Thanksgiving is a time for creating memories and indulging in tradition. One dish that has always held a special place in my heart (and on my plate!) is Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows. If you grew up looking forward to this iconic casserole as the ultimate sweet and savory treat on Thanksgiving Day, you already know why it’s so beloved.
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How to make Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a classic American holiday side dish commonly served at Thanksgiving. It’s known for being both comforting and dessert-like, combining creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a sweet, toasted marshmallow topping.
Ingredients
- 4–5 medium sweet potatoes (around 3 pounds), peeled and cubed.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference).
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional, for an extra layer of flavor).
- 1/3 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer dish).
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional).
- 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- 1 large egg, whisked (optional but helps create structure and creaminess).
- 1–2 cups mini marshmallows (enough to cover the top of the casserole).
- Chopped pecans for additional crunch.
- Brown sugar streusel (made with brown sugar, flour, and butter) as an alternative to or alongside the marshmallows.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Peel and cook the sweet potatoes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the peeled sweet potato cubes. Cook for about 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender. Alternatively, you can roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30–40 minutes until soft.
- Drain and mash. Once fully cooked, drain the sweet potatoes and mash them in a large bowl until smooth. For extra creaminess, you can use a hand mixer or food processor.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Add the butter and sweetener. Mix in the melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup (if using).
- Incorporate milk and flavor. Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spices if needed.
- Whisk in the egg. If using, add the whisked egg and stir until fully combined. This step helps the casserole set slightly, giving it a light custard-like texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the filling. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Add the marshmallows. Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the sweet potato mixture. If desired, you can add pecans alongside the marshmallows for added texture.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Bake uncovered. Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and lightly toasted. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
- Cool slightly. Let the Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows cool for 5–10 minutes before serving—it will help the flavors settle.
Tips for the Perfect Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the sweet potato filling a day in advance. Simply store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, add the marshmallows, and bake.
- Get Creative With Toppings: If you want to change things up, try topping the casserole with a brown sugar pecan streusel instead of marshmallows. To make it, mix 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/3 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons melted butter for a crumbly topping.
- Add Depth with Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Instead of boiling the sweet potatoes, roast them to develop a deeper, caramelized flavor. Simply bake them at 400°F (200°C) until soft, then mash.
- Monitor the Marshmallows: Marshmallows can brown quickly, so watch them closely while baking. If they’re browning too fast, you can loosely tent the casserole with aluminum foil.
- Customize Sweetness: Adjust the sugar and sweeteners based on your family’s taste preferences. If you like a less Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows, reduce the sugar by 1–2 tablespoons.
Ingredients Substitutes
Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a flexible dish that can easily be adapted to suit various dietary needs, flavor preferences, or ingredient availability.
Sweet Potatoes
If you don’t have sweet potatoes or want to experiment with different flavors, try these substitutes:
- Butternut Squash: Roasted and mashed butternut squash works beautifully as a substitute, offering a similar sweetness and smooth texture.
- Yams: While commonly confused with sweet potatoes, they are slightly starchier and less sweet but are still a great option if available.
- Carrots or Pumpkin: Mashed carrots or canned pumpkin puree can provide a slightly different flavor profile and a creamy consistency similar to sweet potatoes.
Butter
For those seeking a substitute for butter (due to dietary preferences or allergies), these alternatives work well:
- Coconut Oil: Use melted coconut oil for a dairy-free or vegan option. It adds a light sweetness that complements the dish’s flavors.
- Olive Oil: Mild olive oil can work as a substitute, though it won’t have the same richness as butter.
- Plant-Based Butter: Vegan butter alternatives can be used for a dairy-free version without compromising the taste.
- Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is a great low-fat alternative, providing moisture along with a light natural sweetness.
Brown Sugar
Whether you’re looking to reduce refined sugar or don’t have brown sugar on hand, here are some substitutes:
- Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Use 1:1 as a substitute.
- Honey: Another natural sweetener, honey works well, though it has a stronger flavor than brown sugar.
- Coconut Sugar: A lower-glycemic sugar alternative that mimics the flavor of brown sugar.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: These can be used for a sugar-free alternative. Be cautious with quantities since these are much sweeter than traditional sugar.
- White Sugar + Molasses: Make your own brown sugar substitute by mixing 1 cup white sugar with 2 tablespoons molasses.
Milk
If you’re avoiding dairy, there are plenty of substitutes for milk in this recipe:
- Almond Milk: A mild, nutty flavor that works well with sweet potatoes.
- Coconut Milk: Adds a rich, creamy consistency and sweetness, making it a great match for the dish.
- Oat Milk: Neutral in flavor and creamy, oat milk is excellent for a dairy-free option.
- Cashew Milk: Another creamy alternative that works beautifully in this casserole.
- Heavy Cream Substitute: Blend equal parts cashews and water for a rich, plant-based “cream” substitute.
Egg
Eggs are often added to the casserole as a binding ingredient or to create a slightly fluffy texture. Here are alternatives for egg-free versions:
- Flaxseed “Eggs”: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use as a substitute for one egg.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup for each egg. This adds moisture without altering the flavor too much.
- Mashed Banana: Similar to applesauce, mashed banana works as a binder and adds some natural sweetness to the casserole.
- Silken Tofu: Blend 1/4 cup of silken tofu to replace one egg. This is an easy substitute for a vegan version.
Marshmallows
While marshmallows are the iconic topping, you can switch things up if needed:
- Vegan Marshmallows: Brands like Dandies make vegan marshmallows that work perfectly as a substitution.
- Pecan Streusel or Crumble Topping: Combine 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/3 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil for vegan) to create a sweet and crunchy topping.
- Coconut Flakes: For a healthier take, sprinkle shredded coconut over the casserole for crunchy sweetness.
- Caramelized Bananas: Thinly slice bananas, arrange them on top, and bake until caramelized—these add natural sweetness and look stunning.
- Granola: A crunchy topping like granola can add texture and a slightly sweet finish to the dish.
Spices
Classic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give the casserole its cozy fall flavors, but there are alternatives and variations:
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you have this on hand, it’s a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—a perfect substitute.
- Cardamom: Substitute or combine this warm spice for a slightly different aromatic touch.
- Ginger or Allspice: Great for adding complexity and depth to the dish.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For a unique twist, mix in a small spoonful to give the casserole a subtle chocolatey flavor.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows pairs perfectly with savory Thanksgiving classics like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Its creamy texture and sweet flavors make it a delightful contrast to the other dishes on your holiday table.
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