Overview of Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Thanksgiving side dish, sweet potato casserole is a great choice. This traditional dish is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
The sweet potato casserole recipe typically consists of mashed sweet potatoes mixed with sugar, butter, and spices, and topped with a crunchy pecan or marshmallow topping. The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a perfect balance that will leave you wanting more.
Sweet potato casserole is a versatile dish that can be made in many different ways. Some recipes include additional ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Others use different toppings like brown sugar, coconut, or even bacon.
No matter how you choose to make it, sweet potato casserole is a classic dish that is sure to impress. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is a great addition to any Thanksgiving menu. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious it can be?
Key Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole
When it comes to making a delicious sweet potato casserole, the key is to use quality ingredients that will complement each other well. In this section, we will discuss the main ingredients and topping ingredients that you will need to make a perfect sweet potato casserole.
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients for sweet potato casserole are sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, milk, and salt. Here is a breakdown of each ingredient and its role in the recipe:
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show, sweet potatoes are what give this casserole its signature flavor and texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sweet potatoes.
- Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and a caramel-like flavor to the casserole.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the sweet potatoes and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Eggs: Helps to bind the casserole together and provides structure.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the casserole.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
Topping Ingredients
The topping ingredients for sweet potato casserole are flour, pecans, unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped pecans, kosher salt, and 2% milk. Here is a breakdown of each ingredient and its role in the recipe:
- Flour: Helps to thicken the topping and provides a crispy texture.
- Pecans: Adds crunch and nuttiness to the topping.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and flavor to the topping.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor to the topping.
- Cinnamon: Enhances the flavor of the pecans and adds warmth to the topping.
- Chopped Pecans: Adds extra crunch and nuttiness to the topping.
- Kosher Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
- 2% Milk: Helps to bring all the ingredients together and provides a creamy texture to the topping.
Overall, using high-quality ingredients and following the recipe closely will result in a delicious sweet potato casserole that is sure to impress your guests.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to sweet potato casserole, it’s important to keep in mind the nutritional information. Below, we’ll break down the calories, macros, vitamins, and minerals found in this popular dish.
Calories and Macros
One cup (133g) of sweet potato casserole contains approximately 314 calories. This serving size also contains 18g of total fat, 4g of protein, and 36g of total carbohydrates. Additionally, it has 2.7g of dietary fiber and 26g of sugars.
Vitamins and Minerals
Sweet potato casserole is a great source of vitamins and minerals. One serving contains 67mg of cholesterol, 235mg of sodium, and 314mg of potassium. It also provides 10% of your daily recommended intake of dietary fiber, 23% of total fat, and 13% of total carbohydrates.
Furthermore, sweet potato casserole is rich in vitamin A, providing 257% of your daily recommended intake. It also contains 6% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C, 7.6g of monounsaturated fat, 3.2g of polyunsaturated fat, and 2.1mg of iron. Finally, it has 84mg of calcium and 0.4g of trans fat.
Overall, sweet potato casserole can be a nutritious and delicious addition to your meal. Just be mindful of serving sizes and the ingredients used in the recipe.
Equipment Needed
To make a delicious sweet potato casserole, you will need a few essential pieces of equipment. Here is a list of the necessary tools you will need to make a perfect sweet potato casserole:
Baking Dish
You will need a baking dish that is big enough to hold your sweet potato mixture. A 9×13 inch baking dish is the most common size used for sweet potato casseroles.
Potato Masher
A potato masher is an essential tool for mashing your cooked sweet potatoes. It is recommended to use a potato masher instead of a fork as it will result in smoother and creamier mashed sweet potatoes.
Oven
You will need an oven to bake your sweet potato casserole. Preheat your oven to 350°F before baking.
Large Pot
You will need a large pot to boil your sweet potatoes. Make sure your pot is big enough to hold all your sweet potatoes without overcrowding them.
Fork
You will need a fork to pierce the sweet potatoes before boiling them. This will help them cook evenly.
Hand Mixer
A hand mixer is a useful tool for mixing your sweet potato mixture. It will help you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Spatula
A spatula is an essential tool for transferring your sweet potato mixture from the mixing bowl to the baking dish.
Microwave (optional)
If you are short on time, you can use a microwave to cook your sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
Air Fryer (optional)
An air fryer is a great alternative to baking your sweet potato casserole in the oven. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Mixing Bowl
You will need a mixing bowl to mix all your sweet potato casserole ingredients together. A large mixing bowl is recommended to avoid making a mess.
Make sure you have all the necessary equipment before starting to make your sweet potato casserole. With these essential tools, you will be able to make a delicious and creamy sweet potato casserole that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing a delicious sweet potato casserole is easy with this recipe. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your guests.
Preparation of Sweet Potatoes
To start, you’ll need to prepare the sweet potatoes. Begin by washing and peeling them, then chop them into small pieces. Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water until they are tender, which should take around 25 minutes. Once they are cooked, drain them and mash them with a potato masher or fork until they are smooth.
Next, add in the other ingredients for the sweet potato filling, including sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Mix everything together until it is well combined and smooth.
Making the Topping
Now it’s time to make the topping for the sweet potato casserole. You have a few options here, depending on your preferences. One option is to make a marshmallow topping, which involves spreading mini marshmallows over the top of the sweet potato filling and baking until they are golden brown and melted.
Another option is to make a pecan crumble topping. To do this, mix together brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans in a bowl until it forms a crumbly mixture. Spread the mixture over the top of the sweet potato filling and bake until it is golden brown and crispy.
Finally, you can make a streusel topping by mixing together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a crumbly mixture. Spread the mixture over the top of the sweet potato filling and bake until it is golden brown and crunchy.
Baking the Casserole
Once you have prepared your sweet potato filling and topping, it’s time to bake the casserole. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Pour the sweet potato filling into the dish and spread it out evenly. Then, add your chosen topping over the top of the sweet potato filling.
Bake the casserole for around 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
If you want to make the best sweet potato casserole, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind. Here are some helpful hints to ensure your casserole is smooth and creamy, fork-tender, and topped with a delicious pecan crumble.
Cook the Sweet Potatoes to Perfection
The key to a great sweet potato casserole is to cook the sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender. You can do this by boiling them in a large pot of water until they are soft enough to mash with a potato masher. Once they are cooked, drain the water and let the sweet potatoes cool down before you start mashing them.
Use the Right Butter
When making sweet potato casserole, it’s important to use the right type of butter. You should always use unsalted butter instead of salted butter. This will give your casserole a creamy and rich flavor without making it too salty.
Add Chopped Pecans for Extra Crunch
If you want to add some extra crunch to your sweet potato casserole, consider adding chopped pecans to the pecan crumble topping. This will give your casserole a delicious nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Make Ahead and Refrigerate
If you’re short on time, you can make your sweet potato casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. This will save you time on the day of your event and ensure that your casserole is fresh and delicious when you serve it.
Comment on Your Experience
Finally, don’t forget to comment on your experience when making sweet potato casserole. Share your tips and tricks with others, and let them know what worked well for you. This will help others make the best sweet potato casserole possible.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Once you’ve made your delicious sweet potato casserole, you may have leftovers that you want to store and reheat for later. Here are some tips to ensure your leftovers stay fresh and tasty:
Refrigerating Leftovers
If you have leftover sweet potato casserole that you want to eat within the next three days, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To ensure that the casserole stays fresh, make sure to cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before putting it in the fridge. When reheating, use the microwave until it is warmed through.
Freezing Leftovers
If you have leftover sweet potato casserole that you won’t be able to eat within the next three days, you can freeze it. To freeze the casserole, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the freezer. Frozen sweet potato casserole will keep for up to three months.
Reheating Frozen Casserole
When reheating frozen sweet potato casserole, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once it is thawed, you can reheat it in the microwave until it is warmed through.
Freezing Instructions
If you plan on freezing your sweet potato casserole, make sure to follow these instructions:
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Label the container with the date that you froze the casserole.
- Place the container in the freezer.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your sweet potato casserole leftovers stay fresh and tasty.
Variations and Substitutions
There are many ways to customize your sweet potato casserole recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can make substitutions or add variations to the recipe to make it unique. Here are some ideas:
Canned Sweet Potatoes or Yams
If you don’t have fresh sweet potatoes, you can use canned sweet potatoes or yams instead. Drain the can and mash the sweet potatoes before adding them to the recipe. However, be aware that canned sweet potatoes may contain added sugar, so adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe accordingly.
Mini Marshmallows
If you like your sweet potato casserole extra sweet, you can add mini marshmallows on top of the casserole before baking it. The marshmallows will melt and become gooey and delicious. However, if you prefer a less sweet casserole, skip the marshmallows.
Chopped Nuts
Adding chopped nuts to the topping of your sweet potato casserole can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dish. Pecans are a popular choice, but you can also use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Toast the nuts before adding them to the recipe for extra flavor.
Nutmeg and Thyme
If you want to add some warmth and depth to your sweet potato casserole, consider adding nutmeg and thyme. Nutmeg adds a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor, while thyme adds an earthy and herby flavor. Use a small amount of each spice to avoid overpowering the dish.
Overall, there are many ways to customize your sweet potato casserole recipe to make it unique and delicious. Experiment with different variations and substitutions until you find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet potato casserole is a classic dish that is often served during Thanksgiving dinner. It pairs well with other traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Here are some serving suggestions to help you create a perfect Thanksgiving table:
- Serve sweet potato casserole as a side dish alongside turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.
- Top the sweet potato casserole with mini marshmallows and bake until golden brown for a sweet and crunchy topping.
- Serve the sweet potato casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Pair the sweet potato casserole with cranberry sauce for a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the sweet potato casserole for a delicious dessert-like twist.
- Serve the sweet potato casserole alongside pumpkin pie for a classic Thanksgiving dessert.
No matter how you choose to serve it, sweet potato casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to be a hit at any Thanksgiving table.
Recipe Review Section
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing sweet potato casserole recipe, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve scoured the internet and found some of the best recipes out there. Here’s a review of the top sweet potato casserole recipes we’ve found:
The Kitchn’s Best Sweet Potato Casserole
The Kitchn’s sweet potato casserole recipe is a fan favorite for a reason. With a delicious candy-like crust and a creamy, fluffy filling, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The recipe calls for a mix of mashed and diced sweet potatoes, which gives it a great texture. The addition of brown sugar and pecans in the topping takes it to the next level. Overall, this recipe is a winner.
The Recipe Critic’s Sweet Potato Casserole
The Recipe Critic’s sweet potato casserole is another top contender. This recipe is foolproof and always a hit with guests. The filling is made with mashed sweet potatoes, butter, and brown sugar, and it’s topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. The combination of textures and flavors is spot on, making it a must-try recipe.
NYT Cooking’s Sweet Potato Casserole
If you’re looking for a classic sweet potato casserole recipe, NYT Cooking’s version is a great choice. The filling is made with sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and it’s topped with a marshmallow topping. It’s a simple recipe that’s sure to please a crowd.
Edna Lewis and Scott Peacock’s Sweet Potato Casserole
For a more complex sweet potato casserole recipe, try Edna Lewis and Scott Peacock’s version. The recipe calls for roasting whole sweet potatoes and then mashing them with butter, cream, and spices. The topping is a delicious pecan streusel that’s sure to impress. This recipe takes a bit more time and effort, but the end result is worth it.
Tastes Better From Scratch’s Sweet Potato Casserole
Tastes Better From Scratch’s sweet potato casserole is a great option if you’re short on time. The recipe calls for canned sweet potatoes, which cuts down on prep time. The filling is made with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and it’s topped with a pecan streusel. While it may not be as fancy as some of the other recipes on this list, it’s a delicious and easy option.
Overall, there are plenty of great sweet potato casserole recipes out there. Whether you’re looking for a classic recipe or something a bit more unique, there’s sure to be a recipe on this list that fits the bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a healthy sweet potato casserole?
To make a healthy sweet potato casserole, you can substitute some of the traditional ingredients with healthier options. Instead of using marshmallows, you can use chopped nuts or a streusel topping made with oats, nuts, and a little bit of brown sugar. You can also use coconut oil or Greek yogurt instead of butter, and honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. Additionally, try to avoid using canned sweet potatoes, as they often contain added sugars and preservatives.
What is the best sweet potato casserole recipe?
The best sweet potato casserole recipe is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, a classic recipe typically involves mashed sweet potatoes mixed with butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It is then topped with marshmallows and baked until golden brown and bubbly.
What are some variations of sweet potato casserole?
There are many variations of sweet potato casserole, including adding pecans or walnuts to the topping, using a streusel topping instead of marshmallows, or adding bourbon or orange juice to the sweet potato mixture. Some recipes also call for adding cream cheese or sour cream to the sweet potato mixture for added creaminess.
Why do some recipes include eggs in sweet potato casserole?
Eggs are sometimes added to sweet potato casserole to help bind the ingredients together and create a firmer texture. They also add richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Is it better to boil or bake sweet potatoes for casserole?
Baking sweet potatoes for casserole is generally preferred, as it helps to concentrate their natural sweetness and results in a creamier texture. Boiling sweet potatoes can cause them to become waterlogged and mushy.
Should sweet potatoes be soaked before baking for casserole?
Soaking sweet potatoes before baking for casserole is not necessary. However, you can peel and chop them ahead of time and store them in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them. This can help prevent them from oxidizing and turning brown.
