Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole – A Holiday Favorite

Nothing says “holiday comfort” quite like a rich and creamy sweet potato casserole. This dish has become a staple at family gatherings and holiday dinners for good reason – it’s warm, hearty, and absolutely delicious. The perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors, this casserole is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite on your table.

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1/4 cup flour

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by boiling the diced sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender enough to easily mash with a fork. Drain the water and return the sweet potatoes to the pot.

Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. You can use a potato masher or a hand mixer for a creamier texture.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Ingredients

Add the softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix everything until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness, if needed.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and flour. Stir until everything is evenly coated. This will create a crunchy, sweet topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sweet potatoes.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread them evenly across the dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping generously over the sweet potatoes.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. If you like, add a handful of mini marshmallows to the top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey, sweet finish.

Why This Casserole is a Holiday Favorite:

• Creamy Texture: The sweet potatoes are mashed to perfection, creating a soft, velvety base.

• Sweet and Savory: The addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar gives the dish a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

• Crunchy Topping: The combination of pecans and brown sugar creates a crispy, caramelized topping that adds great texture.

Tips and Variations:

• Vegan Option: Swap the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk and dairy-free butter.

• Add Spices: For a little extra warmth, you can add a pinch of ginger or cloves to the sweet potato mixture.

• Marshmallows: If you prefer a more traditional touch, top your casserole with mini marshmallows and bake them until golden brown.

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Just bake it before your holiday meal for a hot and delicious side dish.

Conclusion:

This creamy sweet potato casserole is sure to be the star of your holiday spread. With its smooth, flavorful sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping, it offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other family gathering, this dish will always be met with praise.