Looking for the perfect side dish to grace your Thanksgiving or holiday table? This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow is a beloved Southern classic that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! It’s the ideal recipe for anyone craving a sweet and savory treat with a delightfully fluffy, toasted marshmallow topping.
What is Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow?
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow is a quintessential Southern dish, especially popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s a heartwarming combination of mashed sweet potatoes, often seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a generous layer of gooey, toasted marshmallows. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a comfort food that evokes memories of family gatherings and holiday cheer.
This casserole balances the earthiness of sweet potatoes with the sugary sweetness of marshmallows, creating a unique and satisfying flavor profile that appeals to all ages. While simple at its core, variations abound, with some recipes incorporating pecans, brown sugar streusels, or even a hint of citrus. Regardless of the additions, the unifying factor is the creamy sweet potato base crowned with the classic toasted marshmallow layer. Experience this classic Southern favorite and bring warmth and joy to your table. Give this recipe a try and discover why it’s a holiday staple for so many!
Key Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow:
- Sweet Potatoes: 3 pounds, peeled, cooked, and mashed. We prefer baking them for the most natural sweetness and flavor, but boiling works in a pinch.
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted. Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup. Sweetens the casserole and balances the savory notes.
- Milk: ½ cup. Adds moisture and creaminess to the sweet potato base. Whole milk is recommended for the creamiest texture.
- Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten. Help bind the ingredients and create a smooth texture.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
- Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon. Provides warm spice notes that complement the sweet potatoes.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon. Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Marshmallows: 1 (10-ounce) bag, mini or regular-sized. The crowning glory! Mini marshmallows are easier to spread and melt more evenly.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow recipe is incredibly easy to make, delivering a sweet and satisfying dish in just over an hour. The creamy sweet potato base, infused with warm spices, perfectly complements the fluffy, toasted marshmallow topping. Its simplicity makes it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a quick and delicious holiday side. Expect a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 45 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you haven’t already, bake the sweet potatoes until tender. This usually takes about 45-60 minutes, depending on their size. Alternatively, you can boil them until tender, which takes about 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, let them cool slightly, then peel them.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer for a creamier texture. Be careful not to overmix if using an electric mixer.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Spices: Stir in the cinnamon and salt. Mix until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sweet potato mixture.
- Pour into Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the sweet potato mixture to set and warm through thoroughly.
- Add Marshmallows: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the marshmallows over the top. Ensure they are spread in a single layer for even toasting.
- Broil (Optional): Return the casserole to the oven and broil for 1-3 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted to your liking. Watch carefully to prevent burning! Alternatively, you can return the casserole to the oven at 350°F (175°C) for another 10-15 minutes until the marshmallows are melted and lightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the marshmallows to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy warm!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow
This Sweet Potato Casserole is a delight because of its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, highlighted by the creamy sweet potato base and the irresistible toasted marshmallow topping. Making it at home is incredibly cost-effective compared to buying a pre-made version, and you can customize the sweetness and spices to your preference. The toasted marshmallows add a wonderful textural contrast, with a gooey interior and a slightly crisp exterior.
Think of it as the indulgent cousin of simple mashed sweet potatoes – both are comforting, but the casserole elevates the experience with its added sweetness and delightful topping. If you enjoy this Southern classic, you might also like exploring other Thanksgiving sides like green bean casserole or cranberry sauce. Give this recipe a try and bring a smile to everyone’s face at your next gathering!
What to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole With
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Consider serving it alongside:
- Roasted Turkey or Ham: The sweetness complements the savory flavors of these classic holiday proteins.
- Pork Loin: The sweetness cuts through the richness of the pork.
- Chicken: Baked or roasted chicken benefits from the warmth and sweetness of the casserole.
- Green Bean Casserole: Another classic Thanksgiving side that balances the sweetness with savory creaminess.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a delightful contrast to the sweet potato casserole.
- Sparkling Cider or Sweet Tea: These beverages complement the sweetness of the dish.
Top Tips for Perfecting Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow
- Bake, Don’t Boil (If Possible): Baking the sweet potatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and provides a richer flavor. Boiling sweet potatoes can make them waterlogged, which can affect the texture of the casserole.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the sweet potato mixture can result in a gummy texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of sugar. You can also substitute brown sugar for a more complex flavor.
- Add Nuts for Texture: For a crunchier casserole, add a ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the sweet potato mixture or sprinkle them on top before baking.
- Use a Variety of Marshmallows: Experiment with different flavors of marshmallows, such as vanilla, toasted coconut, or even flavored marshmallows for a unique twist.
- Watch the Broiler Closely: Marshmallows can burn quickly under the broiler. Keep a close eye on them and remove the casserole from the oven as soon as they are golden brown.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potato Casserole
While not usually considered a health food, sweet potatoes themselves are packed with nutrients. They’re an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. Vitamin A is important for vision, immune function, and cell growth. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your body against damage from free radicals.
Fiber helps regulate digestion and can help lower cholesterol. The added sugar and marshmallows, however, do increase the calorie and sugar content, so moderation is key. You could reduce the amount of added sugar to boost the health value.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing: Let the Sweet Potato Casserole cool completely before storing it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat individual portions, microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For larger portions, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Freezing: While freezing is not ideal due to the marshmallows, you can freeze the sweet potato mixture before adding the marshmallows. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding the marshmallows just before the final baking step.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition. Its comforting flavors and simple preparation make it a perfect addition to any holiday feast. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and create a dish that will bring joy and warmth to your table.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Sweet Potato Casserole FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the marshmallows just before baking.
Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
A: While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well and reduce the amount of milk in the recipe to account for the extra moisture.
Q: Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
A: Absolutely! Brown sugar adds a richer, more molasses-like flavor to the casserole.
Q: Can I leave out the marshmallows?
A: While the marshmallows are a classic part of the recipe, you can omit them if you prefer. Consider topping the casserole with a streusel topping made from flour, butter, brown sugar, and pecans for a similar sweet and crunchy effect.
Q: How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning?
A: Watch them carefully while broiling. The marshmallows can go from golden brown to burnt very quickly. You can also bake the casserole with the marshmallows at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until they are melted and lightly browned for a more controlled toasting.