Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe
A classic Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with a creamy sweet potato base, topped with gooey miniature marshmallows and crunchy toasted pecans. This comforting casserole blends smooth sweetness with nutty texture, perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 4 lb sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped (for folding in)
Topping
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly and press gently to remove excess moisture to avoid sogginess.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix Sweet Potato Base: While potatoes are warm, transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add softened butter, brown sugar, room-temperature milk, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, blend until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gently fold in 1/4 cup chopped pecans by hand.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared dish with a spatula. Scatter miniature marshmallows evenly over the top, leaving small gaps. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chopped pecans over the marshmallows for added crunch.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until marshmallows are golden brown and edges bubble slightly. Check at 25 minutes for doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set. Serve warm directly from the dish for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Pressing out excess moisture from cooked sweet potatoes is crucial to prevent a watery, soggy casserole.
- Using room-temperature milk helps achieve a smoother, creamier sweet potato mixture.
- Leaving small gaps between marshmallows allows some to brown unevenly for a nice texture contrast.
- Toasted pecans add a delicious crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweet potatoes and marshmallows perfectly.
- This dish is best served warm and is a classic addition to holiday meals like Thanksgiving.
Keywords: Sweet Potato Casserole, Southern Recipe, Holiday Side Dish, Thanksgiving, Comfort Food, Marshmallow Topping, Pecan Casserole
