Oh my goodness, Christmas Sweet Potato Casserole is like a warm hug on a festive plate! Every holiday season, my family gathers around the table, and this dish is always the star of the show. I remember the first time I made it—I was just a teenager, trying to impress my relatives. The way the sweet potatoes blend with that buttery, pecan topping is pure magic! And don’t even get me started on the mini marshmallows that get all toasty and golden—seriously, they’re like little pillows of joy! It’s such a comforting dish that not only fills your belly but warms your heart during those chilly family gatherings. You just can’t beat that festive vibe!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (You can bake or boil them until tender, then mash until smooth!)
- 1 cup sugar (This adds the perfect sweetness to counterbalance the savory flavors.)
- 1/2 cup milk (Feel free to use whole milk for creaminess or your favorite plant-based alternative.)
- 1/2 cup butter (Melted, because who doesn’t love that rich, buttery flavor?)
- 2 eggs (These help bind everything together and add a nice texture.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Just a splash for that warm, comforting aroma!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (It enhances all the other flavors beautifully.)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (They’ll turn golden and gooey on top—trust me, it’s the best part!)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (This adds a caramel-like depth that’s simply irresistible.)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (For that crunchy topping that gives a lovely contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes.)
How to Prepare Christmas Sweet Potato Casserole
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a nice baking dish and give it a good greasing—trust me, you don’t want your delicious casserole sticking to the bottom. I usually use butter or cooking spray for this!
Mix the Sweet Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine your creamy mashed sweet potatoes with the sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but a good old-fashioned whisk works just fine, too! Just blend everything together until it’s super smooth and well combined. The aroma of vanilla and sweet potatoes will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Assemble the Casserole
Now, it’s time to spread that luscious sweet potato mixture into your greased baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula. In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and chopped pecans until they’re combined. Sprinkle this crunchy goodness evenly over the sweet potato layer. And don’t forget to top it all off with those cute mini marshmallows—layer them on generously for that melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Bake the Casserole
Pop your casserole in the oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the marshmallows are beautifully golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Keep an eye on it because that toasted marshmallow topping is just too good to miss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Deliciously sweet and creamy, it’s a festive favorite that everyone will adore.
- The crunchy pecan topping adds a delightful texture that balances the softness of the sweet potatoes.
- Mini marshmallows turn golden and gooey, creating a sweet finish that’s simply irresistible.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to your holiday table!
Tips for Success
Okay, here are my top tips to make sure your Christmas Sweet Potato Casserole turns out absolutely perfect! First off, if you’re short on time, you can actually prepare this dish a day ahead—just assemble it, cover it well, and pop it in the fridge. Then, bake it right before serving! Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness to your taste. If you love it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more sugar or even a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra festive flair. And remember, the key to those golden marshmallows is keeping an eye on them in the oven—nobody likes burnt marshmallows! Trust me, these little tricks will elevate your casserole to a whole new level!
Nutritional Information
This Christmas Sweet Potato Casserole is not only a treat for your taste buds but also offers some nutritional benefits! Each serving has approximately 320 calories, with 15 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 45 grams of carbohydrates, including 25 grams of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so adjustments may alter the numbers a bit. But hey, during the holidays, a little indulgence is totally worth it!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and mash them first until they’re nice and smooth. Fresh sweet potatoes give the casserole a lovely, natural flavor!
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Both work wonderfully!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I make this casserole vegan?
Yes, simply swap the eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based milk and butter. You won’t miss a beat on flavor!
What goes well with this casserole?
This sweet potato casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats, like turkey or ham, making it a perfect side dish for your holiday feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious Christmas Sweet Potato Casserole, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven gives you that lovely, crunchy topping back! Enjoy every bite!
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Christmas Sweet Potato Casserole: 5 Cozy Holiday Tips
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and festive sweet potato casserole perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt.
- Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and chopped pecans.
- Sprinkle the pecan mixture on top of the sweet potato mixture.
- Top with mini marshmallows.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and marshmallows are golden brown.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based milk.
- You can prepare this dish a day ahead and bake it before serving.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste by adding more or less sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Christmas Sweet Potato Casserole