Get ready to elevate your side dish game with the most mouthwatering twist on a classic comfort food! This Smoked Sweet Potato Casserole isn't just another holiday recipe – it's a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for seconds. Imagine the rich, creamy sweetness of perfectly smoked sweet potatoes, topped with golden, puffy marshmallows that melt in your mouth, creating a culinary experience that's both rustic and indulgent. Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast or just looking to impress your family, this recipe promises to transform an ordinary side dish into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C), using a mild wood like apple or cherry for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Place the whole sweet potatoes directly on the smoker rack and smoke for approximately 60-75 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The internal temperature should reach around 205°F (96°C).
- Remove the sweet potatoes from the smoker and let them cool slightly until they are comfortable to handle.
- Peel the skin off the sweet potatoes and transfer the soft flesh to a large mixing bowl.
- Mash the sweet potatoes using a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add brown sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly across the top of the casserole.
- Increase smoker temperature to 350°F (175°C) or transfer to a preheated oven.
- Return the casserole to the smoker or oven and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until marshmallows are golden brown and puffy.
- Remove from heat and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy the smoky, sweet flavors of this delicious side dish.
Tips
- Wood Selection Matters: Choose mild woods like apple or cherry for a subtle smoky flavor that complements the sweet potatoes without overpowering them.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your sweet potatoes reach an internal temperature of 205°F for the perfect tender texture.
- Marshmallow Pro Tip: Watch the marshmallows carefully during the final browning stage – they can go from golden to burnt quickly!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance and add the marshmallows just before the final cooking stage.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like a pinch of ground ginger or a dash of nutmeg to personalize the flavor profile.
- Even Cooking: Ensure your sweet potatoes are similar in size for consistent cooking times and even texture.
- Resting Period: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
