Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic holiday side dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel and optional toasted mini marshmallows. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for festive dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Base
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Optional
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
- Make the Sweet Potato Base: In a large bowl, mash the boiled sweet potatoes until smooth. Add the melted butter, milk, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg if using, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the pecan crumb mixture evenly over the sweet potato base in the baking dish.
- Optional Marshmallow Topping: If desired, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the pecan topping for an extra sweet, gooey layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the marshmallows, if used, are toasted and melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly to set before serving. Enjoy warm as a delicious holiday side dish.
Notes
- You can omit the marshmallows if you prefer a less sweet topping or want a more traditional pecan streusel.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Make sure the sweet potatoes are cooked fully until fork-tender for the creamiest texture.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
