Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: A Festive Addition to Your Christmas Foods
As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, our hearts fill with nostalgia. We look forward to being with loved ones and the kitchen’s scent of spices. The cozy comfort of traditions is what the holiday season is all about. And for many, no Thanksgiving is complete without a classic sweet potato casserole.
This dish is a holiday table staple, offering both comfort and surprise. It’s made with mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and butter, with a hint of cinnamon. The top layer of crunchy pecans and fluffy marshmallows adds to the delight.
Key Takeaways
- This sweet potato casserole recipe is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that’s both comforting and delicious.
- The recipe is simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for busy holiday schedules.
- The casserole is inexpensive to prepare, making it an accessible and budget-friendly option for your holiday feast.
- In addition to Thanksgiving, this recipe is also suitable for other holiday gatherings, such as Easter or Christmas, as well as Sunday dinners.
- With a high rating of 5 stars from over 6,200 votes, this sweet potato casserole is a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Why This Sweet Potato Casserole Is Perfect for Your Holiday Table
Our sweet potato casserole is a family favorite for holidays. It’s creamy, flavorful, and has a crunchy topping. It’s sure to impress your guests and become a holiday staple.
This casserole is great because you can make it ahead of time. Prepare it 1-2 days before your event. Then, just bake it on the day, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dish ready to go.
The recipe is also very versatile. You can choose from a classic pecan crumble, a fluffy marshmallow topping, or both. This lets you tailor the dish to your taste and your guests’ preferences.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | 3 pounds (approx. 6-9 potatoes) |
| Brown Sugar | 1 cup |
| Melted Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Mini Marshmallows | 2 cups |
With these ingredients, you can make a sweet potato casserole that everyone will love. It’s perfect as a side dish or a decadent dessert. It’s sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering.
“This sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving must-have. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the texture is simply divine. It’s a dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds!”
Essential Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole
Base Ingredients
The base of our sweet potato casserole includes a few key items. We’ll start with 3 pounds or 6 medium to large sweet potatoes. These will be the foundation of our dish.
Next, we add brown sugar for a warm, caramelized sweetness. We also mix in creamy butter, eggs, and a bit of evaporated milk. This creates a rich, smooth texture. To enhance the flavors, we’ll add a dash of vanilla extract and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Topping Options
For the topping, you have two tasty choices. You can make a rich pecan crumble with butter, flour, and more brown sugar. Or, you can go classic with golden marshmallows. Both add a delightful crunch and sweetness.
Feel free to try other flavors like maple syrup, a splash of bourbon, or pumpkin pie spice. For convenience, you can use canned sweet potatoes. The Bruce’s brand is a great choice.
“This sweet potato casserole is the perfect addition to our Thanksgiving feast. The combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and pecans or marshmallows is simply divine.”
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Making the perfect Sweet Potato Casserole is easier than you think. Let’s go through the steps to make a delicious dish.
- Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut 3 pounds of sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Put them in a large pot, cover with water, and boil. Cook until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Drain the sweet potatoes and put them in a large bowl. Mash them until smooth with a potato masher or electric mixer. Add ¼ cup of unsalted butter, ¾ teaspoon of salt, ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, and ⅛ teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
- Add the Eggs: Beat in 2 large eggs to the sweet potato mix. This makes it rich and custard-like.
- Prepare the Topping: Mix ¼ cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 cup of coarsely chopped pecans in a bowl. This makes a crumbly streusel topping.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the sweet potato mix in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the streusel mix. Bake at 375°F for 25-35 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
For a half-and-half topping, bake the casserole with the pecan crumble first. Then add the marshmallows halfway through.
By following these steps, you’ll make a wonderful Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The mix of boiling sweet potatoes, mashing, and baking makes a rich, creamy, and sweet dish. It will impress your guests.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Our sweet potato casserole is a hit on Thanksgiving. It’s also easy to make ahead to save time. We’ve got tips for refrigerating and freezing it.
Refrigeration Guidelines
This casserole can stay in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking. Just put it together, cover it well, and chill it until baking time. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking at 400°F for 20 minutes.
Stir the dish, add the topping, and bake for another 15-20 minutes. The topping should be golden, and the filling hot and bubbly.
Freezing Options
- To freeze for up to 3 months, prepare the dish but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze.
- Thaw the frozen casserole in the fridge overnight before baking. Preheat to 400°F, remove foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Stir, add the topping, and bake for 20-30 minutes more.
With these tips, you can enjoy our sweet potato casserole all holiday season. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 408 kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 61g | 20% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fiber | 6g | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 5% |
Conclusion
This sweet potato casserole recipe is a beloved holiday tradition for many families. It’s versatile, making it perfect as a side dish. You can choose between a pecan crumble or marshmallow topping.
Making it ahead of time and easy to prepare makes it a great choice for holidays. Its mix of sweet and savory flavors, along with its comforting texture, makes it a favorite. It’s sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table and other special events.
Whether you’re keeping a tradition alive or introducing it to your family for the first time, this casserole is a winner. It brings warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in this sweet potato casserole recipe?
The main ingredients are sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and butter. You also need eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. For the topping, you can choose between a pecan crumble or classic miniature marshmallows.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the casserole for up to 48 hours before baking. Just remember to store the topping separately and add it before baking.
Can this sweet potato casserole be frozen?
Yes, you can prepare and freeze the casserole without baking for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What are some variations of this recipe?
You can add maple syrup, bourbon, or pumpkin pie spice to change the flavor. You can also mix pecan crumble with marshmallows for the topping.
How long does this sweet potato casserole take to prepare?
Preparing the casserole involves peeling and boiling the sweet potatoes. Then, mash them and spread the mixture in a dish. Bake it for 25-35 minutes.
Can canned sweet potatoes be used in this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes as a substitute. Bruce’s brand is recommended for its high quality.
