Sweet potato casserole is a classic dish often served during Thanksgiving and other holiday meals. It’s a comforting and delicious side dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a crunchy, flavorful topping. In this recipe, we’ll explore three different ways to make sweet potato casserole, ranging from traditional to modern twists. Whether you prefer a marshmallow topping, a pecan streusel topping, or a savory herb topping, there’s a version of sweet potato casserole for everyone.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Toppings:
- Marshmallow Topping:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- Pecan Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Savory Herb Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the sweet potatoes and prick them several times with a fork.
- Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Peel off the skins and mash the flesh in a large bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Base
- To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the melted butter, brown sugar, beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
- For the Marshmallow Topping: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- For the Pecan Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- For the Savory Herb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the herb mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the sweet potato casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
About the Main Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, providing a natural sweetness and creamy texture. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to your meal.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the sweet potato base, making it creamy and decadent.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the sweet potato base, complementing the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the sweet potato mixture together, providing structure and stability.
- Milk: Milk adds moisture to the sweet potato mixture, making it creamy and smooth.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and spice to the sweet potato base, enhancing its flavor.
