Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the warmth and comfort that a southern sweet potato casserole brings to any gathering! Imagine a creamy, velvety base made from sweet potatoes, all cozy and inviting, topped with a crunchy layer of pecans and mini marshmallows that get all toasty in the oven. It’s like a hug in a dish! I remember my grandmother making this every Thanksgiving, filling the house with its sweet aroma. Everyone would gather around the table, eagerly waiting for that first scoop. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a tradition that brings everyone together, sparking joy and happy memories. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it for every family get-together!
Ingredients for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
To whip up this delightful southern sweet potato casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed for easy boiling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, which adds that wonderful sweetness
- 1/2 cup milk, for creaminess
- 1/4 cup butter, melted to bring all the flavors together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, to enhance the sweet potato flavor
- 2 eggs, beaten to help bind everything
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, for a cozy spice note
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, to add a warm, aromatic twist
- 1 cup mini marshmallows, for that delightful topping
- 1 cup pecans, chopped to give a crunchy texture
These ingredients work together to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also a true highlight of any meal!
How to Prepare Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Now, let’s dive into making this scrumptious southern sweet potato casserole! Don’t worry; it’s super simple and totally rewarding. Just follow my lead, and you’ll have a dish that everyone will rave about!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready to bake that delicious casserole!
- Next, grab your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and toss them into a pot of boiling water. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re soft enough to mash. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily stick a fork through them.
- Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Time to mash! Use a potato masher or fork to get them nice and smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine, though—adds character!
- Now, add in your brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This is where the magic happens, so give it a good stir!
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Be sure to spread it out evenly for a nice, even bake.
- Now for the fun part! Sprinkle those mini marshmallows and chopped pecans generously on top. You want that crunchy, gooey topping to be plentiful.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when the marshmallows are golden brown and everything is heated through.
And there you have it! A beautiful southern sweet potato casserole that’s just waiting to be devoured. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This southern sweet potato casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, and here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holidays!
- Irresistibly sweet and creamy, with a crunchy topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- A classic dish that makes any meal feel special, especially during family gatherings.
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, not just at Thanksgiving!
- It’s vegetarian, so everyone can join in on the deliciousness.
Trust me, once you serve this at your table, it’ll become a beloved staple!
Tips for Success
To make your southern sweet potato casserole absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, if you want to save time, you can use canned sweet potatoes—just make sure to drain them well. For an extra creamy texture, try substituting half of the milk with heavy cream; it makes a world of difference! If you’re really feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Also, don’t skip greasing your baking dish; you want that casserole to slide out easily when it’s time to serve. Lastly, let it cool for a few minutes before digging in—trust me, it helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier!
Variations on Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
If you’re feeling creative, there are so many fun variations you can try with your southern sweet potato casserole! For a twist, consider adding a layer of crushed pineapple for a tropical touch that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes. You could also mix in a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for a pop of tartness and added texture.
Love a bit of spice? Try incorporating a dash of ginger or even some allspice for an aromatic kick that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg. And if you’re a fan of pecans, why not toast them lightly before sprinkling on top? It’ll enhance their flavor and add an extra crunch. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get adventurous!
Nutritional Information
It’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. Typically, a serving of this delicious southern sweet potato casserole (about 1 cup) contains around 350 calories, with 15 grams of fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat. You’ll also find approximately 20 grams of sugar and 55 grams of carbohydrates in each serving, along with 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. Enjoy this delightful dish in moderation as part of a balanced meal!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I get about my southern sweet potato casserole, along with some handy answers!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I use different nuts?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes. Just chop them up and sprinkle them on top!
What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
No worries! You can use regular marshmallows, just cut them into smaller pieces or layer them on top whole. They’ll still give that delicious gooey topping!
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! You can freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your southern sweet potato casserole, there are plenty of delicious options to complement this dish! For a classic pairing, I love to serve it alongside some juicy, herb-roasted turkey or a savory glazed ham—both perfectly balance the sweetness of the casserole. You can also elevate your meal with a fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. And don’t forget about drinks! A chilled glass of sweet tea or a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully, making every bite and sip a wonderful experience. Enjoy!
Imprimer
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole: 7 Steps to Warm Bliss
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious southern sweet potato casserole with a sweet and creamy texture, topped with a crunchy pecan and marshmallow layer.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil sweet potatoes until soft, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and mash sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
- Add brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with marshmallows and chopped pecans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and marshmallows are golden.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, add more brown sugar if desired.
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor.
- Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 55g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: southern sweet potato casserole, sweet potato recipe, holiday side dish
