Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, especially during the holidays when the air is filled with the scent of cinnamon and sweet potatoes roasting in the oven. I remember the first time I made it for my family – they were skeptical at first, but once they took that first bite, their faces lit up! The creamy sweet potatoes topped with gooey, toasted marshmallows create a flavor explosion that everyone loves. It’s become a staple at our Thanksgiving table, and I can’t imagine the holiday season without it. Trust me, once you try this casserole, you’ll see why it’s a must-have for any festive occasion!
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
To whip up my delightful Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, mashed – This is where the magic begins! You can use fresh sweet potatoes or canned ones; just make sure they’re well mashed for a creamy texture.
- 1 cup sugar – This will add just the right amount of sweetness to balance the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes.
- 1/2 cup milk – Whole milk works best, but feel free to use any milk you prefer for that creamy consistency.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted – A must for richness and to bring all the flavors together!
- 2 eggs, beaten – These will help bind everything beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Trust me, this adds a lovely depth of flavor!
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – For that warm, cozy flavor that pairs so well with sweet potatoes.
- 2 cups mini marshmallows – These are the crowning glory! They’ll melt and toast up so wonderfully on top.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to create a dish that will wow your family and friends!
How to Prepare Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Now, let’s dive into making this scrumptious Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows! I promise, it’s easier than it looks, and the end result is totally worth it.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your casserole bakes evenly from the get-go. Trust me, you don’t want to throw it in a cold oven and end up with uneven cooking!
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your 4 cups of mashed sweet potatoes, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of melted butter, 2 beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. I like to use a whisk for this step to make sure everything is well combined and creamy. Don’t be shy—mix it well so that all those flavors meld together beautifully!
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Next, pour your creamy mixture into a greased baking dish. I usually go for a 9×13-inch dish, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You want it to be hot and slightly set when you take it out.
Step 4: Add Marshmallows
Once your casserole is out of the oven, it’s time for the fun part! Carefully sprinkle 2 cups of mini marshmallows over the top. I like to cover it evenly so every bite gets that gooey goodness. Keep an eye on it while it bakes again, because those marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a flash!
Step 5: Final Baking Instructions
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and toasty. You’ll know it’s done when you see that beautiful color on top! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so you don’t burn your tongue on all that deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a total game-changer for your holiday gatherings! Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Comforting flavors: The blend of sweet potatoes and marshmallows creates a warm, nostalgic taste that feels like home.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time!
- Perfect for sharing: This dish serves up to 8 people, making it ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
- Can be made ahead: Prep it in advance and heat it up just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
- Customizable: Add your favorite nuts or spices to make it your own!
Tips for Success with Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
To make sure your Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips:
- Use fresh sweet potatoes: If you can, go for fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned for a richer flavor and better texture.
- Adjust the sweetness: Don’t hesitate to taste the mixture before baking; you can always add a little more sugar if you like it sweeter!
- Watch the marshmallows: Keep a close eye on them during the final bake—oven times can vary, and you want that perfect golden brown without burning.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to cool a bit before serving; it helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to scoop!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone at the dinner table!
Variations of Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many delightful twists you can add to your Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Nutty crunch: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top before adding the marshmallows for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the mix for an extra layer of warmth that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
- Maple syrup: Swap out some of the sugar for maple syrup to give a rich, caramel-like sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
- Chocolate lovers: Fold in some mini chocolate chips into the sweet potato mixture for a decadent chocolatey twist.
- Fruit addition: Mix in some crushed pineapple or diced apples for a fruity surprise that brightens the dish.
These variations are not only fun to try but also personalize the dish to your taste. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional values for my Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use. On average, each serving contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 20g of sugar, 3g of protein, and 4g of fiber. Always check your specific ingredients for the most accurate nutritional information, and feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs!
FAQ about Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about my Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is that it can be prepared in advance. You can mix all the ingredients and pour them into the baking dish a day or two ahead of time. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit out for about 30 minutes to come to room temperature before popping it in the oven. This way, you’ll save time on those busy holiday mornings!
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute in this recipe, there are several great options! You can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana for each egg. Both will help bind the ingredients together while adding a touch of natural sweetness. For a more neutral option, consider using a flaxseed meal; just mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, and it’s ready to go!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to save it for a longer time, feel free to freeze it! Just portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, and it should last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven. Yum!
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, definitely! Using fresh sweet potatoes is not only possible but highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Just peel, chop, and boil them until they’re tender, then mash them up for the casserole. This will give your Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows a wonderful, fresh taste that you can’t get from canned varieties. Just make sure to measure out 4 cups of mashed sweet potatoes after cooking them!
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, mashed
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with mini marshmallows.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Sweet Potato Casserole, Marshmallows, Sweet Potato Dish