This Sweet Potato Casserole is like a warm hug in a dish! With creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, it’s a perfect mix of sweet and cozy.
Trust me, the crunch on top makes this casserole hard to resist! I love serving it alongside holiday meals, but let’s be real—it’s good any time of year! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the casserole! Use fresh ones for the best flavor. Canned sweet potatoes are a time-saving alternative, though the texture may differ slightly.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness, but if you’re looking for cleaner options, try using coconut sugar or maple syrup. Just adjust the liquid in the recipe slightly if using syrup.
Eggs: They help bind the ingredients together. For a vegan option, use 1/4 cup of applesauce per egg or flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances flavor. You can also use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to make it vegan.
Milk: Whole milk works great, but for a lighter version, try almond milk or oat milk. Just ensure it’s unsweetened for proper flavor balance.
Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are classic, but for a twist, consider using half marshmallows and half toasted coconut or even a vegan marshmallow option to suit dietary needs.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Street Topping?
The topping is what makes this casserole pop! Here’s how to get that perfect crunchy texture. Follow these steps for success:
- Make the Streusel: Combine brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until crumbly. If using pecans, chop them roughly for texture.
- Layering: Evenly sprinkle the streusel over the sweet potato mixture for even coverage. This helps to create an irresistible crunch.
- Marshmallow Time: After the first bake, spread marshmallows evenly. Keep an eye on them as they toast; it only takes a few minutes to get that beautiful golden color!
- Watch Closely: Marshmallows can burn quickly, so if you see them starting to darken too much, pull the casserole out to cool down.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve a great texture and flavor that complements the creamy sweet potatoes beneath. Enjoy your cooking!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Toasted Marshmallow Topping
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake. In total, you can expect about an hour of time before it’s ready to serve. It’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This will help the casserole come out easier when it’s done!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
If your sweet potatoes aren’t cooked yet, peel them and either boil or bake until they are tender. Once they are soft, mash them in a large bowl until smooth. This is the base of your casserole, so make sure it’s creamy and lump-free.
3. Mix the Sweet Potato Ingredients
To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth. This will make your sweet potato filling deliciously sweet and spiced!
4. Spread the Mixture
Carefully spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to make sure it’s smooth across the top.
5. Make the Topping
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans (if you choose to use them). Mix until you have a crumbly texture, which will create a yummy topping for your casserole.
6. Add the Streusel Topping
Evenly sprinkle the crumbled streusel topping over the sweet potato mixture. Make sure to cover it all for a lovely crunch!
7. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You want the edges to start setting and the topping to be slightly golden.
8. Add the Marshmallows
After 25 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and evenly spread the mini marshmallows over the top. They’ll melt beautifully and create a lovely topping!
9. Toast the Marshmallows
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Keep a close watch during this time so the marshmallows don’t burn. You’re looking for them to be toasted and golden brown.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this sweet potato casserole with its creamy base, crunchy topping, and gooey marshmallows—it’s a dish that everyone will love at your table!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes! Just drain them well and mash before adding to the mixture. You may want to reduce the sugar slightly since canned sweet potatoes can be sweeter than fresh ones.
How Can I Make This Casserole Vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the eggs with 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (let it sit for 5 minutes). Use coconut oil in place of butter and swap out the milk for almond milk or other plant-based milk.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You may want to cover with foil to prevent the marshmallows from over-toasting during reheating.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and the streusel topping separately, then assemble and bake on the day you plan to serve it. Alternatively, you can fully bake it in advance and reheat just before serving.
