Description
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic, comforting side dish perfect for holidays or family dinners. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are flavored with warm spices and vanilla, then topped with a buttery pecan streusel and optional mini marshmallows for a sweet, crunchy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Boil sweet potatoes: In a large pot, boil the cubed sweet potatoes for 10-15 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain thoroughly and return them to the pot.
- Mash the sweet potatoes: Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- Mix ingredients: Stir in the milk, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread the sweet potato mixture inside it.
- Make topping: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
- Add marshmallows (optional): Scatter mini marshmallows on top if using, to add a sweet, gooey finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- Mini marshmallows add a traditional sweetness but can be omitted for a less sugary dish.
- Make sure to drain the sweet potatoes well to avoid a watery casserole.
- Chopped pecans can be substituted with walnuts if preferred.
