Are you ready to transform the humble sweet potato into a mouthwatering masterpiece that'll have your family and friends begging for seconds? Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with these irresistible Sweet Potato Casserole Boats – a dish that perfectly blends the comforting warmth of classic American cuisine with a touch of gourmet magic! Imagine tender, caramelized sweet potatoes filled with a decadent mixture of brown sugar, butter, and warm spices, topped with golden marshmallows and crunchy pecans that'll make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise, creating two boat-shaped halves.
- Using a spoon, gently scoop out a shallow channel in each sweet potato half, creating more space for the filling while leaving a sturdy potato boat.
- Brush the inside of each potato boat with melted butter, ensuring complete coverage.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, remaining melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring until well mixed.
- Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture evenly into each potato boat, coating the interior surface.
- Place the prepared potato boats on the lined baking sheet, with the hollow side facing upward.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from oven and top each boat with mini marshmallows and chopped pecans.
- Return to oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until marshmallows are golden brown and puffy.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm as a delightful side dish or dessert.
Tips
- Choose uniform, medium-sized sweet potatoes for consistent cooking and presentation.
- Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt and ensure a crisp exterior.
- Use a sharp spoon when scooping out the potato's center to create clean, even boats.
- Don't skip brushing with melted butter – it helps create a rich, caramelized flavor and prevents sticking.
- Watch carefully during the broiling stage to prevent marshmallows from burning.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of vanilla extract to the sugar mixture.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture and melted marshmallow experience.
- These boats can be prepared ahead of time and quickly finished just before serving.
- For a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar or substitute with a sugar alternative.
- Experiment with additional toppings like a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of maple syrup for added complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
