There is truly something magical about a dish that brings people together with its rich flavor and comforting warmth, and that’s exactly why I adore this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of creamy mashed sweet potatoes, a delightfully crunchy pecan topping, and a gooey marshmallow finish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a special weeknight treat, this casserole manages to feel fancy and homey all at once. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen and your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe are simple, straightforward, and readily available, yet each plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the creamy sweetness of the potatoes to the nutty crunch of pecans and the indulgent finish of marshmallows, you’ll appreciate how every element adds a special touch.
- 5 cups peeled, cooked and mashed sweet potatoes: About 3 large sweet potatoes, the star of the dish providing a naturally sweet and creamy base.
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted): Adds richness and smoothness to the sweet potato mixture and topping.
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk: Enhances creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together perfectly.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Sweetens the filling delicately; you can adjust to taste up to 1 cup for a sweeter profile.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Brings warming, cozy notes that pair beautifully with sweet potatoes.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help the casserole set nicely during baking.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Gives a nutty crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the smooth filling.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Sweetens the pecan topping perfectly without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 cup flour: Helps bind the topping together and achieve that crumbly texture.
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted): Coats the topping ingredients, keeping them crisp and golden when baked.
- 2 cups mini marshmallows: Offers the classic, gooey finish that makes this casserole feel indulgent and festive.
How to Make Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Casserole Dish
Start by heating your oven to 325°F and lightly greasing a 7×11-inch casserole dish. This simple prep ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting the stage perfectly for the delicious layers to come.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Filling
In a large bowl, combine your creamy mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, evaporated milk, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Blend all these ingredients until you have a smooth and luscious mixture. Then, add in the eggs and make sure everything is well incorporated. This mixture is the heart of your casserole, full of flavor and creamy texture that will melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together your chopped pecans, brown sugar, and flour. Pour in the melted butter and stir thoroughly until the dry ingredients are fully moistened, creating a crumbly but cohesive topping. This layer adds a delightful crunch and buttery sweetness on top of your silky sweet potatoes.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread your smooth sweet potato filling evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the pecan mixture generously over the top, distributing it well to cover the entire surface. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. During this time, you’ll notice the filling bubbling warmly beneath the golden pecan crust — a sure sign your casserole is well on its way to perfection.
Step 5: Add the Marshmallow Finish
Carefully take your casserole out of the oven and dot the top with mini marshmallows. Slide it back in to bake some more. You can tailor the marshmallow finish to your preference: 5 minutes to simply puff up, 10 minutes for a wonderfully gooey layer, or 15 minutes if you want golden-candied marshmallows that add a slightly crispy and caramelized top. It’s the perfect final touch to this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While this casserole is stunning on its own, a sprinkle of fresh chopped pecans or a dash of cinnamon on top right before serving can elevate the presentation and add a fresh burst of flavor. If you want to get fancy, a light drizzle of maple syrup can also add a sweet and sticky nuance that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Side Dishes
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe shines brightest when paired with savory main dishes like roast turkey or glazed ham. It pairs wonderfully with green beans almondine or a crisp garden salad to balance its rich sweetness. Think of it as the perfect companion for any holiday meal or Sunday dinner feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of serving it straight from the casserole dish, try portioning the casserole into individual ramekins for a charming presentation. For an added twist, layer the filling and topping in a clear glass baking dish to show off the beautiful contrast between creamy sweet potato and nutty topping. Kids and adults alike will be impressed by this fun presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (and it’s usually hard not to), store the casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, and you’ll find the texture remains wonderfully moist and rich.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container before freezing. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating so it warms evenly.
Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If you want to revive the marshmallow topping, add fresh marshmallows or peek in during the last few minutes of reheating to let them toast lightly again.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil and swap the evaporated milk for canned coconut milk or any plant-based milk. Use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer instead of regular eggs. The flavor will remain just as comforting and delicious.
Is it necessary to use marshmallows?
Not at all! If you prefer, you can skip the marshmallows or replace them with toasted coconut flakes or extra pecans for a different texture. The casserole will still be rich and flavorful without the marshmallow topping.
Can I use fresh pumpkin pie spice?
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, a simple mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves will do the trick perfectly. This adds the warm, cozy flavors that complement the sweet potatoes wonderfully.
What sweet potatoes work best for this casserole?
Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are ideal because of their natural sweetness and creamy texture. Avoid varieties that are too waxy or dry, as they might not mash up smoothly or provide the classic flavor you’re craving.
How can I make the pecan topping extra crunchy?
To get the crunchiest topping, you can toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet before mixing them into the topping. Also, make sure the melted butter fully coats the mixture so it bakes up crisp and golden instead of soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe has all the ingredients for becoming your new go-to comfort food. It’s so satisfying to know that with just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create something that feels decadent, festive, and utterly delicious. Gather your loved ones, scoop up a warm portion, and enjoy the glow that comes from sharing a dish made with care and a sprinkle of sweetness.
Print
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and classic side dish perfect for holiday meals or family dinners. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are mixed with warm spices, butter, and brown sugar, then topped with a crunchy pecan streusel and mini marshmallows for a sweet, festive finish. The casserole is baked until bubbling and then toasted to your preferred marshmallow texture, providing a delicious balance of creamy, crunchy, and gooey textures.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Filling
- 5 cups peeled, cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk (or cream or half-and-half)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (or more to taste, up to 1 cup)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 large eggs
Pecan Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Topping
- 2 cups mini marshmallows (more or less to taste, or skip entirely)
Instructions
- Prep: Heat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a 7×11-inch casserole dish. Gather and prepare all ingredients before beginning the recipe.
- Make filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, evaporated milk, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Add the eggs and blend thoroughly until smooth and uniform. Spread this filling evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Make pecan topping: In a separate clean bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and flour. Pour in the melted butter and stir until all dry ingredients are fully incorporated and a crumbly topping forms.
- Finish and bake: Evenly scatter the pecan topping over the sweet potato filling in the casserole dish. Place the dish in the oven and bake at 325°F for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Finish with marshmallows: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and dot the top with mini marshmallows. Return the casserole to the oven and bake further depending on your desired marshmallow texture: 5 minutes for puffed marshmallows, 10 minutes for gooey and sticky marshmallows, or 15 minutes for golden and candied marshmallows on top.
Notes
- For a richer filling, substitute cream or half-and-half for evaporated milk.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar in the filling to suit your preferred sweetness.
- If you prefer less sweetness or a healthier option, the marshmallows can be omitted.
- The topping can be made ahead and refrigerated before spreading over the filling.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.
