Photo of Sweet Potato Casserole with Mini-Marshmallows and Pecan by WW

Sweet Potato Casserole with Mini-Marshmallows and Pecan

4
Points® value
Total Time
2 hr 20 min
Prep
20 min
Cook
1 hr 45 min
Serves
12
Difficulty
Easy
Search no further for your favourite Thanksgiving side dish: This recipe for sweet potato casserole with mini-marshmallows and pecans is it! In our version, we roast the sweet potatoes first for maximum flavour and replaced a portion of the spuds with cooked carrots. And since everyone has different preferences, we've listed a few different ways to vary this recipe, although they all make enough for 12 servings. For a more savory take, try the sweet potato pie with pepita crumble. For a slightly more modern and interesting take, try the orange gremolata version. The orange zest will be a pleasant surprise for your guests!

Ingredients

Cooking spray

5 spray(s)

Sweet potato

2½ pound(s), scrubbed (about 5 medium)

Carrots

¾ pound(s), halved lengthwise and sliced

Unsalted butter

1½ tbsp(s)

Ginger root

1½ tsp(s), grated, peeled

Fat-free skim milk

½ cup(s)

Table salt

¾ tsp(s)

Mini marshmallows

¾ cup(s), coarsely chopped

Chopped pecans

2 tbsp(s), toasted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Prick potatoes all over with a fork. Place potatoes on prepared baking sheet. Roast until fork-tender, about 1 hour. Cut potatoes in half; cool 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
  3. Meanwhile, place carrots in a large saucepan and add enough salted water to cover them by 2 inches; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer carrots until very tender, about 25 minutes. Drain; set aside.
  4. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat; cook, swirling pan occasionally, until golden brown, 5-6 minutes.
  5. Puree carrots, browned butter, and ginger in a food processor, scraping down sides of bowl with a spatula; transfer to a large bowl.
  6. Scoop flesh from potatoes into food processor; add milk and salt. Puree, scraping down sides of bowl with a spatula, until smooth; stir into carrot puree until blended.
  7. Spread sweet potato mixture in an even layer in prepared baking dish. Bake until hot, about 35 minutes. Sprinkle with marshmallows; bake until marshmallows are golden, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with pecans; serve.
  8. Serving size: 1/2 cup
  9. VARIATIONS For a modern riff on this old favourite, prepare the recipe as directed but instead of topping with marshmallows and pecans, try one the toppings below:
  10. SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE WITH PEPITA CRUMBLE Spray a small skillet with cooking spray; set over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup pepitas, and 1 tsp ancho chile powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until oats are golden and pepitas are toasted, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and cool. Stir in 8 tsp brown sugar, 4 tsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp salt. Sprinkle over casserole and bake until crisp, about 10 minutes. SmartPoints value (1/2 cup): 6
  11. SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE WITH ORANGE GREMOLATA Mix 2/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 2 minced small garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated orange zest in a small bowl. Sprinkle over casserole just before serving. SmartPoints value (1/2 cup): 4

Notes

For a more savoury take, try the sweet potato pie with pepita crumble. For a slightly more modern and interesting take, try the orange gremolata version. The orange zest will be a pleasant surprise for your guests!