Quick & Cozy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for Family Joy

Comfort arrives with this incredible sweet potato casserole that promises warmth in every delightful bite.

Layers of creamy goodness meld perfectly beneath a crunchy pecan topping.

Soft, velvety sweet potatoes create a rich foundation for this classic dish.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this hearty side that feels like a warm embrace.

We blend traditional techniques with modern twists to craft something truly memorable.

Marshmallows optional, but strongly recommended for those who love a touch of indulgent sweetness.

Why Sweet Potato Casserole Is a Must-Have

• Craft Comfort Cuisine: Elevate your dinner with this sweet potato casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming dish packed with rich, homemade flavor.
• Knock-Out Topping Twist: Combine crunchy cornflakes and pecans with a sweet brown sugar glaze, creating a crispy, irresistible layer that makes this casserole stand out from traditional recipes.
• Kid and Adult Crowd-Pleaser: Blend sweet, creamy potato base with gooey marshmallow topping that appeals to both children and grown-ups, making it perfect for family gatherings and holiday meals.
• Super Simple Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps, allowing even beginner cooks to create a delicious side dish that looks and tastes professionally made.

Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients List

• Sweet Potatoes: Tender and creamy root vegetable that forms the base of this comforting casserole.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the sweet potato mixture together.
• Milk: Adds moisture and contributes to the smooth, creamy texture.

• Brown Sugar: Offers a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes.

• Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract: Warm spice and aromatic extract that enhance the natural sweetness of the dish.
• Salt: Balances and deepens the overall flavor profile.

• Cornflakes, Pecans: Provide a crunchy, nutty contrast to the creamy sweet potato base.
• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy topping and adds rich flavor.

• Mini Marshmallows: Create a sweet, gooey layer that caramelizes to a golden brown when baked.

Sweet Potato Casserole Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for your delicious sweet potato creation.

Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Take your cooked sweet potatoes and transform them into a silky-smooth mixture using a potato masher or fork.

Make sure there are no lumpy surprises.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Egg
• Milk
• Salt

Stir everything until it becomes a harmonious, velvety mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter.

Spread your sweet potato mixture evenly across the surface, creating a luscious base.

Step 5: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Crushed cornflakes
• Chopped pecans
• Melted butter
• Brown sugar

Combine these ingredients until they form a tantalizingly crisp topping.

Step 6: Add the Crunchy Layer

Sprinkle the pecan-cornflake mixture evenly over the sweet potato base, creating a golden, textured blanket.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges start to bubble and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Crown with Marshmallows

Pull the casserole out and generously scatter mini marshmallows across the top.

Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the marshmallows become puffy and golden.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes.

This helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.

Tips for Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole

• Use a potato masher or electric mixer for ultra-smooth sweet potato texture without lumps.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to enhance the warm, sweet spice profile of the casserole.
• Prepare the sweet potato base and topping separately a day before, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
• Replace butter with coconut oil for dairy-free version, and use gluten-free cornflakes for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Watch marshmallows closely during final broiling to prevent burning, and remove when they're golden and puffy.

Delicious Variations of Sweet Potato Casserole

• Vegan Sweet Potato Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, swap egg for flax egg, and top with vegan marshmallows or coconut flakes.
• Gluten-Free Pecan Crunch: Use gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for topping, substitute regular milk with almond milk, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spiced Autumn Comfort: Add nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom to the sweet potato mixture, replace cornflakes with rolled oats, and sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top for extra crunch.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar, reduce overall sweetness, incorporate mashed banana for natural sweetness, and top with sliced almonds.

Serving Sweet Potato Casserole Ideas

• Thanksgiving Feast Companion: Pair this sweet potato casserole with roasted turkey, herb-crusted chicken, or glazed ham for a classic holiday meal.
• Brunch Delight: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a decadent weekend breakfast that feels like a special treat.
• Potluck Superstar: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to family gatherings or community events, where its sweet and crunchy topping will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Dessert-Like Side: Enjoy this casserole as a bridge between savory and sweet, perfect for those who love a touch of indulgence with their main course.

Storing Sweet Potato Casserole the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, covering the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with marshmallow topping.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Add fresh marshmallows during the last 5 minutes for extra crispness.
• Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes on medium power, stopping halfway to stir and ensure even warming. Add a small splash of milk to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work perfectly. Just drain them well and mash as you would fresh sweet potatoes.

• Is it okay to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add the marshmallow topping right before baking.

• What can I substitute if I don't have cornflakes for the topping?

Graham cracker crumbs or crushed graham crackers make an excellent alternative to cornflakes for the crunchy topping.

• Do I need to boil the sweet potatoes before mashing?

Yes, boil or roast the sweet potatoes until they’re soft and easily mashable. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture in your casserole.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comforting Southern sweet potato casserole brings warmth and nostalgia to holiday tables with its creamy base and irresistible marshmallow topping. Guests will savor each spoonful of this classic side dish that promises to delight family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled, cut into cubes, and cooked)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk (3.25%)

Sweeteners and Flavorings:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Fats and Dairy:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or margarine)

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup crushed cornflakes
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly mash cooked sweet potatoes until velvety and uniform in texture.
2. Incorporate brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, egg, milk, and salt, whisking until ingredients create a harmonious blend.
3. Transfer the smooth sweet potato mixture into a generously greased baking dish, ensuring an even surface.
4. Craft the crunchy topping by combining crushed cornflakes, chopped pecans, melted butter, and brown sugar in a separate mixing bowl.
5. Distribute the pecan-cornflake topping uniformly across the sweet potato base, creating a textured layer.
6. Position the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes until edges become slightly golden and filling sets.
7. Remove the casserole and carefully scatter mini marshmallows across the surface, creating a delicate white blanket.
8. Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, watching carefully until marshmallows transform into a caramelized, bronzed topping.
9. Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool, permitting the layers to settle before serving, which helps maintain its structural integrity.

Notes

• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk to make the recipe dairy-free and suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Reduce brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-sugar version that’s diabetic-friendly.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the casserole topping.
• Prepare sweet potatoes a day ahead and refrigerate to save time during holiday meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 258 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 108 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 28 mg