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Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole
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Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic holiday dish combining creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery nut topping and optional toasted marshmallows. Its comforting, sweet and savory flavors, along with a creamy and crunchy texture, make it a festive crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potato Mixture

  • 4 cups peeled and chopped sweet potatoes (about 4 medium)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or coconut oil for vegan)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for healthier swap)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk or cream (or plant-based milk for vegan)
  • 2 large eggs (or flaxseed binding substitute for vegan)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

  • 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional; toast lightly for enhanced flavor)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for vegan)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups marshmallows (optional; mini marshmallows for topping)
  • Optional: gluten-free granola for gluten-free version (in place of nuts)

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Extra toasted nuts
  • Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for finishing touch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into even chunks. Boil them in salted water for about 15 to 20 minutes or until tender but not falling apart. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
  2. Mash and Mix: While potatoes are still warm, mash them well. Add butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and eggs. Gradually pour in milk or cream, mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans or walnuts with brown sugar and melted butter. Mix well to create a crumbly, buttery topping. If using marshmallows, have them ready to add in the final step.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly inside. Sprinkle the nut topping generously over the surface. If using marshmallows, layer them on top of the nuts or directly on the sweet potato base, according to preference.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden and the marshmallows are toasted. Monitor closely during final minutes to prevent burning; tent with foil if necessary.

Notes

  • Use firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Do not overboil sweet potatoes to keep a smooth mash without lumps.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture.
  • Toast nuts lightly before adding to enhance crunch and flavor.
  • Taste the mash before baking and adjust sugar to your preference.
  • Marshmallows are optional; the nut topping alone provides great texture and flavor.
  • For vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and substitute eggs with flaxseed meal.
  • To prevent topping from burning, watch during last minutes; tent with foil or remove marshmallows early if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sweet Potato Casserole, Holiday Side Dish, Classic Sweet Potato Recipe, Gluten Free Casserole, Vegan Sweet Potato Dish

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/sweet-potato-casserole/