Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or a hearty family meal. This recipe combines velvety mashed sweet potatoes with a sweet and crunchy pecan topping, finished with a gooey layer of marshmallows. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast or just craving a cozy side dish, this casserole delivers on every level.

What Is Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole?

Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole is a baked dish featuring mashed sweet potatoes that are sweetened and spiced, then topped with a rich streusel-like pecan topping and toasted marshmallows. It’s the ultimate combination of textures and flavors, with creamy, crunchy, and gooey elements all in one bite. This dish is often a staple at holiday dinners but is easy enough to make year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh sweet potatoes.
• Rich and Indulgent: Combines buttery sweetness with warm spices and crunchy pecans.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Serves a crowd and pairs beautifully with other festive dishes.
• Versatile: Easy to customize with different toppings or flavor profiles.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped in advance, saving time on busy days.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base:

• 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs), peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup (113 g) butter, melted
• 1/3 cup (70 g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (42 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (40 g) chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup (56 g) butter, melted
• 1 cup (50 g) mini marshmallows

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Sweet Potato Mixture

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well.
3. Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth using a masher or electric mixer.
4. Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy and well-combined.
5. Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Adding the Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly.
2. Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.

Baking the Casserole

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly scatter the mini marshmallows over the top.
3. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and gooey.

Serving

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with roast turkey, glazed ham, or other holiday mains.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the sweet potato layer and topping separately. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then assemble and bake just before serving.

Freezing Instructions

• Cool the baked casserole completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Recipe Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans and replace them with sunflower seeds or granola for crunch.
• Vegan-Friendly: Substitute butter with plant-based butter and milk with almond or oat milk. Use vegan marshmallows.
• Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra warmth.
• Savory Version: Reduce the sugar in the sweet potato layer and top with breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan and herbs.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes as a shortcut. Drain and mash them before mixing with the other ingredients.

What if I don’t have marshmallows?
You can substitute marshmallows with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or leave them out entirely for a purely pecan-topped casserole.

How can I make this dish healthier?
Reduce the sugar by half or use a natural sweetener like honey. You can also use whole wheat flour for the topping.

This Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful blend of creamy, crunchy, and gooey textures, making it a standout addition to any meal. Its balance of sweetness and spice is sure to impress your guests, while its ease of preparation means you can enjoy it stress-free. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out for you. Happy cooking!

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