The Best Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole For The Holidays

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The best loaded sweet potato casserole serves up a scoop of yummy to the holiday table. Topped with crunchy pecans or mini marshmallows, loaded sweet potato casserole will be a beloved family favorite. Today, I’m excited to share a spin on the classic sweet potato casserole recipe that is sure to become a new tradition in your household!

Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casseroles have been a staple at holiday dinners for generations, and for good reason. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes, sugary goodness, and a golden brown topping is simply irresistible. But sometimes, even the classics need a little update. This loaded sweet potato casserole recipe incorporates all the flavors you love from the traditional dish but adds a few new elements that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

What makes this recipe special is the inclusion of hash browns, adding a savory touch to the usual sweetness. It’s the perfect side dish for any holiday season gathering, offering a wonderful combination of textures and flavors that complement each other beautifully. If you’ve ever tried a Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole, this is a great copycat recipe that you’ll find to be just as comforting, with a little extra flair.

Another unique aspect of this dish is its versatility. While it shines as a side dish during holiday dinners, it can easily be served at brunches, potlucks, or even as a stand-alone dish for a cozy family dinner. The blend of hash browns with the creamy sweet potato mixture offers a delightful contrast, making each bite a perfect balance of soft and crispy, sweet and savory.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious loaded sweet potato casserole, gather the following simple ingredients:

• 4 cups of fresh sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small pieces
• 2 cups of hash browns
• 1/2 cup of melted butter
• 1/2 cup of white sugar
• 1/4 cup of maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of crunchy pecans, chopped
• 1 cup of mini marshmallows

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fresh sweet potatoes in a large bowl, cover with water, and microwave until they are soft enough to mash. Drain the water and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
   
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter, white sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour this mixture into the mashed sweet potatoes, stirring until everything is well combined.
   
3. Add the Hash Browns: Gently fold in the hash browns until they are evenly distributed throughout the sweet potato mixture. This step is what gives this casserole its unique twist, adding a savory element that balances the sweetness perfectly.
   
4. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a casserole dish with some melted butter or cooking spray. Spread the sweet potato and hash brown mixture evenly into the dish.
   
5. Top with Pecans and Marshmallows: Sprinkle the chopped crunchy pecans over the top of the casserole, followed by the mini marshmallows. This combination of toppings will create a golden brown, crispy layer that is both visually appealing and delicious.
   
6. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top of the casserole is golden brown and the marshmallows are slightly toasted.
   
7. Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven using oven mitts and let it cool slightly before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to serve

Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Family Tradition

This loaded sweet potato casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and family traditions. It’s a recipe card-worthy dish that brings everyone together, whether it’s during the holiday season or for any special occasion. The combination of sweet and savory, the soft and creamy sweet potato mixture contrasted with the crunchy pecans and golden brown marshmallow topping, will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

For those who love to serve their casseroles with a bit of extra indulgence, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can turn this dish into a show-stopping dessert. And if there are any leftovers, simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven at room temperature the next day for a quick and easy treat.

This recipe is the real thing—it’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite for years to come. So the next time you’re planning your holiday dinners or need a perfect side dish for a special occasion, give this loaded sweet potato casserole a try. Your taste buds will thank you!

Additionally, this Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole along with our Broccoli Cheese Casserole is great for those who like to plan ahead. You can prepare these casseroles a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, until you’re ready to bake. This makes a stress-free addition to your holiday meals, allowing you more time to spend with family and friends rather than in the kitchen. It’s these little conveniences that help make the holiday season just a little bit easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for the Holidays

The combination of creamy sweet potatoes, sugary goodness, and a golden brown topping is simply irresistible. But sometimes, even the classics need a little update.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups of fresh sweet potatoes peeled and cut into small pieces
• 2 cups of hash browns
• 1/2 cup of melted butter
• 1/2 cup of white sugar
• 1/4 cup of maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of crunchy pecans chopped
• 1 cup of mini marshmallows

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fresh sweet potatoes in a large bowl, cover with water, and microwave until they are soft enough to mash. Drain the water and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
• Mix the Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter, white sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour this mixture into the mashed sweet potatoes, stirring until everything is well combined.
• Add the Hash Browns: Gently fold in the hash browns until they are evenly distributed throughout the sweet potato mixture. This step is what gives this casserole its unique twist, adding a savory element that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a casserole dish with some melted butter or cooking spray. Spread the sweet potato and hash brown mixture evenly into the dish.
• Top with Pecans and Marshmallows: Sprinkle the chopped crunchy pecans over the top of the casserole, followed by the mini marshmallows. This combination of toppings will create a golden brown, crispy layer that is both visually appealing and delicious.
• Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top of the casserole is golden brown and the marshmallows are slightly toasted.
• Cool and Serve: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven using oven mitts and let it cool slightly before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to serve.

Notes

• Hash Browns: The inclusion of hash browns adds a unique texture and a savory element, making this a great twist on traditional sweet potato casseroles. Ensure the hash browns are fully thawed before adding them to the mixture for even cooking.
• Sweetness Level: The combination of white sugar and maple syrup makes this casserole quite sweet. If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup or omit the maple syrup, depending on your taste.
• Pecans and Marshmallows: If you want to reduce the sugar or make the dish nut-free, you can omit the pecans or substitute the marshmallows with more pecans for a purely crunchy topping.

Leftovers: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.