This Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows recipe is a beloved holiday side dish, featuring creamy, spiced sweet potatoes topped with fluffy, golden marshmallows. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this dish brings a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors to your holiday table.
INGREDIENTS
- Sweet Potatoes (peeled and cooked): The base of the dish, providing a naturally sweet and creamy texture when mashed.
- Large Eggs (lightly beaten): Adds richness and helps the sweet potato mixture set when baked, creating a custard-like texture.
- Orange Juice: Adds a hint of citrusy brightness that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Butter (softened): Contributes to the creamy texture and richness of the sweet potatoes.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness, enhancing the flavor of the sweet potatoes and complementing the marshmallows.
- Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic undertone, enhancing the dish’s flavor complexity.
Additional Ingredients
- Ground Nutmeg: Adds a warm, earthy spice that pairs well with the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Salt: A small dash of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Miniature Marshmallows: Topping the dish, they create a sweet, gooey layer when baked, adding texture and visual appeal.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 3-quart baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. You can use a potato masher or a hand mixer for a smoother texture.
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add the lightly beaten eggs, orange juice, softened butter, sugar, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and a dash of salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Step 5: Bake the Sweet Potatoes
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the mixture is set and slightly golden around the edges.
- Step 6: Add Marshmallow Topping
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the miniature marshmallows evenly over the top of the sweet potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the marshmallows begin to puff and melt into a golden, gooey layer.
- Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This dish can be served warm and is perfect for any holiday table.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve this dish warm, ideally straight out of the oven, to enjoy the creamy sweet potatoes topped with gooey marshmallows.
- For a complete holiday meal, pair this dish with roasted turkey, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.
- To store leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave as it may cause the marshmallows to melt unevenly.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of sugar or omit it entirely to allow the natural sweetness of the potatoes to shine.
- For an added crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the marshmallows before baking.
- Make this dish in advance by preparing the sweet potato mixture and refrigerating it overnight. Add marshmallows and bake on the day of serving.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten suggests adding a touch of orange zest for extra brightness in sweet potato dishes.
- Chef Alton Brown recommends using high-quality vanilla extract for a more robust flavor in holiday recipes.
- Chef Emeril Lagasse often adds a dash of cinnamon to complement the nutmeg for a warm, festive flavor profile.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows recipe is a timeless holiday classic, adding sweetness and warmth to any festive meal.
- The combination of creamy sweet potatoes and melted marshmallows makes this dish both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying.
- Easy to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s a side dish that’s loved by adults and children alike.
Variations
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Swap miniature marshmallows with marshmallow creme for a smoother topping.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the sweet potato mixture.