If you’re looking for a heartwarming dish that combines comfort and sweetness, this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is just what you need! There’s something magical about the creamy sweet potato base topped with a crunchy pecan topping and toasted vegan marshmallows. This casserole has become a staple in my home during family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners alike. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, and trust me, it will quickly become one of your favorites too!

This casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re setting the table for a special occasion or just wanting to whip up something delightful for dinner, this recipe fits perfectly. Plus, it’s sure to impress family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delightful dish ready in no time.
Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves the sweet and crunchy flavors, making it perfect for both kids and adults.
Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare it in advance, saving you precious time on busy days.
Delicious flavor: The combination of creamy sweet potatoes with the crispy pecans and marshmallows creates an irresistible taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this sweet potato casserole, you’ll need some wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather what you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life!

For the Casserole

5 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces)
1 cup water
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup butter (melted)
1 cup brown sugar
2-3 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
½ cup heavy cream (or milk)

For the Topping

½ cup brown sugar
½ cup flour
⅓ cup melted butter
1 cup chopped pecans
3-4 cups mini vegan marshmallows

Variations

One of the best things about this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations:

Add some spice: Toss in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth and flavor.
Mix in fruits: Consider adding chopped apples or pears to bring a fruity twist to the dish.
Use different nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or even almonds for a unique crunch.
Try a different base: For an extra creamy texture, mix in some coconut milk instead of regular milk.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Sweet Potatoes

Start by boiling or slow-cooking your sweet potatoes until they’re tender. If you use an Instant Pot, you’ll save time and keep all those delicious nutrients! Once cooked, drain them if boiled, then mash until they reach your desired consistency.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and develops that lovely golden color.

Step 3: Mix Your Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes with eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and heavy cream (or milk). Mix until everything is well incorporated. A little texture is great here; don’t worry about making it perfectly smooth!

Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole

Spread the sweet potato mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish. This layer will serve as the wonderful foundation for all those tasty toppings.

Step 5: Prepare the Pecan Topping

In another bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Stir well with a spoon until everything is evenly mixed. Sprinkle this crunchy topping over your sweet potato layer—it’s okay if it doesn’t cover every inch!

Step 6: Bake It Up

Pop your casserole in the oven uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You want those pecans to caramelize beautifully!

Step 7: Add the Marshmallows

After baking, sprinkle mini vegan marshmallows evenly over the top. Return it to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until they puff up and turn lightly golden brown.

Now you’re ready to serve this delightful Sweet Potato Casserole! Enjoy it warm as part of your meal—it’s truly comfort food at its best!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Creating the perfect sweet potato casserole can be a joyous endeavor, and these pro tips will help ensure your dish is a hit!

Choose fresh sweet potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes to guarantee a creamy texture and natural sweetness in your casserole. Fresh produce makes all the difference in flavor!
Experiment with spices: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile of your casserole. These warm spices complement the sweetness of the potatoes beautifully.
Don’t overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix until just combined to maintain some texture in the sweet potatoes. A little chunkiness adds character to your dish!
Monitor baking time closely: Ovens can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your casserole while baking. You want that pecan topping to be caramelized but not burnt!
Make it ahead of time: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier when you bake it for serving.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Serving your sweet potato casserole can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some easy ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts nicely with the creamy casserole.
Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon right before serving can enhance the aroma and give an extra hint of warmth.

Side Dishes

Green Bean Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with almonds create a lovely crunch and vibrant color on your plate.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a savory element that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the casserole.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing offers a healthy contrast and balances out the richness of the casserole.

These suggestions not only make your meal visually appealing but also enrich the overall dining experience. Enjoy crafting your deliciously comforting sweet potato casserole!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors without the last-minute rush. You can prepare it ahead of time, making it an ideal side dish for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

Cool the casserole to room temperature.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cover with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through, removing the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the topping.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that come up about this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe:

Can I make this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To make it vegan, simply substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk. The rest of the recipe remains deliciously intact!

How do I know when the Sweet Potato Casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the pecan topping is caramelized and golden brown, typically around 20-25 minutes. For added texture, look for lightly browned vegan marshmallows on top!

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Just keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor profile.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, vegetable stuffing, or a fresh green salad. It’s a versatile side that complements a variety of main courses!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it all by yourself, it’s sure to be a hit. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!

Sweet Potato Casserole

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 10 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

If you’re searching for a heartwarming dish that perfectly blends comfort and sweetness, this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is your answer! Featuring a creamy sweet potato base topped with crunchy pecans and delightful vegan marshmallows, this casserole has earned its place as a beloved staple in family gatherings and cozy dinners. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s designed to impress both kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

Scale

5 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces)
1 cup water
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup melted butter
1 cup brown sugar
2–3 teaspoons salt (to taste)
½ cup heavy cream (or milk)
½ cup brown sugar (for topping)
½ cup flour (for topping)
⅓ cup melted butter (for topping)
1 cup chopped pecans (for topping)
3–4 cups mini vegan marshmallows (for topping)

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Instructions

Cook sweet potatoes until tender by boiling or using an Instant Pot. Drain if boiled, then mash.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes with eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and heavy cream until combined.
Spread the mixture in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix topping ingredients: brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Sprinkle on top of sweet potato layer.
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until pecans caramelize.
Add mini vegan marshmallows on top and return to oven for another 5-7 minutes until they puff up.