Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Wash, peel, and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil in a large pot of water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them in a large bowl.
- Mix in the brown sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt with the mashed sweet potatoes until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the mini marshmallows generously over the top of the sweet potato mixture.
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans with a tablespoon of melted butter, then sprinkle this over the marshmallows.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the sweet potato mixture is set.
- Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
Consider serving this Sweet Potato Casserole alongside a variety of dishes! It pairs beautifully with roast turkey, ham, or even grilled vegetables for a cozy vegetarian spread. For a real indulgence, why not whip up some maple-glazed Brussels sprouts or a crisp apple salad for a refreshing contrast?
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, let the casserole cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or pop a single serving in the microwave for a quick treat.
Helpful cooking tips
For the best texture, ensure that the sweet potatoes are cooked until fork-tender before mashing. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving the sweet potatoes is a great shortcut—pierce the skin with a fork, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and microwave for about 8-10 minutes. You can also control the sweetness by adjusting the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste!
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment by adding a splash of orange juice or zest to brighten the flavor or small bits of candied ginger for an extra kick. You can even replace pecans with walnuts or add a layer of crushed graham crackers for a delightful texture change. This recipe is highly adaptable to suit your preferences!
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The total time, including prep and baking, is about an hour. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes prepping the sweet potatoes and about 25-30 minutes baking.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance, store it in the fridge, then simply add the marshmallows and pecans before baking on the day you plan to serve.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can reduce the sugar by substituting with a healthy sweetener like honey or agave syrup. Additionally, using skim or almond milk instead of whole milk can lower the calories.
Can I substitute the sweet potatoes?
While this recipe is best with sweet potatoes, yams can be a viable alternative, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
