Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: A Thanksgiving Staple Made Simple
Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without a comforting, delicious sweet potato casserole. This recipe simplifies the classic dish, making it easy enough for even novice bakers to master, yet still delivers that incredible sweet and spiced flavor everyone loves. Get ready to impress your guests with this effortless side dish!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe focuses on simple ingredients that are readily available. No need for fancy or hard-to-find items!
- Sweet Potatoes: 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and cubed
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
- Milk: 1 cup, whole milk preferred (but 2% works too)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Marshmallow Topping (optional): 1 (10-ounce) bag of mini marshmallows
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is designed for ease and efficiency. Let's get cooking!
Step 1: Boiling the Sweet Potatoes
- Boil the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork. Drain well.
Step 2: Creating the Sweet Potato Filling
- While the sweet potatoes are still warm, mash them using a potato masher or an electric mixer.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cornstarch, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour the warm milk mixture into the mashed sweet potatoes and mix well to combine.
Step 3: Baking the Casserole (Optional Marshmallow Topping)
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- If using marshmallows, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. If using marshmallows, bake until they are golden brown and slightly toasted.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying!
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut.
- Serve warm as a delicious side dish to your Thanksgiving meal (or any meal!).
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use maple syrup in addition to or instead of some of the brown sugar.
- Add some crunch: Fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts before baking.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead of time and bake it when ready. Just keep it refrigerated until baking.
- Spice it up: Experiment with other spices like ginger or allspice.
This easy sweet potato casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity makes it perfect for busy schedules, and the delicious results will impress everyone at your table. Enjoy!
