Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Marshmallows: A Thanksgiving Classic
This Thanksgiving, impress your guests with a delicious and easy-to-make sweet potato casserole topped with gooey marshmallows. This recipe is a family favorite, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Get ready for a comforting dish that embodies the warmth and joy of the holiday season!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields a generous 9x13 inch casserole, perfect for feeding a crowd.
For the Sweet Potato Filling:
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
For the Marshmallow Topping:
- 1 (10-ounce) bag of mini marshmallows
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is designed for simplicity and ease. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked sweet potatoes every time.
Getting Started: Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
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Boil or Bake: You can either boil the cubed sweet potatoes until tender (about 15-20 minutes) or roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes, until easily pierced with a fork. Both methods work well; choose your preference!
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Mash It Up: Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes well (if boiled) and allow them to cool slightly. Mash them until smooth. A potato masher or even a strong fork works great.
Making the Sweet Potato Filling:
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
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Pour into Casserole Dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
Adding the Marshmallow Topping:
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Sprinkle Generously: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the sweet potato filling.
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Broil (Optional): For extra gooey and browned marshmallows, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Baking Instructions:
- Bake at 350°F (175°C): Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the marshmallows are golden brown and slightly puffed.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm as a delicious side dish alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or ham. It's also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar, or add a splash of bourbon or rum to the sweet potato filling.
- Add Pecans: Chopped pecans or walnuts make a delightful addition to both the filling and the topping.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spices, such as ginger, allspice, or cardamom, to create your own unique flavor profile.
This sweet potato casserole is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering. Enjoy the process of making this comforting classic, and the delicious results! Remember to share your culinary creations using #SweetPotatoCasserole and tag your friends and family! Happy Thanksgiving!