There are side dishes that literally steal the show during holiday meals and large family gatherings, and sweet potato casserole is undoubtedly one of them. With its ultra-creamy, spice-infused mashed sweet potato base, topped with a crunchy pecan crumble and gooey melted marshmallows, this American classic delivers an absolute magic combination of textures and flavors.
Recipe Quick Facts
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8 people
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 3 pounds (about 1.4 kg) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Pecan & Marshmallow Crumble:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
- 1.5 cups mini marshmallows
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potato chunks in a large pot of boiling salted water. Let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes until fork-tender, then drain them thoroughly.
- Make the Mash: In a large bowl, mash the hot sweet potatoes. Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix vigorously until smooth and homogeneous, then spread this mash into a buttered baking dish.
- Prepare the Crumble: In a medium bowl, mix the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter cubes using your fingertips until a crumbly texture forms, then stir in the chopped pecans.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the surface of the sweet potato mash. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 25 minutes.
- Add the Marshmallows: Remove the dish from the oven and scatter the mini marshmallows over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the marshmallows are melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving warm.
Chef’s Useful Tips
- Steam Option: For even more flavorful and less water-logged sweet potatoes, you can steam them or roast them whole in their skins before mashing.
- Flavor Balance: The natural sweetness of the sweet potato pairs wonderfully with the warm notes of cinnamon and the sweet-and-salty crunch of the pecans.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 32g
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 220mg
Conclusion
This sweet potato casserole perfectly blends the smooth sweetness of a creamy mash with the gourmet crunch of a nut and marshmallow crumble. It is the ultimate comfort dish to brighten up your holiday tables and delight all your guests.