The Coziest Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for Fall Comfort

Sweet potato casserole brings warmth to every festive table, offering comfort in each creamy, marshmallow-topped bite.

Crisp autumn evenings inspire this delightful dish that connects generations through simple, nostalgic flavors.

Grandmothers and home cooks have perfected this recipe over decades, creating a side that sparkles with buttery goodness.

Soft, orange-hued potatoes blend seamlessly with crunchy pecan toppings, promising a symphony of textures.

Layers of sweetness melt together, telling stories of shared meals and cherished memories.

Nutritious and indulgent, this casserole bridges health and pleasure with its wholesome ingredients.

One forkful promises to transport you to a world of culinary comfort and pure satisfaction.

Cozy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

• This sweet potato casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious side dish without complicated techniques.
• Suitable for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or potluck events, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults with its sweet, creamy texture and marshmallow topping that creates instant excitement.
• Sweet potatoes provide an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, transforming a classic comfort food into a surprisingly healthy dish that doesn't compromise on taste or indulgence.
• With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, this casserole comes together quickly, allowing busy home chefs to create a memorable side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Fresh root vegetables that form the creamy foundation of this classic casserole.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture for the mashed sweet potatoes.
• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Brown Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Create a warm, sweet base that complements the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Aromatic spices that add depth and warmth to the dish.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Egg: Helps bind the sweet potato mixture and provides structure to the casserole.
• Mini Marshmallows, Pecans: Add a delightful sweet and crunchy topping that creates a classic sweet potato casserole texture.

How to Prepare Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Boil and Soften Sweet Potatoes

Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly.

Peel and cut into uniform cubes.

Place potato chunks in a large pot filled with water.

Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat.

Cook potatoes until they’re super tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, typically around 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Create Creamy Potato Base

Carefully drain cooked potatoes in a colander.

Transfer potatoes to a spacious mixing bowl.

Grab a potato masher or electric mixer and transform potatoes into a silky smooth consistency.

• Whole milk
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt
• Large egg

Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish

Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Spread the potato mixture evenly across the dish, creating a smooth surface with a spatula.

Step 4: Design Irresistible Topping

Scatter mini marshmallows across the entire potato surface.

Sprinkle chopped pecans over the marshmallows for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for marshmallows to turn a beautiful golden brown and the edges to become slightly bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove casserole from oven and let it rest for 5-7 minutes.

This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.

Cut into generous portions and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness.

Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole Success

• Avoid overcooking sweet potatoes by checking their tenderness with a fork. Stop boiling the moment they become soft to maintain a perfect texture.
• Roast sweet potatoes instead of boiling for a richer, caramelized taste that adds complexity to the casserole's overall flavor profile.
• Use a hand mixer or potato masher for smooth, lump-free mashed sweet potatoes. Ensure ingredients are evenly incorporated for a silky texture.
• Watch marshmallows closely while baking to prevent burning. Cover with foil if they brown too quickly, ensuring a golden-brown topping without charring.
• Prepare the casserole base a day in advance and refrigerate. Add marshmallow topping just before baking to maintain their fresh, fluffy texture.

Storing and Reheating Sweet Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent marshmallows from burning, then warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm. Note that marshmallows might lose their crispy texture when microwaved.

Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potato Casserole

• Pair Rich Wines with Sweet Potato Casserole
• Select Velvety Riesling: This German white wine's slight sweetness perfectly complements the caramelized marshmallow and brown sugar notes, creating a harmonious flavor dance on your palate.
• Enhance with Pinot Noir: This light-bodied red wine offers subtle earthiness that matches the sweet potato's natural richness, while its soft tannins cut through the creamy texture.
• Match with Sparkling Moscato: Its light, bubbly character and sweet profile beautifully balances the casserole's warm spices and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's dense consistency.
• Elevate with Bourbon Cocktail: A classic old-fashioned with its caramel and vanilla undertones mirrors the casserole's warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, adding depth to the dining experience.

Sweet Potato Casserole Variations

• Vegan Sweet Potato Bliss: Replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk, swap butter for coconut oil, use aquafaba instead of egg, and top with vegan marshmallows for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, use gluten-free oat flour for a crumbly topping instead of traditional marshmallows, and add a sprinkle of gluten-free granola for extra crunch.
• Maple Pecan Fusion: Substitute brown sugar with pure maple syrup, increase pecan quantity, add a touch of bourbon for depth, and create a caramelized pecan crumble topping instead of marshmallows.
• Low-Sugar Wellness: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar, reduce overall sweetness, incorporate mashed banana for natural sweetness, and top with a light almond flour and chopped nut crumble.

FAQs

• Can I make this sweet potato casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble everything except the marshmallow topping, cover, and refrigerate. On the day of serving, add the marshmallows and bake as directed.

• Is it possible to use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Drain canned sweet potatoes well and use them as a time-saving alternative. Just be sure to reduce added sugar since canned versions are often pre-sweetened.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Replace some butter with Greek yogurt, use less brown sugar, and consider using a nut-based topping instead of marshmallows. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor without extra calories.

• What can I do if I don't have pecans?

No problem! You can substitute with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. If you prefer no nuts, simply skip them or use additional marshmallows for crunch.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole blends comfort and indulgence with its silky mashed potatoes and crunchy pecan topping. Rich marshmallow layers add a nostalgic twist that delights home cooks seeking classic holiday warmth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs / 907 grams)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk (or non-dairy alternative)
• 1 egg (or egg substitute)

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup (60 grams) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping:

• 2 cups (120 grams) mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped pecans (optional for added crunch)
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sweet potatoes by peeling and cubing them, then submerge in a pot of water. Bring to a rolling boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until they yield easily when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and transfer to a spacious mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or electric mixer, transform the potatoes into a silky, smooth consistency.
3. Incorporate the milk, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, warming spices, salt, and egg into the mashed sweet potatoes. Blend thoroughly until all ingredients are harmoniously combined.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and gently spread the creamy sweet potato mixture, ensuring an even surface with a rubber spatula.
5. Create a delectable topping by strategically arranging mini marshmallows across the entire surface, then generously scatter chopped pecans for an added layer of texture and crunch.
6. Position the oven rack in the middle and preheat to 350°F. Slide the casserole into the heated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden-brown marshmallows and a gently bubbling edges.
7. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly before serving, which helps maintain its luxurious, creamy texture.

Notes

• Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Roast sweet potatoes instead of boiling to concentrate natural sugars and enhance caramelized depth of flavor.
• Create a gluten-free option by using certified gluten-free marshmallows and checking brown sugar ingredients.
• Reduce sugar content by using half the recommended amount or substituting with maple syrup for a more natural sweetness profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg