Sweet potato casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is often enjoyed as part of holiday meals or special occasions. It typically features a creamy and sweet mashed sweet potato base topped with a sweet and crunchy topping.
The sweet potato base is made by cooking and mashing sweet potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and sometimes vanilla extract or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg are added to enhance the flavor. The mixture is then spread into a baking dish.
The topping is what sets sweet potato casserole apart. It is usually a combination of butter, flour, sugar, and chopped nuts (such as pecans) or oats. This mixture is sprinkled over the sweet potato base, providing a delightful crunch and sweetness when baked.
Some variations of sweet potato casserole also include marshmallows. In this case, mini marshmallows are added as a topping and toasted until they turn golden brown and melty.
Sweet potato casserole is typically baked in the oven until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through. It is often served alongside roasted meats, such as turkey or ham, and pairs well with other traditional holiday dishes. The end result is a rich and comforting dish with a harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Here’s a classic recipe to make a scrumptious sweet potato casserole:
Ingredients:
For the sweet potato base:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3-4 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
If you prefer a marshmallow topping, you can omit the streusel topping and instead cover the sweet potato mixture with mini marshmallows during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Allow the marshmallows to melt and turn golden brown before removing from the oven.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the streusel topping by combining the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, chopped pecans (if using), and ground cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping over the sweet potato mixture in an even layer.
- Bake the sweet potato casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your homemade sweet potato casserole!