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Sweet Potato Casserole
This Sweet Potato Casserole combines creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for holiday dinners and cozy family meals!
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This Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish! With creamy mashed sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping, it’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Your family will love every bite of this warm and cozy classic, ideal for Thanksgiving or any dinner party. You’ll be coming back for seconds!
This recipe is super easy to make, and you can follow the simple guide below. We’ve included step-by-step photos, handy pro tips, and answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you create the best casserole possible.
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This Sweet Potato Casserole takes just over an hour to make and is perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or any special occasion. The creamy sweet potato base paired with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping creates the perfect texture combination. It’s sweet, savory, and loaded with cozy flavors that everyone will love.
Make this dish at home and wow your guests with a comforting classic that always impresses!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this Pecan Sweet Potatoes Casserole:
- 8 cups of peeled and cubed sweet potatoes (6-7 medium-sized fresh sweet potatoes)
- 2 cups of water
- ¾ cup of dark brown sugar, packed
- 5 tablespoons of salted sweet cream butter, softened
- 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1½ cups of chopped pecans (divided into 1 cup and ½ cup)
- 3 cups of mini marshmallows
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your Sweet Potato Casserole recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding tasty extras! These easy changes can make the dish uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Add Cinnamon: Mix in ground cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and spice in your mashed sweet potatoes.
Substitute Pecans: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty crunch in your casserole topping.
Substitute Sugar: Use maple syrup or honey in place of sugar for a naturally sweetened sweet potato base.
Add Marshmallows: Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top for a gooey, sweet layer that pairs perfectly with the pecan topping.
These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this southern Sweet Potato Casserole.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole
Follow along with our step-by-step instructions and pictures to make this delicious Sweet Potato Casserole. Check out the tips and tricks listed below for extra help. Let’s get started!
Pro Tip
This recipe can be made for a larger crowd, you can easily double it if you need.
FIRST STEP: Using a 5 to 6-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan set on medium-high, add the cubed sweet potatoes and enough water to cover the potatoes. Cover the saucepan and cook the sweet potatoes until fork tender.
Pro Tip
If you have a preferred method of cooking sweet potatoes, such as baking or in the microwave, you can cook them that way instead.
SECOND STEP: Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the saucepan.
THIRD STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
FOURTH STEP: Add in the brown sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Use a potato masher and mash all the ingredients until smooth.
FIFTH STEP: Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans to the mashed sweet potatoes.
SIXTH STEP: Evenly spoon and spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
SEVENTH STEP: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of chopped pecans and the mini marshmallows.
EIGHTH STEP: Bake this easy sweet potato casserole uncovered for 25 minutes until the marshmallows are slightly golden brown. Serve while hot.
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on the marshmallows at the end of the baking time so that you don’t burn them.
How To Serve Baked Sweet Potato Casserole
This Sweet Potato Casserole with pecans is perfect for any occasion and season. It’s a family-friendly dish that works for both kids and adults! Here are three ways to serve it for different occasions.
- Holiday Dinners
This casserole is a must-have for Thanksgiving or Christmas! Its sweet, savory flavors complement dishes like roasted turkey or glazed ham. Add some cranberry sauce on the side for a festive touch. - Fall Potlucks
Bring this cozy dish to fall gatherings and watch it disappear fast! It pairs perfectly with hearty soups or slow-cooked meats like pulled pork. - Family Weeknight Dinners
Sweet Potatoes Casserole works great as a side for weeknight meals too. Serve it with baked chicken or meatloaf for a comforting family dinner that everyone will love!
Why You'll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved favorite for several delicious reasons:
- Perfect Sweet and Savory Balance: This yam casserole recipe combines the creamy sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that everyone loves.
- Comforting Classic: Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole brings a cozy, comforting vibe to any meal. It’s often tied to warm family gatherings and holiday dinners, making it a nostalgic dish that feels like home.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Not only do adults love it, but kids go crazy for the sweet flavors too. It’s a hit at every meal and a favorite among all ages.
Casserole with Sweet Potatoes isn't just a side dish—it’s a heartwarming recipe that brings people together!
Recipe FAQ
Can I make sweet potato bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?
The sweet potatoes are done when they are tender and mash easily with a fork or potato masher.
Should I use fresh or canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture, but canned sweet potatoes can be used for convenience.
How do I prevent the pecan topping from burning?
Cover the casserole loosely with foil during the last ten to fifteen minutes of baking to prevent the topping from burning.
Serving FAQ
Can I serve Sweet Potato Casserole at room temperature?
Yes, Sweet Potato Casserole can be served warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
How many people does this Sweet Potato Casserole recipe serve?
This recipe typically serves about eight to ten people, making it perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Can I double the Sweet Potato Casserole recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time.
Should I serve Sweet Potato Casserole as a side or a dessert?
Sweet Potato Casserole is traditionally served as a side dish, but its sweet flavors make it feel like dessert!
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions below for storing your Sweet Potato Casserole, making it ahead, and reheating it perfectly. From prepping in advance to keeping leftovers fresh, we’ve got you covered with the best tips and tricks!
Can I prepare Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
What’s the best way to store leftover Sweet Potato Casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days.
Can I freeze Sweet Potato Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it well in foil or plastic wrap, and it will last up to two months.
How do I reheat Sweet Potato Casserole?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the topping from over-browning.
Sweet Potato Casserole
This Sweet Potato Casserole combines creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for holiday dinners and cozy family meals!
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Ingredients
- 8 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes (6 to 7 medium-sized sweet potatoes)
- 2 cups water
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 5 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter (softened)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1½ cups chopped pecans (divided 1 into cup and ½ cup)
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
DIRECTIONS
- Using a 5 to 6-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan set on medium-high, add the cubed sweet potato and water. Cover the saucepan and cook the sweet potato until fork tender.
- Drain the sweet potato and return to the saucepan.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
- Add in the brown sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Use a potato masher and mash all the ingredients until smooth.
- Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans.
- Evenly spoon and spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of chopped pecans and the mini marshmallows.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Serve while hot.
Notes
- This recipe can be made for a larger crowd, you can easily double it if you need.
- If you have a preferred method of cooking sweet potatoes, such as baking or in the microwave, you can cook them that way instead.
- Keep an eye on the marshmallows at the end of the baking time so that you don’t burn them.
Nutrition
Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 153mg | Potassium: 566mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 19100IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 2mg
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