Looking for a delightful dish that will steal the spotlight at your next gathering? Look no further than this irresistible Sweet Potatoes with Pecans Casserole! With its creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors, this American classic is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually stunning centerpiece for your table. Imagine tender sweet potatoes, perfectly caramelized and topped with crunchy pecans and optional golden marshmallows that melt in your mouth! Whether it's a holiday celebration or a cozy family dinner, this casserole promises to impress. Get ready to dive into a recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
- Place the sweet potato cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted butter over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt over the sweet potatoes. Gently toss to coat all potato pieces evenly with the seasoning.
- Transfer the seasoned sweet potato cubes to the prepared baking dish, spreading them in a single layer for even roasting.
- Chop the pecans into medium-sized pieces and scatter them evenly over the sweet potatoes.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Check the sweet potatoes for tenderness by piercing with a fork. They should be soft and easily pierced.
- If using marshmallows, remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle marshmallows on top, and return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes until marshmallows are golden and puffy.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cool slightly.
- Serve warm as a side dish, garnishing with additional chopped pecans if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can peel and cube the sweet potatoes a day in advance. Just store them in water in the fridge to keep them fresh.
- Uniform Cubes: Make sure to cut the sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking. This helps achieve that perfect tenderness throughout.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon. It adds a warm spice that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Pecan Perfection: Toast your pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
- Marshmallow Magic: If you love a sweet finish, don’t skip the marshmallows! Keep an eye on them as they toast in the oven to prevent burning—golden and puffy is the goal!
- Resting Time: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian dish. Garnish with extra chopped pecans for added texture and flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 295kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 13mg
