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For this easy sweet potato casserole, I use simple and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup mini marshmallows - Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Each ingredient adds its own flavor and texture. Sweet potatoes give a creamy base, while brown sugar and maple syrup add sweetness. The butter makes it rich, and vanilla adds depth. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and spice. Salt balances the sweetness. Finally, mini marshmallows on top give a fun, toasted finish. If you want crunch, add chopped nuts! These ingredients come together for a delightful dish everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to cooking your casserole evenly. 2. Boiling the sweet potatoes Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain the sweet potatoes and set them aside. 3. Mashing the sweet potatoes In a large mixing bowl, take your drained sweet potatoes and mash them with a fork or potato masher. Aim for a smooth texture, which helps the flavors mix well. 4. Mixing in other ingredients Add 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter to the mashed sweet potatoes. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir everything until combined and smooth. 1. Transferring the mixture to a baking dish Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and pour the sweet potato mixture into it. Spread the mixture evenly across the dish. 2. Adding toppings Sprinkle 1 cup of mini marshmallows on top of the sweet potato layer. Make sure to cover the mixture evenly. If you want extra crunch, you can add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts. 3. Baking time and temperature Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for the marshmallows to turn golden brown and toasted. When ready, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. To get fork-tender sweet potatoes, boil them until soft. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. You want them to break apart easily when poked with a fork. After boiling, drain them well to remove excess water. When mashing sweet potatoes, use a fork or potato masher. Mash until smooth for a creamy texture. Avoid using a blender, as it can make them gummy. If you like, you can mix in some melted butter while mashing for extra creaminess. You can boost the flavor with extra spices. Try adding a pinch of ginger or allspice for a warm, inviting taste. If you want a richer sweetness, use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup. You can also experiment with flavored extracts. A splash of almond extract can add a nice twist. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the dish. To make your casserole look great, add some garnishes. A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top can add color and flavor. You can also use chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy finish. When serving, try a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This makes the dish feel special. Always serve it warm to enjoy the best flavors and texture! Pro Tips Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without any bruises or blemishes for the best flavor and texture. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on personal preference and the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, you can reduce or increase the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup. Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance. Assemble it and store it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake when ready to serve. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to mix up the toppings! Try adding crushed graham crackers or coconut flakes along with or instead of the marshmallows for added flavor. {{image_2}} For those who follow a vegan diet, you can make easy swaps. Use coconut oil instead of butter. Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. You can also skip the mini marshmallows or find vegan versions. For gluten-free options, this recipe is already safe. Just make sure your sugar and toppings are gluten-free. If you're looking for alternative sweeteners, try using agave syrup or honey. These can add a different flavor. You can also reduce the amount of brown sugar if you want it less sweet. For topping alternatives, instead of marshmallows, consider using crushed nuts or a sprinkle of oats. Both add a nice crunch. In the South, sweet potato casserole often has a crunchy pecan topping. Mixing in some orange juice or zest can brighten the dish. For an international twist, consider adding spices like cardamom or ginger. Some cultures even add coconut milk for a creamy texture. Each variation brings new flavors to this classic dish. To keep your sweet potato casserole fresh, store it properly. - Refrigeration guidelines: Place leftovers in an airtight container. It can last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always let it cool down before sealing the container. - Freezing instructions: If you want to save it longer, freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This way, it can last for up to 3 months. Label the package with the date for easy tracking. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, use these reheating tips. - Best methods for reheating: The oven is the best choice. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 to 25 minutes. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just cover it and heat in short intervals until warm. - Keeping the texture intact: To keep the sweet potatoes creamy, avoid overheating. Stir gently if reheating in the microwave. This helps prevent drying out the dish. Sweet potato casserole lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Make sure you store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Yes, you can make sweet potato casserole ahead of time. Prepare it a day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you are ready to serve. This saves time on busy days. Absolutely! Fresh sweet potatoes are great for this dish. Peel and cube them, then boil until fork-tender. They will taste fantastic and add a nice texture. You can serve sweet potato casserole with turkey, ham, or roasted chicken. It pairs well with green beans or a fresh salad. These sides balance the sweetness of the casserole. Sweet potato casserole can be healthy, especially if you control the sugar. Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and fiber. Using less brown sugar and butter can make it even healthier. This blog post covered all you need to make sweet potato casserole. We explored key ingredients, preparation steps, baking tips, and variations. You can adjust the recipe for your diet or region. Don’t forget to store leftovers correctly for the best taste later. Sweet potato casserole is a comforting dish that fits any table. Embrace your creativity and enjoy making this delicious meal with loved ones. You now have all the tools to create a tasty casserole, so get started!

Sweet Potato Delight Casserole

A delicious and sweet casserole made with mashed sweet potatoes, topped with marshmallows and nuts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup maple syrup
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Boil a large pot of salted water, then add the cubed sweet potatoes. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
  • Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the sweet potatoes. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth.
  • Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top of the sweet potato layer, ensuring an even coverage. If desired, add chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with cinnamon and paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Keyword casserole, dessert, sweet potato, thanksgiving