Are you craving that creamy, dreamy sweet potato casserole you love from Boston Market? That perfectly spiced, subtly sweet, and marshmallow-topped delight? Well, you're in luck! This recipe brings the magic of that classic dish right to your kitchen. Forget takeout – this homemade version is surprisingly easy to make, tastes even better, and lets you control the sweetness and spices to your liking. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or any weeknight when you need a little extra warmth and deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk recommended for extra richness)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
For the Marshmallow Topping:
- 1 (11 ounce) bag mini marshmallows
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil or steam the cubed sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. You can easily check for doneness with a fork – they should pierce easily. Once cooked, drain well.
Step 2: Create the Sweet Potato Mixture
While the sweet potatoes are still warm, mash them thoroughly. This is easiest with a potato masher, but a hand mixer works too! Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
Step 4: Add the Marshmallow Topping
Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the sweet potato mixture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and slightly puffed, and the casserole is heated through. Keep a close eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit and makes it easier to scoop. Enjoy warm!
Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole Success:
- Don't over-mash: A little texture is nice in the casserole. Avoid over-mashing to a completely smooth puree.
- Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. A dash of allspice or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Variations:
- Pecans: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the sweet potato mixture for added crunch and flavor.
- Coconut: For a tropical twist, incorporate 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the mixture.
- Different Sweetener: Experiment with maple syrup or honey instead of, or in addition to, the brown and granulated sugars.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a general estimate, one serving might contain approximately:
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Protein: 3-5g
This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal. It’s easy to customize, making it perfect for your own taste preferences and dietary needs. The sweet potato casserole is a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering!