Introduction
Sweet Potato Casserole Without Marshmallows
If you’re looking for a comforting and delightful side dish for your next gathering, this sweet potato casserole recipe is just the thing you need. It’s a perfect balance of natural sweetness and a crunchy topping that everyone will love. Forget the marshmallows—this casserole serves up elegance with its wholesome ingredients and satisfying textures. Whether it’s for a holiday meal or just a simple dinner, this recipe lets the flavor of sweet potatoes shine without overpowering sweetness.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
Sweet Potatoes
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Milk
1/2 cup
Butter
4 tablespoons, melted
Eggs
2 large eggs
Maple Syrup
1/4 cup
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Walnuts or Pecans
1/2 cup, chopped
Brown Sugar
1/3 cup
All-Purpose Flour
1/3 cup
Prep Time
Prep Work
Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes into manageable chunks. This will help them cook faster and mash more easily. Gather the rest of your ingredients to ensure a smooth and stress-free cooking process.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time
Boil the sweet potatoes until they’re fork-tender, which should take about 20 minutes. Once boiled, mash them until smooth. Next, combine them with milk, melted butter, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Assemble the mashed sweet potato mixture into a casserole dish and spread it evenly.
Total Time
After mixing your topping of chopped nuts, brown sugar, and flour into a crumbly texture, sprinkle it over the base layer in the casserole dish. Bake at 350°F for roughly 30 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy. This recipe should take just under an hour from start to finish.
Yield
This recipe serves around 6–8 people, making it a wonderful choice for small family gatherings or intimate holiday dinners. The end result is a nutty, sweet, and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with a wide range of mains or other sides.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash, peel, and cube the sweet potatoes.
Cook the Sweet Potatoes
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook until they are fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Prepare the Baking Dish
1. While the sweet potatoes are cooking, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set it aside.
Mash the Sweet Potatoes
1. Once the sweet potatoes are tender, drain them and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
2. Use a potato masher or fork to mash them until smooth.
Add Ingredients to the Mashed Sweet Potatoes
1. Add your desired combination of sweeteners, milk, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and spices to the mashed sweet potatoes.
2. Mix everything together until well combined and smooth. Adjust spices and sweetness to your preference.
Spread the Sweet Potato Mixture
1. Transfer the mashed sweet potato mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth out the top using a spatula.
Prepare the Topping
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine your topping ingredients (typically pecans, brown sugar, butter, and flour or oats).
2. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and crumbly in texture.
Add the Topping
1. Evenly sprinkle the prepared topping over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
Bake the Casserole
1. Place the dish in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Allow to Cool and Serve
1. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Tip for Preparing Sweet Potatoes
You can steam or roast sweet potatoes instead of boiling them if desired. Roasting brings out a deeper flavor.
Make Ahead Option
You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply bake when ready to serve.
Substitution Suggestions
You can use coconut milk or almond milk as a dairy-free alternative. For the topping, gluten-free flour or oats can replace regular flour.
Storage Advice
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Adjusting Sweetness
The level of sweetness can be adjusted based on your preference. Add more or less sweetener to the sweet potato mixture as needed.
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Cook techniques
Roasting Sweet Potatoes
When preparing sweet potatoes, roasting is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance their texture. Simply peel and dice the sweet potatoes into cubes before roasting at an appropriate temperature until they become tender and slightly caramelized.
Mashing Sweet Potatoes
Properly cooked sweet potatoes can be mashed until smooth using a fork, potato masher, or food processor. This process ensures the casserole has a creamy and luscious texture.
Making a Crumbly Topping
Prepare the topping by mixing ingredients like flour, brown sugar, and butter to create a crumble. This adds a contrasting crispy texture that complements the softness of the sweet potato base.
Baking the Casserole
Once the sweet potato mixture and topping are ready, bake the casserole until the topping turns golden and slightly crispy. This step ensures a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
FAQ
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, the casserole can be prepared in advance. Assemble the sweet potato base and topping separately, store them in the refrigerator, and combine them right before baking.
What can I use instead of brown sugar for the topping?
If you’re looking for an alternative to brown sugar, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup as substitutes for a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I freeze the sweet potato casserole?
Yes, the casserole can be frozen for later use. Ensure it is stored in an airtight container and properly reheated before serving.
How do I make this casserole vegan?
To make the casserole vegan, replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk in the sweet potato mixture.
What can I add to the topping for extra flavor?
You can add chopped pecans, walnuts, or even shredded coconut to the topping to enhance the flavor and provide additional texture.
Is this casserole suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or almond flour in the topping instead of regular flour.
Conclusion
This Sweet Potato Casserole without marshmallows is a healthy, delicious, and versatile dish that perfectly balances sweetness and texture. It’s an ideal recipe for those who want to elevate their holiday meals or enjoy a comforting side dish all year round. The unique combination of ingredients makes it flavorful and nutritious, ensuring it’s a hit on any dinner table. Whether for a special occasion or a simple family meal, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to all who try it.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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Serve it alongside a classic roasted turkey to add a healthier, marshmallow-free twist to your holiday menu.
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Combine this casserole with a fresh quinoa salad tossed with cranberries, almonds, and a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
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Pair it with juicy grilled chicken coated in a tangy lemon glaze to contrast the casserole’s subtle sweetness.
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Serve this casserole alongside stuffed bell peppers filled with ground turkey, rice, and Italian herbs for a filling, wholesome dinner.
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Enjoy the casserole as a complement to a warm and creamy pumpkin soup for a cozy, fall-inspired meal.
