Description
A classic Sweet Potato Casserole recipe featuring tender mashed sweet potatoes blended with brown sugar, butter, and warm spices, topped with crunchy pecans and toasted miniature marshmallows. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this dish is a comforting favorite for holiday dinners or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¾ cup chopped pecans, divided
Topping
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes into a pot of boiling water. Simmer them for about 15 minutes or until they become fork-tender, then drain the water.
- Mash and Flavor: Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large bowl—or back into the pot—and mash them thoroughly. Mix in brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt and black pepper to taste, creating a smooth, flavorful base.
- Add Pecans: Fold in half of the chopped pecans gently into the mashed sweet potato mixture, then spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the miniature marshmallows evenly over the sweet potato layer, followed by the remaining pecans for a crunchy finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the casserole is heated through. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds.
- You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day ahead and refrigerate before adding topping and baking.
- Use fresh marshmallows as mini marshmallows melt best and create a nice crust.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the mashed potatoes for extra spice flavor.
- To speed cooking, sweet potatoes can be steamed instead of boiled.
