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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and gently spread the creamy sweet potato mixture, ensuring an even surface with a rubber spatula.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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