Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: A Holiday Must-Have
Hey there! Imagine a warm, gooey dish coming out of the oven. It smells sweet and looks so yummy with golden marshmallows and crunchy pecans on top. That’s Southern Sweet Potato Casserole!
This recipe is a big deal in the South, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving. It’s super easy to make and tastes amazing. Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to whip up this crowd-pleaser step by step.
Key Takeaways
Here’s everything you need to know about this awesome dish in one quick spot. These details make it easy to plan and enjoy!
- Recipe Description: This is a classic Southern side dish. It has creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a topping of marshmallows and pecans.
- Prep Time: You’ll need 30 minutes to get everything ready.
- Cooking Time: It bakes for 45 minutes in the oven.
- Total Time: From start to finish, it takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Type of Dish: It’s a side dish that goes with lots of meals.
- Cuisine of the Recipe: This comes from Southern cooking traditions.
- Quantity Produced by the Recipe: It serves 8 people, perfect for a family gathering.
- The Number of Calories in the Recipe: Each serving has about 350 calories.
These facts help you see how simple and tasty this casserole is. It’s not too long to make, and it feeds a bunch of people. Plus, it’s got that sweet and cozy vibe that makes holidays special. Now, let’s jump into the fun stuff!
What Is Southern Sweet Potato Casserole?
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a yummy dish that people love in the South. It mixes sweet potatoes with sugar and butter, then tops it with marshmallows or pecans. Families make it for big meals like Thanksgiving because it’s warm and comforting. It’s like a hug on a plate!
This dish is easy to love because it’s sweet but not too much. The soft sweet potatoes feel nice to eat, and the topping adds a fun crunch or gooey bite. Kids like it too, since it’s a little like dessert but still counts as a veggie. It’s a happy part of holiday tables everywhere down South!
A Little History of Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole has a cool story that goes back a long time. People started making it in the early 1900s when marshmallows got popular in America. Sweet potatoes were already a big deal in the South, so adding marshmallows made sense. It turned into a holiday favorite fast!
Over the years, folks added their own twists. Some used pecans instead of marshmallows, and others mixed in spices like cinnamon. Every family has its own way of making it now. It’s a dish that keeps growing but stays true to its Southern roots.
Why This Recipe Is So Great
This recipe is special because it’s got the best of everything. The sweet potatoes are smooth and tasty with a little vanilla and cinnamon. Then, the topping has both marshmallows and pecans for a double treat. It’s crunchy and gooey all at once!
It’s also super easy to make, even if you’re new to cooking. You don’t need fancy stuff, just some sweet potatoes and a few basics. Everyone will think you’re a chef when they taste it. It’s perfect for holidays or any day you want something yummy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this awesome casserole. These are simple things you can find at any store!
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup extra brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons extra melted butter
These ingredients make the dish sweet and rich. The sweet potatoes are the star, and the topping makes it extra fun. You’ll love how they all come together!
How to Make It Step by Step
Making this casserole is a breeze. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a tasty dish in no time!
- Bake the sweet potatoes. Turn the oven to 400°F. Poke the sweet potatoes with a fork and put them on a baking sheet. Bake them for 45 to 60 minutes until they’re soft.
- Mix the sweet potatoes. Let them cool a bit, then peel off the skins. Put the insides in a big bowl with butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Mash it all up until it’s smooth.
- Make the topping. In another bowl, mix pecans, flour, extra brown sugar, and extra butter. Stir it until it’s all crumbly.
- Put it together. Spread the sweet potato mix in a greased 9×13-inch dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping on, then add the marshmallows.
- Bake it. Set the oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and toasty.
- Enjoy it. Let it cool a little, then dig in while it’s warm!
These steps are easy to follow. You’ll feel like a pro when it comes out looking so good!
Tips for Baking Sweet Potatoes
Baking sweet potatoes is simple with a few tricks. Here’s how to do it right!
- Pick sweet potatoes that are about the same size. They’ll cook evenly that way.
- Poke them with a fork a few times. This lets steam out so they don’t burst.
- Put them on a baking sheet with foil. It catches drips and keeps the oven clean.
- Check if they’re done with a knife. If it slides in easy, they’re ready.
These tips make sure your sweet potatoes turn out perfect. Soft and sweet is what you want for a great casserole!
Mixing the Sweet Potato Filling
The filling is the yummy heart of this dish. Here’s how to mix it up!
- Mash the sweet potatoes while they’re warm. The butter melts better that way.
- Use a masher for a chunky feel or a mixer for smooth. Both work great!
- Add the butter first, then the other stuff. Mix it all until it’s nice and creamy.
This part is fun because you get to mash and mix. It smells so good with the cinnamon and vanilla in there!
Making the Perfect Topping
The topping makes this casserole extra special. Here’s how to nail it!
- Toast the pecans first if you want. Bake them at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes until they smell nutty.
- Mix the pecans with flour, brown sugar, and butter. Stir until it’s all crumbly.
- Add more sugar if you like it sweeter. It’s up to you!
This topping adds a fun crunch and gooeyness. It’s the best part for a lot of people!
Putting It All Together and Baking
Now it’s time to build and bake your casserole. Here’s what to do!
- Grease your 9×13-inch dish so nothing sticks.
- Spread the sweet potato mix in the dish nice and even.
- Sprinkle the pecan topping all over, then add the marshmallows.
- Bake it at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch it so the marshmallows don’t burn too much.
When it’s done, it looks so pretty and smells amazing. You’ll want to eat it right away!
Fun Ways to Serve It
This casserole goes with lots of foods. Here are some ideas!
- Put it next to turkey or ham for a holiday meal. It fits right in!
- Try it with green beans and cornbread. That’s super Southern!
- It’s even good with fried chicken or mac and cheese. Yum!
You can serve it however you like. It makes every meal better with its sweet taste!
Cool Twists on the Recipe
Want to change it up? Here are some fun ideas!
- Use less sugar and add Greek yogurt instead of butter. It’s a lighter choice.
- Splash in some bourbon for a grown-up flavor. Just a little bit!
- Try crushed cornflakes or oats for a different topping. It’s still crunchy!
These twists let you play with the recipe. Make it your own and have fun!
How to Store and Reheat It
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them good!
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or put it in a sealed container. It stays fresh in the fridge for 4 days.
- Reheat it in the microwave for a quick bite. Or warm it in the oven at 350°F.
- The topping might not be as crunchy, but it still tastes great.
This makes it easy to enjoy later. No waste means more yummy casserole for you!
What’s in It Nutrition-Wise
Here’s what you get in each serving. It’s good to know!
- Calories: About 350 per serving.
- Fat: Around 15 grams.
- Carbs: About 50 grams.
- Protein: Around 5 grams.
- Sweet potatoes give you lots of vitamin A and fiber too!
It’s a treat, but it’s got some healthy stuff in it. Enjoy it without worry!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Mix the sweet potatoes and topping separately, then put it together and bake when you’re ready. Or bake it all and reheat it later.
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes?
Sure thing! Fresh is best, but canned works if you drain them well. Cut back on sugar since they might be sweet already.
How Do I Keep Marshmallows From Burning?
Watch the oven near the end. If they brown fast, cover with foil. Add them later in baking if you want.
Can I Make It Vegan or Gluten-Free?
Yep! Use plant butter and skip eggs for vegan. Use no flour or gluten-free flour for the topping. It still tastes awesome!
There you go! This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is easy, fun, and so tasty. Give it a try, and watch everyone ask for more!
Hello! I’m Eloise Wilson, the culinary enthusiast behind SimplyCookings. Cooking is my canvas and flavors are my palette. I’m here to share easy-to-follow recipes and kitchen wisdom that will make your cooking journey joyful and delicious. Join me and let’s turn everyday meals into extraordinary experiences!
