Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for southern sweet potato casserole! This dish is like a warm hug from grandma, bringing back memories of family gatherings and holiday feasts. The way the sweet potatoes blend so beautifully with crunchy pecans and gooey marshmallows creates a flavor explosion that just makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I made it for Thanksgiving; the whole table lit up with smiles as I lifted the lid off the casserole dish. It’s truly a staple in our home, and it’s always the first to disappear! If you’re looking for a dish that screams comfort and nostalgia, this is it!
Ingredients for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
- 4 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped pecans
How to Prepare Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making this delicious southern sweet potato casserole! Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping this up like a pro in no time. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your casserole bakes evenly, giving you that perfect gooey center and golden-brown topping. So, don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together your cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. I like to use a hand mixer to get everything nice and smooth, but a whisk will work too! Just make sure there are no lumps left, as we want that creamy texture to shine through.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Now, grab a greased baking dish—about 9×13 inches works great—and carefully pour your sweet potato mixture into it. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure it’s nicely packed in there. This helps everything bake uniformly and keeps it from puffing up too much in the middle!
Step 4: Prepare Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the mini marshmallows and chopped pecans. This crunchy topping is what takes your casserole to the next level! Sprinkle this mixture generously over the sweet potato mixture. It’s okay if it looks a little heaped; that just means more deliciousness!
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Pop that beauty into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is a lovely golden brown. You can check for doneness by giving it a little jiggle—if it’s set and doesn’t wobble too much, you’re good to go! Once it’s out, let it cool for just a few minutes before serving. It’s fantastic alongside roasted meats or a fresh green salad. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Tips for Success with Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
To make your southern sweet potato casserole truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness to your taste; some folks love a sweeter casserole, while others prefer it a bit more savory. If you want to get creative, try swapping out regular granulated sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor. You can also play around with the toppings—add a sprinkle of nutmeg or use walnuts instead of pecans for a different crunch! And if you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of maple syrup over the marshmallow-pecan topping before baking adds a delightful twist. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your casserole to a whole new level!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for a serving of my southern sweet potato casserole! Keep in mind that these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
This casserole hits the sweet spot when it comes to comfort food, and while it’s indulgent, it’s also packed with nutrients from those delicious sweet potatoes. Enjoy every bite without the guilt!
FAQ about Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, bring it to room temperature before adding the marshmallow and pecan topping. This way, you’ll save time on the big day, and your casserole will still taste fresh and delicious!
What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a butter alternative, no worries! You can use margarine or even vegetable oil. Just keep in mind that if you choose oil, you’ll want to use a bit less—about 1/4 cup should do the trick. This will still give you that lovely richness without the dairy!
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
You bet! To make this southern sweet potato casserole vegan, you can swap the eggs for flax eggs or chia seeds mixed with water—just mix one tablespoon of either with three tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens. For the milk, any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat will work beautifully. And for the butter, opt for vegan butter or coconut oil. This way, you can enjoy this comforting dish without any animal products!
Variations of Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Now, if you want to jazz up your southern sweet potato casserole, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! First off, consider adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm, aromatic twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some crushed pineapple for a delightful tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
Want to switch up the nuts? Pecans are classic, but walnuts or even hazelnuts can add a unique crunch. And for those with a sweet tooth, swapping out granulated sugar for brown sugar or even maple syrup can give your dish a deeper, richer taste. You could also experiment with a bit of coconut sugar for a healthier option. Trust me, these little tweaks will make your casserole a standout at any gathering!
Serving Suggestions for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
When it comes to serving my southern sweet potato casserole, the possibilities are endless! This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats like succulent turkey or glazed ham, making it a perfect addition to any holiday feast. If you’re looking for lighter options, try serving it alongside a fresh green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. The contrast of flavors and textures will have your taste buds dancing! And don’t forget about some crispy fried chicken or barbecue ribs—those savory notes really complement the sweetness of the casserole. Trust me, your guests will rave about this combination!
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Southern Sweet Potato Casserole: 5 Comforting Layers of Joy
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious southern-style sweet potato casserole topped with a crunchy pecan and marshmallow mixture.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine marshmallows and pecans.
- Spread the marshmallow-pecan mixture over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Notes
- Can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar.
- Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: southern sweet potato casserole, sweet potato recipe, holiday side dish
