Fun Fact: I did NOT like sweet potatoes for a long time. It was not until I started dating Tristan that I took a liking to sweet potatoes – mostly because I wanted to make them for him. He loves sweet potatoes/yams. I wanted my man to have the things he loves to eat – even if I don’t eat them. Eventually I came around to enjoying them.
Now, this sweet potato casserole has not only become a favorite in OUR home, it has become a highly requested side during the holidays from his family. I am truly honored. This dish will not disappoint at whatever gathering you decide to bring it to – it is truly a casserole crowd pleaser!
The Filling
I have tried baking the sweet potatoes and boiling the sweet potatoes – I have found in terms of TIME boiling the sweet potatoes is my personal preference. However, if you have the time you can bake your sweet potatoes in the oven as well [it takes roughly an hour]. Ultimately, do what is best for YOU.
You will need to mash your cooked sweet potatoes add your sugar, eggs, salt, butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla and mix until your sweet potato mixture is nice and smooth.
Brown Sugar Topping
Once you add the potatoes to a baking dish – this topping is what sets it off – I PROMISE you will want to add this to your sweet potatoes. Mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and butter with a fork or pastry cutter. It will be a little thick that’s ok, once combined – just smear it on top your sweet potatoes. If you want to add pecans, do so before you put it in the oven – but you can also leave them off if you know someone has a nut allergy. It will still taste delicious.
Once the topping has browed or caramelized you can remove it from the oven and let it cool to serve or you can add your marshmallows and do a quick broil to brown them [honestly I have done it with and without the marshmallows and I love the sweetness the marshmallows add].
PS – The store did NOT have mini marshmallows, so for this demo I ended up using large marshmallows. But I 100% prefer/recommend the mini marshmallows 🙂
A Crowd Pleasing: Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Filling
Brown Sugar Topping
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F.
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Scoop cooked potatoes into a bowl and mash. It should be about 3 cups. Add white sugar, eggs, salt, butter, milk, and vanilla. Mix together until smooth. Pour into a 9x13 or 11x8 baking dish if you'd like a little thicker.
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In separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and butter with a fork or pastry cutter. You may need to use your hands to create the crumble. Then stir in the pecans. Sprinkle the topping over the sweet potatoes.
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Bake sweet potato casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and caramelized.
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Optional: add marshmallows, sprinkle over the top and broil for 2 minutes, or until golden.
