Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and classic side dish featuring tender mashed sweet potatoes sweetened with brown sugar and warmed with pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. It’s topped with a crunchy pecan streusel and gooey mini marshmallows, baked to golden perfection—a perfect recipe for holiday gatherings or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Layer
- 3 ½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Pecan Topping
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Topping
- 5 ounces mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare sweet potatoes: Boil the peeled and chunked sweet potatoes in a large pot of water until they are tender when pierced with a fork, about 20-25 minutes. Drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- Mash and mix: Mash the drained sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Add brown sugar, melted butter, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble sweet potato layer: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly for a flat surface.
- Prepare pecan topping: In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, melted butter, brown sugar, and all-purpose flour. Mix until crumbly and evenly incorporated.
- Add topping and marshmallows: Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer. Then, evenly distribute the mini marshmallows on top of the pecan topping.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for about 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the marshmallows are melted and lightly toasted.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Notes
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the sweet potatoes in water to avoid sogginess.
- The pecan topping adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes.
- If you prefer, substitute mini marshmallows with marshmallow fluff spread after baking for less browning.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, especially during the holidays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sweet Potato Casserole, Holiday Side Dish, Pecan Topping, Marshmallow Topping, Comfort Food
