Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Introduction

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Sweet potato casserole is a beloved side dish during the holiday season, bringing sweet and savory flavors together in a dish everyone will love. This recipe for sweet potato casserole topped with gooey marshmallows is a classic favorite, perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion. It combines the creamy richness of sweet potatoes with a sweet crumbly topping, finished off with a blanket of golden toasted marshmallows.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Sweet Potato Mixture

The sweet potato base is the heart of this dish, combining smooth and flavorful ingredients:
– Cooked sweet potatoes (approximately 4 cups, mashed)
– Granulated white sugar, 1 cup
– Butter (softened), 1/2 cup
– Milk, 1/3 cup
– Eggs, 2 large
– Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon

Topping

The topping gives you that irresistible crunch and sweetness:
– Brown sugar, 1/2 cup
– Chopped pecans, 1/3 cup
– Butter (melted), 1/3 cup
– Marshmallows (mini or regular), to cover the top

Prep Time

Preparing Your Sweet Potato Casserole

Preparation is straightforward, ensuring you can enjoy more time with family and friends during the cooking process. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Wash, peel, and boil the sweet potatoes until fork-tender. After draining, mash them thoroughly in a large bowl.

Once the potatoes are mashed and smooth, mix in sugar, softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Be sure to combine the mixture well for a creamy and consistent flavor. Spread this mixture evenly into your greased casserole dish and prepare the topping.

For the topping, mix brown sugar, pecans, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes, ensuring complete coverage for the best crunch in every bite.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Baking and Serving

Bake the casserole at 350°F for approximately 20 minutes. After that, remove it from the oven and carefully add a layer of marshmallows on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the marshmallows as they toast, ensuring a perfect golden color without burning.

Total Time

Including preparation and cooking, this recipe takes about 1 hour in total.

Yield

This dish is perfect for serving 10 to 12 people, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or holiday feasts.

This traditional sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is not only incredibly easy to make but is also a nostalgic dish that reminds everyone of the comforts of home. Serve it as a side dish, and it will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your meal. Enjoy the compliments and the warmth it brings to your table!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks. Once chopped, place them into a large pot of water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the sweet potatoes until fork-tender, then drain the water and set the sweet potatoes aside.

Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Place the cooked sweet potatoes into a mixing bowl. Use a masher or an electric mixer to mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Ensure all lumps are gone for a creamy consistency.

Step 3: Mix Sweet Potato Ingredients

Add melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix everything together until fully combined.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while preparing the casserole.

Step 5: Assemble the Sweet Potato Base

Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure the layer is well-distributed and smooth.

Step 6: Add Marshmallows

Top the sweet potato layer with an even layer of mini marshmallows. Cover the entire surface for a consistent topping.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and melted. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm as a perfect side dish for any holiday meal or gathering.

Notes

Note 1: Ensure Potatoes Are Fully Cooked

Make sure the sweet potatoes are cooked thoroughly until they can be easily pierced with a fork. This helps achieve a silky texture in the mashed base.

Note 2: Sweetness Adjustments

You can adjust the amount of maple syrup and brown sugar to make the casserole more or less sweet based on your personal preference.

Note 3: Marshmallow Layer

For extra marshmallow coverage, lightly press the marshmallows into the sweet potato mixture to help adhere them better during baking.

Note 4: Broiling Option

If the marshmallows are not browning as desired, switch the oven to the broil setting for a few minutes at the end, but keep a close watch to avoid burning.

Note 5: Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sweet potato mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the marshmallow layer right before baking.

Note 6: Alternative Toppings

For a variation, use a mixture of chopped pecans and brown sugar as an additional or alternative topping to the marshmallows.
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Cook Techniques

How to Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

To achieve the perfect texture for your casserole, boil peeled and chopped sweet potatoes until fork-tender. This ensures they mash easily and contribute to a creamy consistency.

Mashing Sweet Potatoes

Once the potatoes are boiled, mash them using a potato masher, hand mixer, or stand mixer until they are completely smooth. This step is crucial for a silky casserole base.

Sweetening the Potato Mixture

Incorporate brown sugar into the mashed potatoes to enhance the natural sweetness of the dish. Adjust the quantity according to personal taste.

Creating the Casserole Layer

Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish to ensure uniform cooking. This helps with an even balance across each serving.

Adding Marshmallow Topping

After spreading the sweet potato base, evenly distribute marshmallows on top as a finishing layer. Use mini marshmallows for better coverage and quicker browning.

Baking for Perfection

Bake the casserole until the marshmallows are golden brown and slightly crisp on the top. Monitor closely during the final minutes to prevent burning.

FAQ

Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready, add the marshmallows and bake as instructed.

What size casserole dish should I use?

For the best results, use a 9×13 inch casserole dish. It provides the ideal thickness for the layers to cook evenly.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, but mini marshmallows are preferred as they melt more evenly and provide better coverage. Large marshmallows can be cut into smaller pieces if needed.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk alternatives to make the dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the sweet potato mixture without the marshmallows. When ready to serve, thaw, top with marshmallows, and bake as directed.

What can I use as a substitute for marshmallows?

If you prefer a less sweet topping, you can substitute the marshmallows with a pecan streusel topping made from chopped pecans, brown sugar, and butter.

Conclusion

Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for holidays or any special gathering. It combines creamy sweet potatoes with the irresistible sweetness of toasted marshmallows, offering a classic, crowd-pleasing flavor. This casserole is a staple that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds, bringing warmth and joy to your table.

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