If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table, you’ve landed in the right place! This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s creamy, delicious, and topped with a crunchy pecan layer that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, this casserole shines as a side dish that everyone will adore.

The best part? It’s so easy to prepare! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself making this dish time and time again. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some veggies while still being the star of the meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves sweet potatoes, especially when they are baked to perfection with marshmallows!
Easy preparation: You can whip this up in just about an hour; perfect for those busy days.
Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready; it’s stress-free!
Deliciously comforting: The combination of creamy potatoes and crunchy pecans makes every bite delightful.
Versatile side: It fits perfectly with any holiday feast or casual dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients. This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe uses basic staples that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you 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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you want to put your own spin on it, here are some ideas:

Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor and give it a warm spice.
Change up the nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or even almonds for a different crunch.
Make it gluten-free: Use almond flour instead of regular flour for a gluten-free topping.
Incorporate fruits: Add dried cranberries or chopped apples for an extra layer of sweetness.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Sweet Potatoes

Start by cooking your sweet potatoes until they are tender. You can boil them until soft or use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for convenience. Cooking them well is key; it ensures they mash smoothly and create that lovely creamy base we love!

Step 2: Preheat and Mash

Once your sweet potatoes are nice and soft, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, mash those potatoes until smooth but still slightly textured—this adds character to your dish!

Step 3: Mix in Flavorful Ingredients

To your mashed sweet potatoes, add eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and cream (or milk). Mix everything together until well combined. This step is important because each ingredient adds its unique flavor profile.

Step 4: Spread and Prepare the Topping

Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Now, let’s make that crunchy topping! In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and the chopped pecans. Mixing by hand keeps it rustic!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Sprinkle your topping over the sweet potato mixture—it doesn’t need to cover every inch! Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until the pecans are caramelized and golden brown.

Step 6: Add Marshmallows

Finally, sprinkle those mini vegan marshmallows over the top. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until they puff up and take on a light golden color. The marshmallows add such a fun touch!

Serve this delightful Sweet Potato Casserole warm at your next meal—your friends and family will thank you! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Creating the perfect sweet potato casserole is easier than you think! Here are some tips to elevate your dish and impress your family and friends.

Choose the right sweet potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth sweet potatoes with vibrant color. This ensures a creamier texture and richer flavor in your casserole.
Don’t over-mash: For that delightful rustic texture, mash the sweet potatoes just enough to combine the ingredients, leaving some small chunks. This adds character to your dish!
Customize the sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preferences. You can even substitute with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
Toast your pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the topping enhances their flavor, giving your casserole an extra crunch and nuttiness.
Add spices for warmth: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your sweet potato mixture. These warm spices provide a comforting aroma and complement the sweetness beautifully.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Serving this sweet potato casserole can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this delicious dish at your table.

Garnishes

Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the casserole.
Coconut whipped cream: A dollop of coconut whipped cream on top brings a creamy element that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Green bean almondine: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with almonds create a delightful contrast in texture and flavor alongside your casserole.
Roasted Brussels sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts beautifully complements the sweetness of the casserole, creating a well-rounded meal.
Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with diced vegetables and a zesty dressing provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the sweet potato dish.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll have a well-rounded meal that everyone will love! Enjoy your sweet potato casserole!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. You can prepare it in advance and have a comforting dish ready to go when you need it!

Storing Leftovers

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Enjoy within 3-5 days for the best flavor and quality.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container.
It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick snack!

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals one egg) or unsweetened applesauce for a vegan option.

How do I make my Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe sweeter?

If you’d like a sweeter casserole, feel free to increase the brown sugar by an additional 1/4 cup or add maple syrup to taste. Just remember that the sweetness can vary depending on how sweet your sweet potatoes are!

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans in this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe?

Yes! If you prefer walnuts or almonds, feel free to swap them out. Just keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor profile.

What’s the best way to prepare sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Boiling or steaming sweet potatoes until fork-tender is ideal. If you’re short on time, you can also use store-bought mashed sweet potatoes to save some effort!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe brings warmth and joy to your table! It’s not just a side dish; it’s a cozy hug in food form, perfect for any gathering or simply as a delightful treat during your week. I encourage you to give it a try and share it with loved ones—there’s nothing like enjoying comfort food together. Happy cooking!

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