When the holiday season approaches, my mind instantly drifts to the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving dinner. The enticing scent of sweet potatoes baking in the oven brings back memories of cherished family gatherings. This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Streusel embodies that nostalgia, transforming simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish. The creamy, sweet potato base, topped with buttery streusel and clouds of fluffy marshmallows, is a delightful contrast that dances on your palate.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone looking to rekindle the joy of homemade meals, this casserole is your perfect companion for holiday festivities. It’s not just gluten-free and vegetarian; it makes the ideal centerpiece on any table, pleasing both kids and adults alike. So, if you’re ready to elevate your Thanksgiving spread and create lasting memories, let’s dive into crafting this deliciously sweet and utterly comforting side dish together!
Why will you love Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Streusel?
Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of sweet, creamy sweet potatoes, and marshmallows creates an iconic, nostalgic taste everyone loves.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish appeals to both children and adults, ensuring everyone at your gathering is satisfied.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can shine in the kitchen.
Versatile Options: Easily customizable to fit gluten-free diets or to add unique spices for a personal twist.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance for a stress-free holiday feast, allowing you to enjoy time with family.
Dive into this delightful recipe, and discover why it’s a treasured staple at Thanksgiving!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base
• Sweet Potatoes – Key ingredient providing the base flavor and texture; can be made with canned sweet potatoes or yams to save on prep time.
• Butter (6 Tbsp) – Adds richness and flavor to the mixture; can replace with margarine for a dairy-free option.
• Milk (½ cup) – Creates a creamy texture in the mashed sweet potatoes; use whole, 1%, or 2% milk; half-and-half is also acceptable.
• Light Brown Sugar (½ cup for filling, ¾ cup for streusel) – Provides sweetness and caramel flavors; dark brown sugar can also be used for a deeper flavor.
• Vanilla Extract (½ tsp) – Enhances the sweet flavor complexity.
• Salt (½ tsp, optional) – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Eggs (2) – Helps to bind the mixture for a firmer casserole; omit if a softer texture is desired.
For the Streusel Topping
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – Base for the streusel, providing texture; gluten-free flour blend can be used for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Light Brown Sugar (¾ cup) – Adds sweetness and a caramel touch to the topping; dark brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp) & Nutmeg (¼ tsp) – Adds warm, aromatic flavors typical of holiday dishes.
• Melted Butter (4 Tbsp) – Binds the streusel mixture together while adding richness.
For the Finish
• Mini Marshmallows (3 cups) – Sweet, gooey topping that adds texture and visual appeal; larger marshmallows can be used; ensure they are spaced for even browning.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Streusel
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Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
Peel and chop sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Boil them in salted water for about 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain well and let them cool a bit. -
Mash Sweet Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, blend the cooked sweet potatoes with softened butter, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir gently until smooth; small lumps are perfectly fine. -
Prep Dish & Spread Mixture:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the mashed sweet potato mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer. -
Make and Add Streusel Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until you achieve a clumpy texture, then sprinkle it generously over the sweet potato mixture. -
Initial Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the casserole for about 20 minutes until the filling is slightly firm and the streusel is beginning to harden. -
Add Marshmallows:
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the mini marshmallows on top and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the marshmallows puff up and turn golden brown.
Optional: Garnish with a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Streusel?
Looking to create a magical holiday feast? Pairing delightful side dishes with your sweet potato casserole ensures a well-rounded table filled with flavor and comfort.
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Roast Turkey: The savory, juicy flavors of roast turkey are a classic complement, balancing the sweetness of the casserole beautifully.
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Green Bean Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans with toasted almonds add a fresh, crunchy texture that contrasts delightfully with the creamy casserole.
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Stuffing: A savory stuffing made with herbs and bread adds depth to your meal, contrasting with the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
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Cranberry Sauce: The tangy burst of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of both turkey and casserole, refreshing your palate with every bite.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic bring comfort and heartiness, creating a cozy atmosphere at your dinner table.
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Honey Butter Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls drizzled with honey provide a lovely sweetness that pairs elegantly with the sweet potato dish.
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Apple Cider: The warm spices of apple cider create a cozy ambiance, enhancing the overall dining experience with homey, autumnal vibes.
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Pumpkin Pie: Finish off your meal with a slice of classic pumpkin pie for a truly nostalgic dessert that echoes the flavors of the season.
By combining these thoughtful accompaniments, your holiday table will be a feast of harmonious flavors and textures that everyone will cherish!
How to Store and Freeze Sweet Potato Casserole
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Room Temperature: Unbaked sweet potato casserole can be left at room temperature for up to 2 hours; cover it to prevent drying out before baking.
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Fridge: Store leftover cooked sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
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Reheating: To reheat, bake thawed casserole at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy the comforting flavors all over again!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists to make your casserole uniquely yours!
- Nut-Free: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds for a crunchy alternative that’s safe for nut allergies.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter and milk with coconut oil and almond milk for a creamy, dairy-free version.
- Spice It Up: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Maple-Lover’s Delight: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup, enhancing the flavor with a distinct maple aroma.
- Coconut Topping: Use shredded coconut mixed into the streusel for an added tropical flair and chewy texture.
- Fruit Fusion: Fold in some chopped apples or pears to the sweet potato mix for a fruity twist that brightens every bite.
- Savory Feel: Incorporate garlic powder and rosemary into the sweet potato blend for a savory approach that counters the sweetness.
- Candied Bacon: Sprinkle crumbled candied bacon over the marshmallows before the final bake for a sweet and salty experience that will elevate your casserole to new heights!
Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole
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Avoid Gummy Texture: Be cautious not to overmix the sweet potatoes; a few lumps add to the casserole’s charm instead of a gummy consistency.
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Canned Convenience: To save time, consider using canned sweet potatoes. Just rinse them, and you’re ready to go!
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Proper Spacing: Ensure mini marshmallows are adequately spaced on top of the casserole to prevent them from sticking together during baking.
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Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the brown sugar in both the filling and streusel topping for a balanced flavor.
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Perfect Streusel: Mix the streusel until it reaches a clumpy texture; this provides that delicious crunch on top of your Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Streusel.
Make Ahead Options
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Streusel is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and store it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply mash the sweet potatoes and mix in the remaining ingredients as directed, then transfer to a greased baking dish. For the streusel topping, mix and store it separately to maintain its crunch. On the day of serving, just add the streusel and mini marshmallows before baking. This way, your casserole will still be just as delicious, saving you time while delivering all the comforting flavors your family loves.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Streusel Recipe FAQs
How can I select the best sweet potatoes for the casserole?
Absolutely! Look for sweet potatoes with smooth, firm skin and avoid those with dark spots or blemishes. They should feel heavy for their size, and if you’re choosing between varieties, the orange-fleshed ones are typically sweeter and work beautifully in this casserole.
What’s the best way to store leftover sweet potato casserole?
Leftover cooked sweet potato casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before covering it to prevent excess moisture buildup. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, adding a splash of milk if you find it a bit dry.
Can I freeze sweet potato casserole?
Yes, you can! To freeze your sweet potato casserole, first, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before cooking heat me at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes.
What if my sweet potato casserole is too runny?
If your casserole ends up being too runny, you can resolve this during the baking process by adding a bit more flour to your streusel topping or cooking the sweet potato mixture a little longer to help thicken it. Also, be mindful to use the correct measurements for milk and eggs as too much liquid can lead to a runny consistency.
Are there any dietary considerations for this sweet potato casserole?
Certainly! This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Streusel is vegetarian and can easily be made gluten-free by using a suitable flour blend in the streusel topping. Keep an eye on the marshmallows you use, as some brands may contain ingredients people with specific allergies should avoid. Always check labels to be sure!
How long can I keep the unbaked sweet potato casserole at room temperature?
You can keep an unbaked sweet potato casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours. It’s important to cover it to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any unwanted odors. If it’s left out beyond that, it’s best to discard it for food safety!
Irresistible Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows & Streusel
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel and chop sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Boil them in salted water for about 20 minutes or until tender. Drain well and let them cool a bit.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend the cooked sweet potatoes with softened butter, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir gently until smooth; small lumps are fine.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the mashed sweet potato mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until clumpy and sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for about 20 minutes until slightly firm and streusel begins to harden.
- Carefully remove from oven, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top, and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until marshmallows puff and brown.