Sweet Potato Casserole

Every Thanksgiving, my family gathers around the table, and you can bet that a Sweet Potato Casserole is the star of the show. This dish isn’t just about the flavors; it’s about the memories and the love that goes into it. I remember my grandmother teaching me how to prepare it, her hands guiding mine as we mashed the sweet potatoes together. The house would fill with a warm aroma, and I’d get so excited knowing that we were creating something special. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes topped with crispy cornflakes and gooey marshmallows is always a hit. It’s a dish that brings people together and invites everyone to indulge in the comfort of home-cooked goodness.

Ingredient List for Sweet Potato Casserole

Creating the perfect Sweet Potato Casserole starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s rich flavors and textures. The sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and creaminess, while the toppings add crunch and contrast. Together, they create a harmonious blend that is both satisfying and delightful.

• Sweet Potatoes: 3 pounds, peeled and cut into cubes and cooked, about 5 or 6 large. The base of your casserole, sweet potatoes provide a creamy texture and natural sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: ¼ cup, for that sweet caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes.
• Butter: ¼ cup, unsalted or margarine, added for richness and flavor.
• Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon, ground, a warm spice that enhances the sweetness of the dish.
• Vanilla: 1 teaspoon, enhances the sweetness and complements the other flavors.
• Egg: 1, helps bind the filling together and adds a rich texture.
• Milk: ¼ cup, I used whole milk, for a creamy consistency.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon or to taste, balances the sweetness of the casserole.
• Cornflakes: 1 cup, crushed, for a crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy filling.
• Pecans: ¼ cup, chopped, adds a nutty flavor and texture.
• Butter: 1 tablespoon, unsalted, melted, for the topping mixture.
• Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon, packed, to sweeten the topping.
• Mini Marshmallows: 1 cup, perfect for that gooey, sweet finish.

Cooking Instructions for Sweet Potato Casserole

Making this Sweet Potato Casserole is a breeze and allows you to enjoy the process of cooking. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish that will wow your family and friends.

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly. Prepare your 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly. This ensures that your casserole doesn’t stick and makes for easier cleanup.

2. Create the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, vanilla, milk, egg, and salt. Using a potato masher, mash everything together until smooth. You can also use a hand mixer for an extra creamy texture. Spread this sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.

3. Bake the filling: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. You want the mixture to set slightly and develop a lovely crust on top.

4. Create the topping: While the filling is baking, prepare the topping. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the cornflakes, pecans, melted butter, and brown sugar. Toss everything together until well combined. This will create a delicious crunch on top.

5. Add the marshmallows: After the filling has baked, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the mini marshmallows in the center of the casserole. Then, evenly distribute the cornflake mixture around the marshmallows. Be generous; this topping is what makes the dish stand out.

6. Finish baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the marshmallows puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown.

Things Worth Knowing

Helpful Notes about Sweet Potato Casserole

This Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful dish, and I want to share some helpful tips to make your cooking experience even better.

• Storage: How to store leftovers? Make sure to place any leftovers in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for about 5 days.
• Freezing: Can you freeze this? Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and freeze it. Just make sure to cover it well. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
• Pairing: What to serve with this? This casserole goes wonderfully with roasted meats or a light salad. It’s also perfect for holiday dinners!
• Cooking Tip: For an extra creamy filling, consider using a hand mixer for mashing the sweet potatoes.
• Texture Tip: If you prefer a softer topping, you can mix the cornflakes with a bit more butter for a richer flavor.

What to Serve Alongside Sweet Potato Casserole

When it comes to serving your Sweet Potato Casserole, there are plenty of fantastic options to complement its rich flavors. Here are some suggestions:

• Roasted Turkey: A classic pairing during Thanksgiving, the savory flavors of roasted turkey beautifully enhance the sweetness of the casserole.
• Green Bean Almondine: The crisp, fresh taste of green beans with almonds offers a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Stuffing: A savory stuffing can balance the sweetness of the casserole, making it a hearty meal.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich casserole.
• Gravy: Consider serving your casserole with a light drizzle of gravy for added flavor.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Sweet Potato Casserole is truly a nostalgic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or just enjoying a family dinner, this recipe will surely impress. I encourage you to give this delightful casserole a try; its rich flavors and textures are bound to win over your heart and taste buds!

Sweet Potato Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, this Sweet Potato Casserole is creamy, sweet, and topped with a delightful crunch. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any family dinner, it's an easy weeknight treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 pounds Sweet Potatoes Peeled and cut into cubes, cooked.
• ¼ cup Brown Sugar
• ¼ cup Butter Unsalted or margarine.
• ½ teaspoon Cinnamon Ground.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1 each Egg
• ¼ cup Milk I used whole milk.
• ¼ teaspoon Salt Or to taste.
• 1 cup Cornflakes Crushed.
• ¼ cup Pecans Chopped.
• 1 tablespoon Butter Unsalted, melted.
• 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Packed.
• 1 cup Mini Marshmallows

Equipment

• 9×13 inch Casserole Dish
• Glass Mixing Bowl Set (3 piece)
• Potato Masher

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F degrees. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Add the cooked sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, vanilla, milk, egg, and salt to a large bowl and mash with a potato masher. You can use a hand mixer as well if you wish. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes in the prepared casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes.
3. While the casserole is baking, add the cornflakes, pecans, butter, and brown sugar to a medium size bowl and toss everything together. Top with marshmallows in the center of the casserole, then sprinkle the cornflake mixture around the marshmallows.
4. Place the dish back in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown.

Notes

• Tip 1: After removing the casserole from the oven, allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb excess liquid.
• Tip 2: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Tip 3: Feel free to add different toppings according to your taste.
• Tip 4: Pair this casserole with roasted meats or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

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Meet Hazel Miller

The Flavor Enthusiast Yes, Jenna and I are related! Growing up, our kitchen was the center of our world, and that hasn’t changed. I am a curious cook who loves exploring new ingredients and techniques. I don’t have a single specialty I just love the magic of transformation. Whether we are grilling outdoors or baking indoors, I am always right there, tasting, testing, and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.