Introduction
Y’all ready for a sweet and scrumptious delight? 🍠✨ Dive into this Candied Sweet Potato Casserole that’s perfect for feast gatherings and cozy nights in! Get those marshmallows golden and gooey, and experience a flavor sensation that’s pure bliss!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Directions
1. Preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes. Then, drain and mash them until smooth.
3. Stir in brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well and spread evenly in a casserole dish.
4. Melt the butter for the topping and combine with brown sugar. Spread this sweet mixture over the mashed sweet potatoes.
5. Sprinkle the pecans on top and then add a layer of mini marshmallows.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until those marshmallows are perfectly melted and have a golden glow.
7. Let it cool slightly and serve this masterpiece warm!
Nutritional Information
Each serving packs a flavor punch with approximately:
Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 28g
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil and Mash Sweet Potatoes
Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot until tender, about 20 minutes. Once soft, drain them and mash until smooth.
3. Mix Ingredients for Sweet Potatoes
In the mashed sweet potatoes, stir in 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well to combine, then spread the mixture evenly in a casserole dish.
4. Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Combine this melted butter with 1/2 cup packed brown sugar to create a topping mixture. Spread this sweet mixture evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes in the casserole dish.
5. Add Pecans and Marshmallows
Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans over the topping, then add a layer of 1 cup mini marshmallows on top of the pecans.
6. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted and have a golden glow.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this warm and scrumptious delight!
Notes
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like roasted turkey or ham and can be served as a side dish during holiday gatherings.
Customization
Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar or butter based on your taste preferences. Adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or ginger can also enhance the flavor profile.
Cook Techniques
Boiling Sweet Potatoes
Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, typically around 20 minutes. This method helps to soften the potatoes for easy mashing.
Mashing
After boiling, drain the sweet potatoes and mash them until smooth. This ensures a creamy texture in the casserole base.
Mixing Ingredients
Thoroughly stir in the brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt with the mashed sweet potatoes to ensure even flavor distribution.
Layering the Topping
Melt the butter for the topping, mix it with brown sugar, and spread it over the sweet potato mixture. This creates a sweet, caramelized topping.
Baking
Bake in a preheated oven until the marshmallows are golden and melted, about 25-30 minutes. This final cooking step develops the flavors and textures.
FAQ
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes for convenience. Ensure they are well-drained before mashing.
What can I substitute for pecans?
You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit them for a nut-free version.
Are there any alternatives to marshmallows?
You can use a mixture of crushed graham crackers and butter for a different topping, or try using vegan marshmallows for a plant-based option.
Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick option.
Conclusion
Enjoy this Candied Sweet Potato Casserole as a delightful addition to your festive gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Its rich flavors and textures make it a beloved treat!
