Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a classic, comforting dish perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are seasoned with warm spices and vanilla, then topped with a crunchy pecan streusel and a golden layer of toasted mini marshmallows for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Filling
- 4 large sweet potatoes (peeled and chopped into large chunks, about 9 cups)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Pecan Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups finely chopped pecan pieces
Topping
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into large chunks and place them into a large saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Boil the sweet potatoes until they are fork tender and easily pierced, about 15-20 minutes. They should fall apart easily.
- Mash and Season the Sweet Potatoes: Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Mash them with a potato masher. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Make the Pecan Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, all purpose flour, salt, and chopped pecans. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and form a crumbly topping.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Pecan Topping: Evenly spread the pecan topping over the sweet potato layer.
- Add Marshmallows: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the pecan topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the marshmallows are golden brown on top. Watch closely near the end to avoid burning the marshmallows.
Notes
- For the best texture, ensure sweet potatoes are well mashed and smooth before adding topping.
- If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar in the sweet potato filling by ¼ cup.
- Pecan topping can be substituted with other nuts like walnuts if desired.
- Keep an eye on the marshmallows in the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving; cover with foil if refrigerating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: sweet potato casserole, holiday side dish, marshmallow topping, pecan topping, sweet potato recipe, Thanksgiving side, comfort food