Festive Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Sweet potato casserole represents the ultimate comfort food that transforms ordinary root vegetables into a culinary masterpiece.

Creamy, rich textures merge with warm spices and unexpected flavor dimensions in this classic dish.

Soft orange vegetables get whipped into a luxurious base that melts in your mouth with each heavenly bite.

Subtle hints of cinnamon and brown sugar dance across the palate, creating a symphony of sweetness.

Nutty pecans add delightful crunch to the silky smooth surface, providing textural contrast that elevates the entire experience.

Marshmallows crown this decadent creation, forming a golden-brown layer that promises indulgence and comfort.

Ingredients for a Cozy Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: A hearty base for the casserole, rich in flavor and nutrients, best when selecting firm and smooth specimens.

• Butter, Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture, choose high-quality dairy for best results.
• Eggs: Provides structure and binding for the casserole filling.

• Light Brown Sugar: Offers deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the dish.

• Salt, Cinnamon, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Blend of spices that creates complex, warm flavor profile with a subtle kick.

• Flour: Creates structure and helps bind the pecan topping.

• Pecans: Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the casserole topping.

• Marshmallows: Provides classic sweet, gooey topping that caramelizes beautifully when baked.

Step-by-Step for a Sweet and Savory Casserole

Step 1: Roast Sweet Potatoes

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place sweet potatoes on sheet and pierce 2-3 times with knife. Cover loosely with foil and roast 50-60 minutes until very soft. Cool until manageable, then peel and discard skins.

Step 2: Create Creamy Filling

• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Melted butter
• Heavy cream
• Light brown sugar
• Eggs
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Mash until smooth or leave slightly chunky based on preference.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish

Reduce oven temperature to 375°F. Generously grease 13×9-inch casserole dish with butter.

Step 4: Craft Pecan Topping

• Flour
• Light brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Stir in chopped pecans and melted butter until mixture becomes clumpy.

Step 5: Layer and Assemble Casserole

Spread marshmallows evenly over sweet potato filling. Cover with pecan topping mixture.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Bake 25 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining marshmallows on top. Return to oven and bake 10-15 minutes until edges are bubbly, center is hot, and marshmallows turn golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Creamiest Sweet Potato Bake

• Select Uniform Spuds: Match sweet potato sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Puncture Before Baking: Poke several holes in potato skins to prevent explosive steam buildup and potential oven mess.
• Create Personalized Texture: Embrace your preferred mashing style, whether you enjoy rustic chunks or silky smooth sweet potato goodness.
• Opt for Vibrant Varieties: Choose sweet potatoes with deep orange interiors, signaling maximum flavor and creamy potential.
• Gentle Handling Matters: Use a light touch when mashing to maintain the potatoes' natural richness and prevent over-working the delicate flesh.

What Makes Sweet Potato Casserole So Comforting

• Craft a Sweet Sensation: This casserole transforms humble sweet potatoes into a decadent side dish that blends creamy, smoky, and sweet flavors with an irresistible marshmallow and pecan crunch.
• Elevate Comfort Cooking: The recipe offers a perfect balance of sophisticated techniques and nostalgic comfort, making it approachable for home cooks while delivering restaurant-worthy results.
• Sensory Celebration: Layers of textures from silky smooth sweet potato filling, crispy pecan topping, and gooey toasted marshmallows create a multi-dimensional eating experience that delights every bite.
• Holiday Hero Dish: Designed to steal the spotlight at gatherings, this casserole brings warmth, excitement, and a touch of gourmet flair to family dinners and festive celebrations.

How to Store Your Sweet Potato Casserole

• Vacuum Seal Method: Extract all air using a vacuum sealer to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor. Seal casserole in portion-sized packages for convenient future reheating.
• Layered Protection Method: Wrap casserole first in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and finally place in an airtight freezer container. This triple-layer technique prevents moisture loss and protects against freezer odors.
• Temperature Control Method: Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back of the bottom shelf. Maintain consistent temperature around 40°F to preserve texture and prevent bacterial growth. Use within 3-4 days for best quality and taste.

Sweet Swaps and Creative Add-Ins to Try

• Tropical Sweet Potato Paradise: Replace pecans with toasted coconut flakes and add a splash of rum for a Caribbean-inspired version that transports your taste buds to a sunny beach.
• Maple Bacon Crunch Casserole: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the topping and swap brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a savory-sweet combination that adds rich depth to the classic recipe.
• Nutty Chocolate Drizzle Edition: Mix dark chocolate chips into the sweet potato filling and top with a blend of chopped almonds and hazelnuts for a decadent dessert-like transformation that elevates the traditional casserole.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Incorporate diced green chiles, ground cumin, and swap regular marshmallows with pepper jack cheese to create a bold, zesty version that brings southwestern flair to the table.

A Cozy Finish to Your Sweet Potato Spread

Pioneer Woman’s sweet potato casserole emerges as culinary magic, blending Southern comfort with gourmet sophistication.

Roasted sweet potatoes meld seamlessly with warm spices, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across palates.

Pecans and marshmallows crown this luxurious dish, offering crunchy texture and caramelized sweetness.

Family gatherings reach new heights with this irresistible side that promises memorable moments around dinner tables.

Seasonal celebrations find their perfect companion in this heartwarming recipe.

When friends gather, serve this casserole and watch connections deepen with each delectable bite – you’ll spark conversations, create memories, and inspire shared joy through one remarkable dish.

Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole brings Southern comfort to holiday tables with creamy mashed sweet potatoes crowned by a crunchy pecan streusel topping. Rich marshmallow layers create irresistible depth, promising warmth and nostalgia in each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3.5 pounds (1.6 kilograms) sweet potatoes
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup (1 stick or 113 grams) butter, melted, plus more for greasing the casserole dish
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 0.25 cup (57 grams) butter, melted

Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:

• 0.33 cup (71 grams) light brown sugar
• 0.5 cup (71 grams) light brown sugar
• 1.25 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.75 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 0.5 cup (63 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups mini marshmallows, divided

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Instructions

1. Roast the sweet potatoes in an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C). Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place whole sweet potatoes on it. Use a knife to create 2-3 small punctures on each potato’s surface. Loosely wrap with foil and roast for 50-60 minutes until extremely tender.
2. After removing potatoes from oven, allow them to cool until comfortable to handle. Carefully peel off and discard the skins, then transfer the soft potato flesh into a large mixing bowl.
3. Create the filling by incorporating melted butter, heavy cream, light brown sugar, eggs, salt, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper into the sweet potato flesh. Mash the ingredients until achieving a smooth or slightly chunky consistency, depending on personal preference.
4. Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 13-by-9-inch casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking.
5. Prepare the topping by combining flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Fold in chopped pecans and melted butter until the mixture becomes clumpy and well-integrated.
6. Distribute one cup of marshmallows evenly across the sweet potato filling. Carefully spread the pecan topping mixture over the marshmallow layer.
7. Bake the casserole for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining marshmallows on top. Return to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the edges become bubbly, the center is hot, and marshmallows turn golden brown.
8. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven to allow the layers to set before serving.

Notes

• Select firm, unblemished sweet potatoes with vibrant orange flesh for maximum flavor and creamy texture.
• Puncture potato skins multiple times to prevent steam buildup and potential oven explosions during roasting.
• Control mashing consistency based on personal preference, creating either rustic chunky or silky smooth results.
• Opt for room temperature potatoes to ensure even cooking and consistent internal temperature.
• Avoid washing sweet potatoes before baking to prevent unnecessary moisture absorption.
• Use a clean kitchen towel to gently scrub potato skins instead of running water.
• Consider leaving potato skin on for added nutrients and rustic presentation.
• Experiment with different utensils like potato masher, fork, or immersion blender for unique textures.
• Store leftover mashed sweet potatoes in airtight containers for up to four days in refrigerator.
• Reheat gently with splash of milk or butter to restore original creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg