t hold its shape properly when served.
Avoid adding hot sweet potato mixture directly to raw eggs, as this will cause them to scramble. Always let the mixture cool slightly before incorporating eggs for a smooth, creamy texture.
Never skip draining the cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly. Excess water will make your casserole soggy and prevent it from setting properly during baking.
Don’t overbake the marshmallow topping. Watch carefully during the final 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning. The marshmallows should be golden brown, not dark or charred.
You Must Know
- Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and supports eye health and immune function
- This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before adding marshmallows and baking
- For a healthier version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the butter and reduce brown sugar by one-quarter cup
- The dish serves 8-10 people generously, making it perfect for large family gatherings and holiday celebrations
Suggestions for Sweet Potato Casserole
Transform this basic recipe by adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the marshmallow topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor. Simply sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped nuts over the marshmallows before baking.
Create a more sophisticated version by replacing marshmallows with a brown sugar and oat crumble topping. Mix 1/2 cup each of brown sugar, flour, and oats with 4 tablespoons of cold butter for a crispy alternative.
For a spiced variation, add 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg, plus 1/4 teaspoon of ginger to the sweet potato mixture. This creates warm, fall-inspired flavors perfect for Thanksgiving.
Make individual portions by dividing the mixture among ramekins or muffin tins. Reduce baking time to 15-20 minutes for these smaller servings. This presentation works beautifully for dinner parties or meal prep.
Try incorporating maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile. Use 1/3 cup pure maple syrup and reduce the milk slightly to maintain proper consistency. This pairs wonderfully with dishes like creamy garlic shrimp pasta.
FAQs:
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Prepare the sweet potato mixture, transfer to your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add marshmallows just before baking and allow an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time since it’s starting cold.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes. For crispy marshmallows, remove foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.
Regular potatoes won’t work as a direct substitute because they lack the natural sweetness and different starch content of sweet potatoes. The flavor and texture would be completely different from traditional sweet potato casserole.
Ensure sweet potatoes are thoroughly drained after boiling and avoid overboiling them. Also, let the mashed sweet potato mixture cool slightly before adding other ingredients, and don’t add extra liquid beyond what the recipe calls for.
Try a streusel topping made with brown sugar, flour, oats, and butter. Chopped pecans, a simple brown sugar sprinkle, or even a light dusting of cinnamon sugar all make excellent alternatives to marshmallows.
Conclusion
This ultimate sweet potato casserole recipe delivers the perfect combination of comfort, nutrition, and crowd-pleasing flavor that makes it a standout dish for any occasion. With its creamy texture, natural sweetness, and golden marshmallow topping, it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or looking for a comforting side dish, this recipe provides reliable results every time. The make-ahead friendly nature and budget-conscious ingredients make it practical for busy cooks, while the delicious outcome ensures it will become a family favorite.
For more inspiring casserole recipes, check out this yummy sweet potato casserole variation or explore Food Network’s sweet potato casserole for additional inspiration. Don’t forget to try our keto cloud cake for a lighter dessert option to complete your meal.
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📖 Recipe Card
Sweet Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving 1x
Description
A delicious and creamy sweet potato casserole topped with golden marshmallows, perfect for holidays and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 medium (2 lbs) Sweet Potatoes
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup (melted) Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Mini Marshmallows
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and chop sweet potatoes into uniform chunks for even cooking
- Step 2: Cook Potatoes – Boil sweet potato chunks in salted water for 15-20 minutes until easily pierced with a fork
- Step 3: Mash Base – Drain thoroughly and mash sweet potatoes. Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, and milk until completely smooth
- Step 4: Add Binding – Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until mixture is well combined and creamy throughout
- Step 5: Assemble – Pour mixture into greased baking dish and smooth top with spatula for even surface
- Step 6: Top & Bake – Sprinkle marshmallows evenly over surface. Bake 25-30 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown
Notes
- Choose orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best color and natural sweetness in your finished casserole
- Drain sweet potatoes completely after boiling to prevent a watery casserole that won’t set properly
- Let the sweet potato mixture cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent them from scrambling in the hot mixture
- Cover edges with foil if marshmallows brown too quickly, allowing the center to finish cooking properly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285 calories
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: sweet potato casserole, holiday side dish, marshmallow topping, thanksgiving, comfort food, baked casserole
