Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole

Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - A Classic American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 80 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

The Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved recipe that brings the comfort and warmth of traditional American cooking into your home. This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich blend of spices, butter, and sugar, topped with a crunchy oatmeal streusel and gooey marshmallows for a delightful contrast of textures. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a special weekend treat, this casserole is sure to impress.

History

Originally inspired by the classic dishes served at Boston Market restaurants, this sweet potato casserole recipe has evolved into a homemade favorite. The combination of sweet potatoes and marshmallows is a nod to Southern cuisine, where sweet potato casseroles have graced tables for generations, especially during Thanksgiving. Over time, the addition of an oatmeal streusel topping has added a modern twist, making it a unique blend of traditional and contemporary flavors.

Ingredients

6 cups mashed sweet potatoes (5 to 6 potatoes-see step #1)
0.75 cup dark brown sugar
0.5 cup heavy cream
0.25 cup melted butter
0.25 tsp cinnamon
0.25 tsp salt
2 cups mini marshmallows

Oatmeal Streusel

0.5 cup rolled oats
4 tbsp dark brown sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
4 tbsp cold butter

How to prepare

Rub a little vegetable oil on the skin of each sweet potato and bake them in a preheated 400°F (204°C) oven for 60 to 70 minutes or until they are tender.
When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, scrape out the insides and use an electric mixer on high speed to beat the potatoes until they are mashed and smooth.
Measure exactly 6 cups of the mashed sweet potato into a large bowl.
Add 0.75 cup of brown sugar, heavy cream, melted butter, 0.25 tsp of cinnamon, and salt into the sweet potatoes and mix well with the beater until all the ingredients are incorporated.
Pour this mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

Oatmeal Streusel

Make the oatmeal streusel by grinding the rolled oats to a fine flour using a food processor.
A blender will also work.
Combine the oat flour with 4 tbsp of brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and 0.25 tsp of cinnamon in a small bowl.
Cut the cold butter into the dry mixture using a pastry knife or a fork.
You should have a crumbly mixture with pea-size bits.
Sprinkle this oatmeal streusel over the sweet potato mixture and bake it in the oven for 70 to 80 minutes or until the top begins to brown slightly.
When you remove the casserole from the oven, immediately spread the marshmallows over the top.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
The heat from the casserole will melt the marshmallows, and then it’s ready to serve.

Variations

For a healthier twist, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a sugar alternative like coconut sugar. You can also add pecans or walnuts to the streusel for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the smoothest sweet potato mash, ensure the potatoes are fully cooled before peeling and mashing. Using an electric mixer will help achieve a creamy texture without lumps. When making the oatmeal streusel, keep the butter cold to ensure the mixture becomes crumbly, which will give a nice crunch once baked. Lastly, adding the marshmallows while the casserole is still hot will allow them to melt perfectly, creating a beautifully glazed topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole warm as a side dish alongside roasted meats like turkey, ham, or chicken. It also pairs well with a simple green salad to balance the sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them helps retain their natural sweetness and nutrients. Using a pastry cutter or fork to blend the streusel ingredients ensures the right texture is achieved for the topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and vegan butter. Gluten-free flour can replace all-purpose flour in the streusel for those avoiding gluten.

Make Ahead Tips

The sweet potato mixture can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Add the streusel topping just before baking to keep it crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the baked casserole with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts for added color and texture. Serving it in a decorative dish can also enhance its appearance on the table.

Pairing Recommendations

This sweet potato casserole pairs beautifully with dry white wines like Chardonnay or aromatic reds like Pinot Noir, which complement its richness and sweetness.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through, adding additional marshmallows if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of this sweet potato casserole contains approximately 350 calories. The majority of these calories come from the carbohydrates and fats in the ingredients, making it a high-energy dish suitable for special occasions.

Carbohydrates

This sweet potato casserole is rich in carbohydrates, primarily from the sweet potatoes and brown sugar. A single serving provides approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates, making it a high-energy dish. The sweet potatoes themselves are a great source of dietary fiber and natural sugars, offering a sustained release of energy.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come mainly from the heavy cream and butter, contributing to the dish's creamy texture and rich flavor. A serving contains about 15 grams of fat, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. Using alternatives like low-fat cream or margarine can reduce the fat content if desired.

Proteins

This casserole is not a significant source of protein, containing about 3 grams per serving. The small amount of protein comes from the heavy cream and the minimal amount present in sweet potatoes.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are both antioxidants that support immune function and skin health. This dish also provides smaller amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium, contributing to bone health, oxygen transport, and muscle function.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (heavy cream and butter) and gluten (all-purpose flour in the streusel). Individuals with allergies or intolerances to these ingredients should consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, the Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole is a rich, comforting dish high in carbohydrates and fats, with moderate calories. It provides essential vitamins and minerals from the sweet potatoes, making it a nutritious option for a special occasion treat.

Summary

The Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of sweet potatoes, spices, and marshmallows with a crunchy oatmeal streusel. Perfect for special occasions, this recipe is rich in carbohydrates and essential nutrients, offering a delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite. With various options for substitutions and variations, it can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole. It was a brisk autumn day, the leaves were falling in a beautiful array of colors, and the air was filled with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. I had decided to take a stroll through the local farmer's market, browsing the various vendors and their offerings. As I made my way through the aisles, I came across a stand that was selling fresh sweet potatoes. The vibrant orange color and earthy smell drew me in, and I knew I had to pick some up.

As I continued to peruse the market, I overheard a conversation between two elderly women discussing their favorite Thanksgiving recipes. One of them mentioned a sweet potato casserole recipe from Boston Market that she had recently tried and absolutely loved. Intrigued, I approached the women and asked for more details about the recipe. They were more than happy to share, and I quickly jotted down the ingredients and instructions on a scrap piece of paper.

That evening, I couldn't wait to try out the recipe for myself. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pecans - and got to work in the kitchen. As I peeled and chopped the sweet potatoes, the memories of my own grandmother's cooking flooded back to me. She was the one who first instilled in me a love for cooking and taught me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients.

I followed the recipe diligently, mixing the sweet potatoes with the sugar, butter, and spices until they were smooth and creamy. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, a perfect blend of sweetness and warmth. I topped the casserole with a generous sprinkle of pecans and popped it in the oven to bake.

As the casserole baked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. The recipe reminded me of all the wonderful meals I had shared with my family over the years, of the laughter and love that filled our home. It was more than just a dish - it was a connection to my past, a way to honor the traditions and memories that had shaped me.

When the casserole was finally done, I couldn't wait to dig in. The first bite was pure bliss - the sweet potatoes were perfectly tender, the spices just right, and the pecans added a delightful crunch. It was a dish that tasted like home, like comfort and love. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would pass down to future generations.

Over the years, I have made the Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole countless times, each time with a little twist or variation to make it my own. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness. But no matter how many times I make it, the taste always takes me back to that crisp autumn day at the farmer's market, to the moment when I discovered a recipe that would become a part of my culinary legacy.

So, as I sit here now, surrounded by the warm glow of my kitchen, I am grateful for the simple joys of cooking and the memories that food can evoke. And as I take another bite of the sweet potato casserole, I am reminded once again of the power of a good recipe - to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.