Sides, Thanksgiving Sides

Sweet Potato Casserole

0 comments

Elevate your holiday feast with our Sweet Potato Casserole – an easy, crowd-pleasing dish, featuring sweet potatoes, brown sugar, orange juice, and the classic marshmallow topping.

Jump to Recipe

My family loves sweet potatoes – baked, roasted, fried, or anything in between.  For Thanksgiving, I developed my own version of a sweet potato side dish that has become a tradition each year. 

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the complementary flavors of brown sugar and fruity orange juice. The marshmallows on top add a delightful and indulgent finish, making this classic comfort food dish a treat you will want to enjoy all throughout fall and then of course on Thanksgiving.

The recipe is so easy. All you need to do is peel and cube sweet potatoes and place them in a casserole dish.  Sprinkle with brown sugar and pour a combination of orange juice and chicken broth over the potatoes.  Done! Cover and bake for about an hour or until the potatoes are tender.  Top with marshmallows and return to the oven until they are brown and toasty.  You can also use the broiler or a torch for the same result.  Easy to make, creamy and delicious!

sweet potato casserole with toasted marshmallow topping.

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes. This is the primary ingredient and the base of the casserole. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and fiber and provide natural sweetness to the dish.

Brown Sugar. Brown sugar adds sweetness and caramel notes to the casserole. It complements the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

Orange Juice. Orange juice contributes a citrusy and tangy flavor to balance the sweetness. It also provides liquid for the casserole.

Chicken Broth. Chicken broth adds depth of flavor and saltiness to the casserole. It also helps keep the casserole moist during baking.

Marshmallows. Marshmallows are a classic topping for sweet potato casseroles. They add a sweet and gooey layer on top.

How to make Sweet Potato Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F: Preheating the oven ensures that it’s at the right temperature for baking.
  2. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray: This step prevents the casserole from sticking to the dish and makes for easier cleanup.
  3. Place cubed sweet potatoes into the prepared dish; sprinkle with brown sugar: The sweet potatoes are arranged in the baking dish and sprinkled with brown sugar to sweeten and flavor them.
  4. Pour orange juice and chicken broth over potatoes: The orange juice and chicken broth are added to provide moisture and a balance of sweet and savory flavors to the casserole.
  5. Cover and bake for 1 hour or until potatoes are cooked through: The casserole is covered to trap moisture and prevent excessive browning during baking. The cooking time ensures that the sweet potatoes become tender and fully cooked.
  6. Remove from oven and place marshmallows over the top of the cooked potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, the marshmallows are added as a topping.
  7. Place under a broiler until marshmallows begin to brown on top: Placing the casserole under the broiler melts and lightly browns the marshmallows, creating a sweet and crispy topping.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use vegetable broth or another type of broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can certainly substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version of the sweet potato casserole.

Can I reduce the sugar content for a healthier version?

Absolutely, you can adjust the sugar content to suit your preferences. If you want a healthier version with less sugar, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar used. Start by using half of the specified amount and then taste the mixture. You can gradually add more sugar to reach your desired level of sweetness. Keep in mind that the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes will still contribute to the overall flavor.

Are there any seasonings or spices added to this casserole?

You can certainly add spices to enhance the flavor. I think some pinches of cinnamon or nutmeg would not hurt. These spices can complement the sweetness of the dish and add warmth. Feel free to sprinkle them over the sweet potatoes when you add the brown sugar, adjusting the quantities to your taste.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. After baking and topping it with marshmallows, let it cool to room temperature. Cover it and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven to about 350°F and place the casserole in the oven until it’s heated through. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning the marshmallows. This is a convenient option if you want to save time on the day you plan to enjoy the casserole.

More Recipes to Try:

Sweet Potato Casserole

Recipe by Pennie Saadallah Course: Side Dish
Servings

8

Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 

15

minutes
Calories

175

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Elevate your holiday feast with our Sweet Potato Casserole – an easy, crowd-pleasing dish, featuring sweet potatoes, brown sugar, orange juice, and the classic marshmallow topping.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 6 cups 6 sweet potatoes peeled and cubed

  • 3 tbsp 3 brown sugar

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 orange juice

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 chicken broth

  • 24 24 large marshmallows

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350℉. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Place cubed sweet potatoes into prepared dish; spring with brown sugar. Pour orange juice and chicken broth over potatoes. Cover and bake for 1 hour or until potatoes are cooked through.
  • Remove from oven and place marshmallows over the top of the cooked potatoes. Place under a broiler until marshmallows begin to brown on top.

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 175kcal

Like this recipe?

Follow @gencooks on Pinterest

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*