This Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a delightful treat that straddles the line between savory and sweet, making it a beloved staple on holiday tables, especially during Thanksgiving. Imagine fluffy, toasted marshmallows blanketing a creamy, spiced sweet potato base – it’s a comforting and indulgent dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. For those seeking a quintessential taste of American holiday cuisine, this marshmallow sweet potato casserole is a must-try.
Creamy Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping in a Baking Dish, ready to serve as a Thanksgiving side dish
Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows might sound unusual to some, especially if you grew up enjoying sweet potatoes in more savory preparations. However, this combination is a classic in American cuisine, particularly in the Southern United States, and has become synonymous with Thanksgiving and holiday feasts. The sweetness of the marshmallows perfectly complements the earthy sweetness of the sweet potatoes, creating a balanced and irresistible flavor profile that appeals to both adults and children.
Sweet potatoes boiling in a pot, preparing for Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole recipe
Cooking Sweet Potatoes for the Perfect Casserole Base
The foundation of any great sweet potato casserole lies in perfectly cooked sweet potatoes. There are several methods you can use, each offering slightly different nuances in flavor and texture. Here are three popular ways to prepare your sweet potatoes for this Pioneer Woman sweet potato casserole recipe:
- Boiling: This is a quick and efficient method, ideal when you’re short on time. Simply peel and chop your sweet potatoes, place them in a pot, and cover with water. Boil until fork-tender, usually around 15-20 minutes. Boiling results in a softer, more uniform texture, perfect for a creamy casserole.
- Roasting: Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and imparts a slightly caramelized flavor. Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until soft. Roasted sweet potatoes tend to be less watery and have a richer flavor.
- Microwaving: For ultimate speed, microwaving is the way to go. Prick each sweet potato and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes per potato, checking for tenderness after 5 minutes and adding more time in 1-minute increments if needed. Microwaving is convenient but may result in a slightly less flavorful potato compared to roasting.
Adding brown sugar, butter, and miniature marshmallows to mashed sweet potatoes for Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole
Nuts or Marshmallows? The Great Casserole Debate
When it comes to sweet potato casserole toppings, the debate often centers around marshmallows versus nuts. While some prefer a crunchy pecan topping, this Pioneer Woman recipe champions the classic marshmallow route. For those with nut allergies or simply a preference for pillowy sweetness, this marshmallow-topped casserole is a safe and delicious choice.
However, if you enjoy the nutty crunch, feel free to explore variations like a pecan-crusted sweet potato casserole. Both versions offer unique textures and flavors, but there’s something undeniably comforting and nostalgic about the gooey, toasted marshmallow topping that makes this recipe so iconic. This particular recipe focuses on the pure, unadulterated joy of sweet potatoes and marshmallows, allowing their flavors to shine.
The Unexpected Health Benefits of Sweet Potato Casserole (Yes, Really!)
While this Pioneer Woman sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is undoubtedly a treat, it’s worth noting the nutritional benefits of its star ingredient: sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, making this casserole a slightly less guilt-inducing indulgence.
They are an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety. Sweet potatoes are also rich in Vitamin A, crucial for vision, immune function, and cell growth. Furthermore, they contain Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and B vitamins, essential for energy production. Minerals like iron, calcium, and selenium are also present in sweet potatoes, contributing to overall health. The vibrant orange color of sweet potatoes comes from beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to Vitamin A in the body. So, while enjoying this delicious casserole, you can also appreciate the nutritional boost from the sweet potatoes themselves.
Mashed sweet potato mixture ready to be baked in a casserole dish for Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with Sweet Potato Casserole?
Sweet potato casserole, especially this marshmallow-topped version, is a versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses. Its sweet and savory profile makes it a fantastic accompaniment to various meats, including:
- Poultry: Turkey, roasted chicken, or even duck. Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving staple alongside turkey.
- Pork: Roasted pork loin, pork chops, or ham. The sweetness of the casserole cuts through the richness of pork beautifully.
- Beef: Steak, pot roast, or brisket. While less traditional, the sweet and savory combination can be surprisingly delightful with beef.
Beyond traditional pairings, sweet potato casserole can also be served with vegetarian mains like lentil loaf or nut roasts to add a touch of sweetness and richness to the meal.
Large marshmallows topping uncooked Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole before baking
Make-Ahead Magic: Storing and Freezing Sweet Potato Casserole
One of the great advantages of this Pioneer Woman sweet potato casserole recipe is its make-ahead flexibility. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days when tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
For longer storage, this casserole freezes remarkably well, making it perfect for holiday meal prep. To freeze, prepare the casserole up to the point of baking (steps 1-9 in the recipe). Do not add the marshmallow topping before freezing. Cover the unbaked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding the marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking to achieve that perfect golden-brown topping.
Baked Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole with golden toasted marshmallows, ready to be served
A Holiday Favorite and Beyond
Scooping a serving of Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole with toasted marshmallows from baking dish
This creamy and comforting Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a recipe that deserves a place on your holiday table and beyond. Its ease of preparation and delightful flavor make it a winner for any occasion. While traditionally enjoyed during Thanksgiving, its deliciousness warrants making it throughout the year as a special side dish or even a unique dessert. Embrace this classic recipe and bring a touch of sweet comfort to your next meal!
Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows plated and ready to eat, showcasing the creamy texture and toasted marshmallow topping
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes
- 1 cup butter
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 (10 ounce) bag of large marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish and set aside.
- Peel and chop sweet potatoes into roughly equal pieces.
- Place chopped sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil and cook until sweet potatoes are soft and easily pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot.
- Add butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 cups of miniature marshmallows to the pot with the sweet potatoes.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter and miniature marshmallows are melted, and the brown sugar is fully dissolved and combined with the sweet potatoes.
- While stirring, mash the sweet potato mixture to your desired consistency. You can puree it for an ultra-smooth texture or leave it slightly chunky for a more rustic feel.
- Pour the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove the casserole dish from the oven and evenly top the sweet potato mixture with the large marshmallows. Return to the oven and bake until the marshmallows are puffed and lightly golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this classic Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows!
Notes
For a make-ahead option, follow steps 1-9. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a casserole dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking as directed in steps 10-12.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 servings
Serving Size: 1 serving
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 193, Total Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 1g, Unsaturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 41mg, Sodium: 139mg, Carbohydrates: 13g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 5g, Protein: 1g
Originally Posted: September 7, 2016
Photos & Text Updated: November 7, 2020
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