Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic comforting dish perfect for holiday dinners or any special occasion. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are mixed with butter, warm spices, and brown sugar, then topped with toasted pecans and melted marshmallows for a delightful sweet and crunchy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into cubes, about 3 medium potatoes)
- â…“ cup unsalted butter (cut into 1-tablespoon slices, â…” stick)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- â…› teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans
Topping
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray and set it aside to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Steam Sweet Potatoes: Place a steamer basket into a pot filled with 2 inches of water. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, cover the pot, and bring it to a simmer. Once you see steam, let the potatoes cook for 10-15 minutes until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Add the unsalted butter slices and mash the mixture thoroughly with a potato masher until smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavors: Stir in ½ cup of the toasted chopped pecans, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and ground nutmeg until well combined with the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining chopped toasted pecans and then the mini marshmallows evenly over the top to create a flavorful and attractive topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted and golden brown, creating a deliciously gooey and toasted topping.
Notes
- You can toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the brown sugar slightly or use fewer marshmallows.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream while mashing the sweet potatoes.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead; assemble it and refrigerate before baking, adding additional baking time if chilled.
