Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for the Holidays
Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a buttery, brown sugar topping. This dish is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a beloved side dish for holiday dinners, especially Thanksgiving. Topped with either a crunchy pecan topping or a marshmallow layer, Sweet Potato Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a warm, hearty dish that’s both indulgent and full of nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt, to taste
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the cubed sweet potatoes. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), eggs, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to the prepared baking dish and spread them evenly.
- For the topping: If you prefer the pecan topping, sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes. For a marshmallow topping, evenly spread the mini marshmallows on top.
- Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole in advance: Assemble the dish and refrigerate overnight. Bake it just before serving.
- For an extra creamy texture, add a bit more milk or cream to the mashed sweet potatoes.
- If you want a more decadent topping, you can combine the pecans with some additional brown sugar and butter for a caramelized effect.
- You can easily adjust the sweetness of the casserole by adding more or less brown sugar depending on your preference.
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