Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and indulging in delicious food that warms the heart. One dish that truly embodies the spirit of this holiday is sweet potato casserole. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a cherished tradition in so many families, often passed down through generations. The blend of creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a hint of vanilla and warm spices creates a comforting experience that’s hard to resist. And let’s not forget that delightful layer of golden-brown mini marshmallows on top—oh wow, it adds a sweet, toasty finish that’s just heavenly! This sweet potato casserole is sure to be the star of your Thanksgiving table, bringing smiles and full bellies to everyone. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved holiday staple!
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole Thanksgiving
To whip up this delightful sweet potato casserole, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (freshly cooked or canned, it’s your choice!)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (to add that lovely sweetness)
- 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%, whatever you have on hand)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (for that buttery richness)
- 2 large eggs (make sure they’re at room temperature for best results)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (a splash of flavor magic!)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for a warm, cozy aroma)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (a dash of spice to elevate the flavor)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (because who can resist that toasted topping?)
Gather these goodies, and you’re well on your way to creating a Thanksgiving masterpiece!
How to Prepare Sweet Potato Casserole Thanksgiving
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this sweet potato casserole! It’s super simple, and I promise the end result will be worth every second.
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting that oven nice and toasty is key for a perfectly baked casserole!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, and melted butter. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to blend it all together until smooth and creamy. You want to ensure there are no lumps for that velvety texture!
- Next, crack in the eggs, add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix everything until it’s well combined. This is where the magic happens—trust me, it smells divine!
- Once your mixture is smooth, pour it into a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch one, but any similar size works!
- Now, sprinkle those mini marshmallows generously over the top. The more, the merrier, right?
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and when the marshmallows turn that beautiful golden brown, it’s time to take it out!
Let it cool for just a few minutes before serving, and prepare for the compliments to roll in! Your sweet potato casserole will be the talk of the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday kitchens!
- The flavor is a delightful combination of sweetness and warm spices, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
- That layer of toasted marshmallows on top adds a fun and nostalgic touch to your Thanksgiving table.
- It’s a traditional dish that brings back fond memories and is sure to become a family favorite!
- Plus, it can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy more time with your loved ones.
Tips for Success
Making the perfect sweet potato casserole is all about a few simple tips! First, if you’re using fresh sweet potatoes, make sure to boil or bake them until super tender—this makes mashing a breeze! If you find your casserole too sweet, just adjust the brown sugar to suit your taste; it’s all about balance. Also, don’t skip the marshmallows—they’re key for that iconic topping! Lastly, let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set up nicely and makes serving easier. Trust me, these little tricks will elevate your dish and impress your guests!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a 1/2 cup serving of this delicious sweet potato casserole: about 200 calories, 8g of fat (5g saturated), 3g of protein, and 30g of carbs, including 15g of sugar and 4g of fiber. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used!
FAQ about Sweet Potato Casserole Thanksgiving
Got questions about making the ultimate sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned sweet potatoes are a fantastic time-saver. Just make sure to drain them well before mashing to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients, pour them into the greased dish, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and pop it in the oven!
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! This sweet potato casserole is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any flour. Just double-check your marshmallows to ensure they’re gluten-free, too!
What if I don’t like marshmallows?
No problem! If marshmallows aren’t your thing, you can substitute them with a crunchy topping made from pecans or a crumb topping for added texture and flavor.
Is there a way to lighten it up?
Sure! You can use less brown sugar, swap out the butter for a light margarine, and even replace some of the milk with a low-fat version to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving sweet potato casserole, the options are endless! This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of classic Thanksgiving favorites. I love serving it alongside a juicy, herb-roasted turkey or a honey-glazed ham for that perfect sweet and savory balance. Don’t forget a side of creamy green bean casserole to add some freshness to the table! And if you’re feeling adventurous, a tangy cranberry sauce can add a delightful zing that cuts through the sweetness. Finally, a warm dinner roll is the perfect vessel for scooping up all those delicious flavors. Trust me, your holiday spread will shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After the festivities, you might find yourself with some delicious sweet potato casserole leftovers! To store them, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop the casserole back in for about 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You might want to add a few extra mini marshmallows on top and give them a quick broil for that toasted finish—yum! Enjoy every last bite!
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Sweet Potato Casserole Thanksgiving: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious sweet potato casserole perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, and melted butter.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with mini marshmallows.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until marshmallows are golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh or canned sweet potatoes.
- Adjust sugar based on sweetness preference.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: sweet potato casserole thanksgiving
