Sweet potato casserole is a classic dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery topping. This dish is perfect for holiday feasts, family gatherings, or even as a special side dish for dinner. The creamy, mashed sweet potatoes blend harmoniously with a crunchy, nutty topping, creating a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. Whether you enjoy it with marshmallows or a pecan crumble, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 4 cups mashed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks.
- Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
2. Mash and Mix the Base
- Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth using a potato masher or electric mixer.
- Add melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix everything until well combined and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
3. Prepare the Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the softened butter and mix until the texture becomes crumbly.
- Stir in the chopped pecans for added crunch.
4. Assemble and Bake
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato base.
- If using marshmallows, add them on top of the pecan mixture for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the marshmallows are lightly toasted.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy the rich, buttery, and sweet flavors of this irresistible casserole.
This sweet potato casserole is the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, making it a must-have for any festive table. Whether served as a side dish or a dessert-like treat, it will undoubtedly become a family favorite.