Sweet Potato Casserole with Toasted Marshmallow Meringue
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to take a humble sweet potato to the next level? This recipe for sweet potatoes with marshmallows does just that.
Honestly, who can resist a bit of marshmallowy goodness? This dish balances sweet and earthy flavours like a dream.
Brief Overview
The sweet potato casserole , a classic Thanksgiving side dish, has roots in American Southern cuisine. This recipe is medium difficulty and takes around 1 hour 15 minutes, yielding 8 servings.
It's a modern twist on a classic thanksgiving recipes dish and it's ready for you to prepare.
Main Benefits
This dish is packed with vitamin A from the sweet potatoes. It is the perfect holiday meal addition. What makes this recipe special? The toasted marshmallow topping offers a delightful contrast to the creamy sweet potato base.
Getting Started: The Goods You'll Need
Right, let's talk ingredients. We're making a gourmet sweet potato casserole , but don't worry, it's not as fancy as it sounds.
- 3 lbs (1.36 kg) sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Marshmallow Meringue:
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
You'll also need a baking sheet, a large saucepan, a masher, a 9x13 inch baking dish, and a mixer. A kitchen torch is optional, but highly recommended for that perfect toasted finish to get that marshmallow meringue .
Ready to roll?
Alright, let's talk ingredients for this wicked sweet potato casserole ! This isn't just any sweet potato casserole recipe , oh no! We're going gourmet with a toasted marshmallow topping that'll have everyone begging for seconds.
Seriously, this is the easy sweet potato casserole that'll steal the show at your holiday meal . Think of it as a hug in a dish a classic with a twist!
Ingredients & Equipment
It's like a good cuppa, innit? A few key bits are essential, and some just make it extra special.
Main Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes : You'll need 3 lbs (that's about 1.36 kg ) peeled and cubed. Look for sweet potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin. A deep orange flesh promises the best flavour.
- Butter : Half a cup ( 113g ) of unsalted, melted butter. Go for good quality butter. It makes a difference.
- Brown Sugar : Half a cup ( 100g ), packed lightly. The soft stuff. It adds that lovely caramel-y depth.
- Milk/Cream : A quarter of a cup ( 60ml ). Whole milk or cream will do. Cream makes it extra lush, like a spa day for your casserole.
- Spices : 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger. Freshly ground spices will always pack more punch, just saying.
- Seasoning : 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Don't be shy. Seasoning is everything!
- Egg Whites : 4 large egg whites, at room temperature. Honestly, this makes all the difference for that perfect marshmallow meringue .
- Cream of Tartar : 1/4 teaspoon . This helps stabilise the meringue. Don't skip it!
- Granulated Sugar : Half a cup ( 100g ). For that sweet, sweet meringue.
- Vanilla Extract : 1 teaspoon . Because vanilla makes everything better, doesn't it?
- Marshmallows : 2 cups of miniature marshmallows. This is where the sweet potatoes with marshmallows magic happens.
Seasoning Notes
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are your essential spice combinations . These give the casserole that warm, comforting vibe. Vanilla extract and a pinch of salt will enhance the sweetness.
If you're feeling adventurous, try a dash of allspice! You could always substitute one another spice if that is your jam!.
If you want a bit of a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Honestly, this thanksgiving side dish is so flexible.
Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy gadgets for this gourmet sweet potato casserole . Just the basics.
- Large baking sheet.
- Large saucepan or pot.
- Potato masher or electric mixer.
- 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Stand mixer or hand mixer.
- Kitchen Torch is Optional (for toasting that toasted marshmallow topping like a pro!)
Right, that's the gear sorted. The oven needs to be preheating to 400° F ( 200° C) . Now, let's get cracking! The recipe is pretty straight forward!.
It is one of the classic thanksgiving recipes that will wow your guests.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Toasted Marshmallow Meringue
Right, let’s talk about sweet potatoes with marshmallows . It's like Marmite, you either love it or hate it. But honestly, when done right, it’s a game changer, especially as a Thanksgiving side dish .
I'm going to share how to make this classic dish even better. We're ditching the standard marshmallow topping for a proper marshmallow meringue .
Sounds fancy, right? Don't worry, it's easier than figuring out the Tube map during rush hour. It's a foolproof sweet potato casserole recipe , perfect for any holiday meal .
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Sorted
Before we even think about turning on the oven, let's get prepped. Peel about 1.36 kg of sweet potatoes and chop them into chunks.
Melt 113g of butter and measure out all your spices. Having everything ready saves so much time.
Time saving tip: Chop the sweet potatoes a day ahead and store them in water in the fridge.
Safety first! Be careful when melting butter, nobody wants a trip to A&E.
Let's Get Cooking: Sweet Potato Casserole, step-by-step
- Heat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Toss the sweet potatoes with a bit of oil and bake until soft. Alternatively, boil until tender.
- Mash those sweet potatoes until smooth. I prefer an electric mixer for the perfect sweet potato casserole .
- In a bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with 113g melted butter, 100g brown sugar, 60ml milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Make the meringue: Beat 4 egg whites with 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 100g granulated sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Gently fold 2 cups mini marshmallows into the meringue.
- Spread the marshmallow meringue over the sweet potato base.
- Bake for 15- 20 minutes , until lightly golden. A kitchen torch can be used for a browner effect.
Pro Tips for a Cracking Casserole
Want to take your gourmet sweet potato casserole to the next level? Use room temperature egg whites for the meringue; they whip up better! And for a super stable meringue, try a Swiss meringue cook the egg whites and sugar over a double boiler before whipping.
It makes a world of difference.
A common mistake is overbaking. The meringue burns easily! Keep a close eye on it.
For a quick cheat, use store-bought meringue cookies crushed on top if you are in a pinch to get that amazing toasted marshmallow topping !
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Sweet Potato Casserole
Right, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs. This sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is already lush, but a few tweaks can make it utterly divine.
Think of these as handy hints, not rules! This thanksgiving side dish is a real winner, so let’s make it the best!
Serving Suggestions: Make It Look Amazing!
Okay, so the taste is sorted, but how about presentation? Plating matters, you know? Think about serving this hot, straight from the oven.
A dollop of cream (or vegan cream, if you're that way inclined) never goes amiss. Sprinkle a tiny bit of cinnamon on top for a fancy touch.
It elevates the easy sweet potato casserole in seconds.
Complementary sides? A good cranberry sauce cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Or how about some roasted sprouts? A festive spiced cider is a cracking beverage pairing, too!
Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh
Honestly, this never lasts long in my house. But if you have leftovers, refrigeration is your friend. Pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing? It's doable, but the texture of the toasted marshmallow topping might change a bit. Reheating? Best done in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.
A microwave works in a pinch, but it can make the marshmallow meringue a bit soggy. The sweet potato casserole recipe holds well.
Variations: Putting Your Own Spin On It
Fancy a change? Try a pecan crumble instead of the marshmallow meringue . It adds a nice crunch. For a vegan version, use plant based butter and milk.
Aquafaba is great for a vegan meringue. It's surprisingly good! You can even swap out regular sugar with coconut sugar.
Seasonal swaps? In autumn, I add a touch of apple sauce to the sweet potato recipes . It's amazing! Think you are going to make a gourmet sweet potato casserole , no?
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Alright, I'm no dietician, but this dish has some goodness. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A. Cinnamon and nutmeg add a lovely flavour and might even have some health benefits.
It’s all about balance, isn't it? This is one of the classic thanksgiving recipes .
So, there you have it! With these recipe notes in mind, you're all set to create a sweet potato casserole that's both delicious and impressive.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sweet potatoes with marshmallows ahead of time? Like, can I prep this on Wednesday for Thanksgiving Thursday?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato base a day in advance. Just assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the marshmallow meringue. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. Then, on Thanksgiving Day, whip up the meringue, top the casserole, and bake as directed.
It's a proper time saver, especially when you're juggling a million other things!
My marshmallow meringue always seems to deflate. What am I doing wrong? Is there a trick to making sweet potatoes with marshmallows that actually look good?
Ah, the dreaded meringue deflate! A few things could be happening. Firstly, make sure your bowl and whisk are squeaky clean and free of grease even a tiny bit can ruin the meringue. Secondly, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature, as they'll whip up to a greater volume.
Finally, don't over bake the casserole, as that can also cause the meringue to collapse. Consider using a Swiss meringue method (cooking the egg whites and sugar over a double boiler before whipping) for an extra stable meringue; it's a bit more effort but worth it for the "wow" factor.
I'm not a massive fan of marshmallows. What else can I put on top of my sweet potatoes instead? I'd like a topping with a bit of crunch!
No worries, not everyone's a marshmallow fan fair enough! A pecan crumble topping would be a fantastic alternative. Just combine pecans, flour, butter, and brown sugar for a lovely, buttery crunch.
Alternatively, you could try a streusel topping with oats, brown sugar, and spices for a comforting, oaty sweetness.
How long does sweet potatoes with marshmallows last in the fridge, and how do I reheat it without the meringue turning into a soggy mess?
Sweet potato casserole with marshmallow meringue will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it covered tightly. Reheating can be a bit tricky to avoid sogginess. For best results, reheat individual portions in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
A gentle reheat in the microwave is also acceptable, but be aware that the meringue may soften a bit.
Is sweet potato casserole with marshmallows actually healthy? I'm trying to watch my sugar intake, but it's Thanksgiving!
Let's be honest, sweet potato casserole with marshmallows isn't exactly a health food, but it can be enjoyed in moderation. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, which is a bonus! To reduce the sugar content, you could use less brown sugar in the base and consider using a sugar substitute in the meringue.
Serving smaller portions and balancing it with healthier side dishes can also help.
Can I make this sweet potato casserole with marshmallows vegan?
You sure can! Use plant based butter and milk for the base. For the meringue, aquafaba (chickpea brine) can be whipped into a meringue, though it will be a little different in texture. Alternatively, you can top with a vegan pecan streusel, as mentioned before. Use vegan marshmallows or omit them entirely.
There are many great substitutions to help accomodate for this recipe!
Sweet Potato Casserole With Toasted Marshmallow
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
