Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that embodies comfort and warmth, this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is just what you need. It’s creamy, sweet, and topped with crunchy candied pecans and toasted vegan marshmallows—talk about a crowd-pleaser! I love making this casserole during family gatherings, holiday feasts, or even on busy weeknights when I want to treat my loved ones to something special. The delightful combination of flavors makes it an instant favorite at the dinner table.

This recipe has been passed down through friends and family, and every time I make it, I’m reminded of warm memories shared over delicious meals. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare that you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this tasty casserole without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike adore the sweet flavor and gooey marshmallows—it’s a win-win!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and pecans creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will rave about.
• Wholesome Ingredients: This recipe uses simple ingredients that are good for you, making it a guilt-free treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Sweet Potato Casserole is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients. You probably have most of them in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sweet Potato Base

• 5 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 1 cup water
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup butter (melted)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2-3 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk)

For the Topping

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup flour
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 3-4 cups mini vegan marshmallows

Variations

This casserole is incredibly flexible, allowing you to customize it according to your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Some Spice: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to give your sweet potato base an extra layer of flavor.
• Nut Alternatives: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty crunch.
• Fruit Twist: Add in some chopped apples or pears for a fruity touch that complements the sweetness.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a fully vegan version.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by cooking your sweet potatoes until they are tender. You can boil them in water or use a slow cooker or Instant Pot—my favorite method because it’s so hands-off! After cooking, mash them until they’re smooth but still a bit textured.

Step 2: Mix in Flavorful Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Add eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and heavy cream (or milk) to your mashed sweet potatoes. Mixing these ingredients well is key; you’ll want everything blended together for that rich flavor!

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread your sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly level; rustic is charming!

Step 4: Create the Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Mix well with a spoon until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping generously over the sweet potato base—it’s okay if some areas remain uncovered!

Step 5: Bake It Up

Bake your casserole uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until the pecans are caramelized. The aroma will fill your kitchen with goodness!

Step 6: Toast Those Marshmallows

Finally, sprinkle mini vegan marshmallows over the top of your casserole. Return it to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until they puff up and turn lightly golden brown. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving—then enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Creating the perfect sweet potato casserole is all about the little details, and I’m here to help you master them!

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes. This ensures a creamy texture and retains that lovely natural sweetness.

• Don’t over-mash: For a delightful texture, mash your sweet potatoes until just smooth. Leaving a few lumps can add character and make your casserole more interesting.

• Adjust sweetness to your taste: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on how sweet your sweet potatoes are. Taste as you go; after all, this dish should be customized to your preference!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and quality butter can significantly enhance the overall flavor of your casserole. It’s worth the extra effort to use high-quality ingredients.

• Bake uncovered for that crunch: Baking without foil allows the pecan topping to caramelize beautifully, giving you that irresistible crunchy texture.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Serving your sweet potato casserole can turn this comfort food into a memorable experience! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme can add an aromatic touch that complements the sweetness of the dish.
• Cinnamon dusting: Lightly dusting with ground cinnamon before serving adds a warm spice note that perfectly pairs with sweet potatoes.

Side Dishes

• Green Bean Almondine: Sautéed green beans tossed with toasted almonds create a bright, crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy veggies bring a delightful earthiness that balances out the sweetness of the casserole.
• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a light, zesty flavor and healthy grains to your meal.
• Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread is a classic companion that pairs splendidly with our rich sweet potato casserole.

Now, gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy this comforting dish together! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can easily make it ahead of time for gatherings or weeknight dinners, ensuring you have a delicious side dish ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• If possible, keep the topping separate to maintain its crunchiness.

Freezing

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover the casserole with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. For a crunchy topping, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs and replace butter with plant-based alternatives. There are also dairy-free cream options available that work perfectly.

How do I store leftovers from the Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Remember to keep toppings separate if possible!

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, feel free to swap pecans with walnuts or almonds depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly!

What can I serve with Sweet Potato Casserole?

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled tofu, or a fresh green salad. It’s versatile enough to complement any meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe! It’s not just a side dish; it’s a comforting addition that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Enjoy making it as much as you enjoy eating it! Don’t forget to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!