Are you ready to make Pioneer Woman’s sweet potato casserole your new favorite dish?
I sure did, and really gotta share it now!
The secret to nailing this dish is ensuring the sweet potatoes are fork tender, so bake them thoroughly before adding any other ingredients.
Using quality vanilla extract brings out the best flavors and makes all the difference!
How to Make Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Medium Sweet Potatoes
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/3 cup Melted Butter
- 1 cup Pecans (chopped)
- 1 cup Marshmallows
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Scrub the sweet potatoes under running water, then place them on a baking sheet.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until fork tender.
Step 2:
Slice open the baked sweet potatoes.
Scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl.
Discard the skins.
Step 3:
Add granulated sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the sweet potatoes.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 4:
Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a greased 13-by-9-inch casserole dish.
Spread evenly across the dish.
Step 5:
In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, and melted butter.
Stir in the chopped pecans until the mixture is crumbly.
Spread this topping over the sweet potato mixture and sprinkle marshmallows on top.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Pre-cook the Sweet Potatoes
You can microwave the sweet potatoes for 10 minutes before baking them.
This reduces the total cooking time significantly, especially if you’re in a hurry.
Adjust the Sweetness Level
If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the filling.
Trust your taste preference.
Don’t Skip the Marshmallows
The marshmallows add a delightful gooeyness that pairs wonderfully with the crunchy pecan topping.
They are a must for that classic taste.
Make Ahead and Reheat
You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking.
Just remove it from the fridge an hour before baking to bring it to room temperature.
Experiment with Toppings
Feel free to add or substitute ingredients in the topping.
Try adding crushed cornflakes or oats for an extra crunchy texture!
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole
Green Beans Almondine
A classic side that goes beautifully with sweet potato casserole is green beans almondine.
You’ll love how the toasty almonds and tender green beans add a hint of crunch.
Cooking it lightly in butter enhances the rich flavor that complements sweet potatoes well.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a pop of green and an earthy taste to your plate.
They bring a slight bitterness that breaks through the sweetness of the casserole.
Toss them in olive oil and garlic to add savory notes that fill out your meal!
Baked Chicken Breast
Marinated baked chicken breast is a great protein to pair with your casserole.
Season it with herbs like rosemary and thyme to bring out warmth in the dish.
The chicken balances out the sweetness while enhancing the comfort factor of your meal.
Beet and Orange Salad
If you want something a bit different, try serving with a beet and orange salad.
This salad offers a delightful citrusy zing that works wonders with sweet potatoes.
A sprinkle of feta adds creaminess, making this salad fresh and aromatic!
BBQ Pulled Pork
Match your sweet potato casserole with some tangy BBQ pulled pork for a bold choice.
Pulled pork’s smoky flavor brings a savory punch to the overall meal combination.
It’s great for when you want to add a Southern flair to your dining experience.
Variations and Substitutions
Nut Alternatives
You could switch out pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty twist!
If nut allergies are a concern, crushed pretzels can add that desired crunch without the risk.
Sweetness Levels
Try swapping regular sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, richer sweetness.
For a less sweet option, reduce the sugar by half and let the natural sweetness of the potatoes shine!
Topping Choices
Instead of the classic marshmallows, sprinkle oats mixed with a touch of honey on top.
Add a crispy bacon crumble to top it off for a savory balance to the sweetness.
Dairy-Free Options
Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk if you’re going dairy-free.
Replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a smooth, creamy blend.
How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole
Make sure your sweet potato casserole has cooled completely before storing to keep it fresh and tasty for the next serving.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the casserole into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent any odors from being absorbed.
Your leftover casserole can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days, keeping its delicious flavors intact.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to store it for a longer period, freezing is your best bet. Simply wrap the casserole securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container.
Be sure to label the package with the date, so you know when it went in. Your casserole should last in the freezer for up to 2 months without losing its delightful taste.
Separating Portions
For more convenience, consider dividing your leftover casserole into individual portions before refrigerating or freezing.
This method allows you to reheat just the right amount for a meal without having to thaw the entire dish.
I always find this efficient, especially when I’m in a rush and need a quick and delicious side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too Sweet
You might find yourself tempted to add extra sugar for that sweet note, but it’s vital to balance flavors effectively.
Excessive sweetness can overwhelm the dish and make it taste more like a dessert than a side.
Overcooking Sweet Potatoes
It’s easy to overcook sweet potatoes to the point where they become mushy, losing their texture.
Aim to bake them until they’re just fork-tender, preserving some structure in the dish.
Skipping Pre-Cooking
Skipping pre-cooking could leave you with raw bits, creating an inconsistent texture.
Make sure to thoroughly cook the sweet potatoes in the oven before mashing them for the casserole to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- 4 Medium Sweet Potatoes
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/3 cup Melted Butter
- 1 cup Pecans chopped
- 1 cup Marshmallows
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Scrub the sweet potatoes under running water, then place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until fork tender.
- Slice open the baked sweet potatoes.
- Scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl.
- Discard the skins.
- Add granulated sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the sweet potatoes.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a greased 13-by-9-inch casserole dish.
- Spread evenly across the dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, and melted butter.
- Stir in the chopped pecans until the mixture is crumbly.
- Spread this topping over the sweet potato mixture and sprinkle marshmallows on top.
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