Imagine a dish that combines the creamy, velvety richness of sweet potatoes with the irresistible crunch of caramelized pecans and the gooey marshmallow topping that dreams are made of. This Sweet Potato Praline Casserole isn't just a side dish – it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or craving a decadent comfort food, this recipe promises to be the star that leaves everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well-blended.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
- In a separate small bowl, mix chopped pecans with 1/4 cup of brown sugar to create the praline topping.
- Sprinkle the pecan-sugar mixture evenly across the top of the sweet potato base.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are slightly bubbling and the top is beginning to brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully distribute mini marshmallows across the entire surface.
- Return the casserole to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to ensure marshmallows turn golden brown and puffy without burning.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
- Serve warm as a delightful side dish or dessert, garnishing with additional pecans if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Use fresh, organic sweet potatoes and roast them instead of boiling to enhance their natural sweetness and create a richer flavor profile.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and more even baking.
- Don't Overmix: Blend the sweet potato mixture just until ingredients are combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Toasting Pecans: Lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the topping for an extra depth of nutty flavor.
- Marshmallow Monitoring: When broiling the marshmallow topping, watch carefully and keep the oven door slightly open to prevent burning – those golden peaks can turn black in seconds!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add the marshmallow topping just before baking.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
