Ah, sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving! This dish has been a staple at my family’s holiday table for as long as I can remember. The moment those sweet, fluffy potatoes hit the oven and begin to caramelize with that touch of brown sugar, the whole house fills with a warm, inviting aroma that screams “holiday cheer!” It’s not just about the flavors, though; it’s about the memories made around the table, sharing stories and laughter with loved ones. Trust me, this delightful sweet potato dish is a must-have for your Thanksgiving celebrations, and it’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your home, too!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather our ingredients for this delicious sweet potato dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving! You’ll need:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes: Peeled and cubed into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: This will add a lovely caramelized sweetness that balances the natural earthiness of the sweet potatoes.
- 1/4 cup butter: Melted butter brings richness and helps everything blend together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the sweet flavor of the potatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Just a hint of nutmeg adds depth and a cozy aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A touch of salt to round out the flavors and bring everything to life.
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows: These will create a delightful, gooey topping that’s classic for sweet potatoes!
How to Prepare Sweet Potato for Thanksgiving
Now, let’s get into the fun part—preparing this irresistible sweet potato dish! I promise, you’ll love how simple it is to whip up these festive flavors. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful side dish ready to impress your family!
Step 1: Preheat and Boil
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures your sweet potatoes bake evenly. While that’s heating up, get a large pot of salted water boiling. Toss in those cubed sweet potatoes and let them cook for about 15 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. This will make mashing a breeze!
Step 2: Mash and Mix
Once your sweet potatoes are tender, drain them and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Now, let the mashing begin! Use a potato masher (or even a fork if you’re feeling adventurous) to mash them until smooth and creamy. Then, mix in the brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is combined. The aroma will be heavenly!
Step 3: Bake
Next, spread your sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Now, it’s time to add those mini marshmallows on top—don’t be shy! Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the marshmallows have turned golden brown. This is where the magic happens!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey.
- The combination of sweet and savory flavors is simply irresistible.
- It’s easy to make, so you can spend more time with loved ones.
- Those golden marshmallows create a delightful texture on top!
- This recipe is flexible—adjust sweetness or add nuts for a twist.
Tips for Success
To make sure your sweet potato dish turns out perfectly, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t overboil the sweet potatoes; you want them tender, but not mushy. A fork should easily pierce through, so keep an eye on them! Also, when mashing, you can use a hand mixer for a super smooth consistency if you’d like—just be careful not to overmix! And if you want to add a little crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking. Lastly, let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking; it’ll help the flavors settle beautifully. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for this delightful sweet potato dish. Each serving contains about 200 calories, 8g of fat, 2g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few common queries:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and bake it right before serving.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Sure, but fresh sweet potatoes give the best flavor and texture. If you use canned, be sure to drain them well.
What if I don’t like marshmallows?
No problem! You can top your sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping instead for a delightful twist!
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 for the best taste!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftovers of this scrumptious sweet potato dish, simply transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best results!
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Sweet Potato for Thanksgiving: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful sweet potato dish perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
- Add brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
- Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with mini marshmallows.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and marshmallows are golden.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
- Try adding chopped pecans for extra crunch.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: sweet potato for thanksgiving
