Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows and Streusel

Mashed sweet potato casserole topped with toasted vegan marshmallows and a brown sugar-cinnamon-pecan streusel is a delightful dish. This Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows and Streusel is perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday celebration. The creamy sweet potatoes harmonize beautifully with the crunchy streusel, making it an irresistible side that guests will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, vegan marshmallows, and a crunchy streusel creates a taste sensation that everyone will enjoy.
• Easy to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, this recipe fits seamlessly into your holiday cooking schedule.
• Versatile Side Dish: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family gathering, this casserole complements various main dishes and is sure to impress.
• Plant-Based Options: Featuring vegan marshmallows, this recipe caters to plant-based diets without sacrificing flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It serves 8 to 10 people, making it ideal for large gatherings where you want to wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows and Streusel, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Potato masher or ricer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling the sweet potatoes evenly until tender.
• Potato masher or ricer: Ensures smooth mashed sweet potatoes for a creamy texture in your casserole.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients effectively without mess.
• Baking dish: Holds all of your casserole ingredients while baking to perfection.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base

• 3 to 3-¼ pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and chopped into large chunks)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup milk or half and half
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• salt (to taste)

For the Streusel Topping

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup all purpose flour (for a sturdier streusel add an additional heaping tablespoon of flour)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chopped pecans

For the Topping

• 3 cups mini vegan marshmallows (or more, if you’d like)

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows and Streusel

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. In a large pot, fill it with water and add the chopped sweet potatoes.
2. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

1. Add the unsalted butter, milk (or half and half), ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice), brown sugar, and salt to the drained sweet potatoes.
2. Using a potato masher or ricer, mash until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and chopped pecans.
2. Mix until crumbly but well-combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly in a baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the mashed sweet potatoes.
4. Top with mini vegan marshmallows as desired.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
2. Enjoy your Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows and Streusel warm!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows and Streusel

Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows and Streusel is a delightful dish that brings warmth and sweetness to any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As a Holiday Side Dish

• Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this casserole complements roasted turkey or chicken beautifully.

With Savory Proteins

• Pair it with grilled or roasted chicken for a balanced plate. The savory flavors work well with the sweetness of the casserole.

Alongside Green Salads

• A fresh green salad offers a nice contrast to the rich flavors. Consider adding cranberries or nuts for extra texture.

As a Potluck Contribution

• This casserole is an excellent choice for potlucks, providing a comforting option that everyone will enjoy.

With Bread Rolls

• Serve alongside warm bread rolls to soak up any leftover sauce or flavors from your plate.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows and Streusel

To ensure your Sweet Potato Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Opt for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
• Mash thoroughly: Make sure to mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. This creates a creamy base for your casserole.
• Mix in flavors well: Combine butter, cinnamon, and sugar evenly into the sweet potato mixture for consistent taste.
• Toast pecans lightly: Lightly toast pecans before adding them to the streusel topping. This enhances their flavor and crunch.
• Use enough marshmallows: Don’t be shy with the mini vegan marshmallows; they create a delightful topping when toasted.
• Allow cooling before serving: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to help it set and make it easier to portion.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows and Streusel

Sweet Potato Casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options to enhance your meal:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic add richness to your plate.
2. Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans provide a fresh crunch that balances the sweetness of the casserole.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Slightly charred Brussels sprouts offer earthy flavors that complement the dish well.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs and citrus adds brightness to your meal while being nutritious.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins pair nicely, adding another layer of flavor and texture.
6. Cranberry Sauce: Tart cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully against the sweet potato, brightening up each bite.
7. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains and veggies can add visual appeal and substance to your table.
8. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing finish that balances out rich holiday fare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cooking sweet potatoes too long can lead to a watery mixture. Ensure you cook them until tender but not mushy.
• Skipping the cinnamon or spices may result in a bland casserole. Always add seasoning for enhanced flavor.
• Not using softened butter will affect the streusel’s texture. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Overbaking can cause dryness in your casserole. Keep an eye on it and remove it once the marshmallows are toasted.
• Using non-vegan marshmallows contradicts the recipe’s theme. Always opt for vegan options to maintain integrity.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• It will last for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows and Streusel

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows and Streusel

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows and Streusel?
Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows and Streusel is a creamy sweet potato dish topped with crunchy pecan-streusel and toasted vegan marshmallows.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute almonds or walnuts if you prefer a different nut flavor in your casserole.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make Sweet Potato Casserole gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can Sweet Potato Casserole be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Casserole with vegan marshmallows and Streusel is a delightful addition to any meal, perfect for holidays or family gatherings. With its creamy texture, sweet flavor, and crunchy topping, it’s versatile enough to customize. Add your favorite nuts or spices to make it your own!