Cozy Best Sweet Potato Casserole for Your Holiday Gatherings
Oh, the comforting aroma of sweet potatoes baking in the oven—there’s something truly magical about it, isn’t there? As the days get shorter and the chill of winter settles in, my thoughts turn to warm, family recipes that evoke memories of shared meals and laughter around the table. This Best Sweet Potato Casserole is a shining star in my holiday recipe collection, bringing a blend of creamy sweetness and crunchy texture that makes it the perfect dish for cozy gatherings.
Imagine gathering your loved ones and digging into a golden dish of sweet potatoes, topped with fluffy marshmallows and crunchy pecans. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with nostalgia. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a quiet winter Saturday night, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy: The sweet potato base is creamy and tender, blending beautifully with the warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla.
- Quick & Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for busy holiday cooking.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of marshmallows and pecans creates a delightful contrast that everyone will adore.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish a day in advance and simply pop it in the oven when it’s time to eat.
- Comfort Food Classic: This delicious casserole brings warmth and joy, making it an essential part of your holiday tradition.
What You’ll Need
To create this delicious Best Sweet Potato Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/4 cup flour (for topping)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for topping)
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, boil sweet potatoes until they’re tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash them until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a comforting layer.
- In a separate bowl, mix the miniature marshmallows, chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter for the delicious topping.
- Sprinkle the topping mixture generously over the sweet potato casserole, covering it with love.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
Fun Ways to Customize It
While this casserole is perfect just as it is, here are some delightful variations you might want to try:
- Zesty Citrus: Add some orange zest for a bright, refreshing kick that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- Nutty Brown Sugar Crumble: Swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor and texture.
- Rich Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the topping for an indulgent twist on this classic dish.
- Dried Fruit Addition: Mix in some chopped dried cranberries or raisins for a hint of tartness that balances the sweetness.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: You can prepare this casserole the day before. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re in a pinch for brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar, or try using maple syrup for a unique flavor.
- Cutting Tips: To ensure even cooking, make sure the sweet potatoes are similarly sized when you cube them before boiling.
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and reheat gently in the oven.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: Approximately 295
- Carbs: 41g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and bake it right before serving.Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! You can easily swap in different nuts or even add dried fruits and spices for a personalized touch.How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.How long does it last?
If properly stored, you can keep leftovers for about a week, although it’s best fresh.
Wrapping It Up
This Best Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a heartfelt recipe that brings families together around the table. Its rich flavors and comforting texture evoke warmth and nostalgia, making every bite a delightful experience. Save this cozy treat to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a dish that feels like a warm hug—because that’s what the holidays are all about. Happy cooking, friends!
Print
Best Sweet Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows and pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/4 cup flour (for topping)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.
- In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix miniature marshmallows, chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter for the topping.
- Sprinkle topping mixture over the sweet potato casserole.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
Can be prepared a day in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: sweet potato, casserole, holiday, dessert, vegetarian