How to Make a Sweet Potato Casserole

Introduction

Nothing signifies fall and the holidays like a sweet potato casserole. So, if you’re looking for a great recipe to cook as the season turns, read on. The following sweet potato casserole recipe is relatively simple to make and will have your family and friends begging for more! And the best part is, you should be able to pull it off in forty minutes or less!

 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

 2. Gather the ingredients and appliances

Make sure you have salt and water nearby. For the filling, you will need four to five tablespoons of unsalted butter, three to four large sweet potatoes, a half a cup of whole milk, a quarter-cup of brown sugar, half a teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, a dash of nutmeg, a dash of cinnamon, a dash of pepper, two eggs, and half a cup of flour. For the topping, you will need a quarter cup of all-purpose flour, half a cup of brown sugar, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and three-quarters of a cup of chopped pecans. Two cups of mini marshmallows or chopped regular-sized marshmallow can also be added for an extra special topping if your taste allows.

You will also need a large saucepan with a cover, a fork, a whisk, a large mixing bowl, a medium mixing bowl, mixing utensils, a potato peeler (or knife), and a baking dish.

If you have allergies or intolerance to any of the ingredients above, you can play around with substitutions. For example, full-fat coconut milk can often be substituted for cow’s milk if you are vegan or sensitive to lactose. You may also be able to substitute almond, oat, or coconut flour for regular flour if you have a gluten sensitivity. You can substitute the butter for coconut oil, or nonstick cooking spray made out of olive oil, almond oil, etc. You can also play with the spices and nuts you use. Ginger and turmeric can add an interesting touch. Substituting, or adding, walnuts and pistachios in lieu of the pecans can also be a delicious choice.

3. Cook the sweet potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes and place them into the large saucepan. Add a generous amount of salt and add water. There should be about an inch of water above the potatoes. Cover the saucepan. Turn on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, turn it back down to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for fifteen to twenty to minutes until you can pierce them easily with the tip of a knife. Once cooked, drain the water and heat the potatoes over medium heat for another couple of minutes eliminate some of the moisture.

4. Mash the potatoes and create the filling

Remove the potatoes from the heat and mash them with a fork. Then place the mashed potatoes into the larger mixing bowl and add the butter, milk, salt, brown sugar, vanilla, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper. Mix well with a fork or a whisk until smooth.

5. Prepare the topping.

Mix the flour, sugar, and salt in the medium bowl. Once well-mixed, stir in the pecans (or any nuts you chose).

6. Pour the mixtures into the baking dish

Butter or spray the designated baking dish. Pour the filling into the baking dish. Once you have spread the filling evenly, pour the topping over it.

7. Add the marshmallows

For a marshmallow sweet potato casserole, top off with marshmallows before placing the baking dish into the oven.

8. Bake

Bake until the center is warm and the top starts looking golden. If you used marshmallows, you should wait until the marshmallows turn a light, golden-brown color. Total baking time should be about twenty minutes.

9. Serve

For optimal taste, make sure to serve your casserole while it’s still hot. If you’re preparing it for a dinner that is taking place later on, make sure to warm it up before serving.

That’s it! If you’re looking for dishes that will go well with your sweet potato casserole, don’t fear. Sweet potatoes are loved by many people and tend to go with almost anything. Some pairing suggestions are baked or deep-fried turkey, glazed ham, and lamb chops. You can also precede the meal with a quick and fresh goat cheese and pistachio salad, and top it off with a pecan pie or mulled wine or eggnog to add to the holiday spirit.  Enjoy!