Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole

Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Canada

Region / culture: Canada | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious and comforting side dish that is perfect for any occasion. This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory flavors to create a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

Sweet potatoes have been a staple in many cultures for centuries. The sweet potato casserole as we know it today is a popular dish in American cuisine, especially during the holiday season. It is often served as a side dish alongside turkey or ham.

Ingredients

5 lb (2.27 kg) sweet potatoes, scrubbed
2 tbsp butter or margarine (cut in small pieces)
0.75 cup apple cider or juice
0.5 tsp salt and pepper
1 cup shredded part-skim gruyère cheese
Garnish: chopped parsley

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Place the potatoes on a jelly-roll pan and bake for 1 to 1.25 hours, or until they are soft when pierced.
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, remove the skin.
Using a potato masher, electric mixer, or large whisk, mash or beat the potatoes, butter, cider, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Spoon the mixture into a shallow 2- to 2.5 qt (2.36 liter) baking dish and sprinkle with cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and the cheese has melted.
Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Planning tip

This dish can be prepared up to step 5 and frozen for up to 1 month, or refrigerated for up to 4 days. If frozen, thaw before proceeding. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake in a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven for 40 minutes, or until hot.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for a warm and cozy flavor.
Top the casserole with chopped pecans or marshmallows for a sweet and crunchy topping.
Mix in cooked bacon or sausage for a savory twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to bake the sweet potatoes until they are soft when pierced with a fork. This will ensure that they are easy to mash and will result in a smooth and creamy texture.

- Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top of the casserole before baking adds a delicious savory element to the dish.

- For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking until the cheese is golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. It can also be served alongside a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the sweet potatoes until they are soft is key to achieving a smooth and creamy texture in this dish. Be sure to mash the potatoes well to ensure a consistent texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be used in place of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Cheddar cheese can be substituted for the part-skim cheese for a more indulgent dish.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve in a decorative baking dish for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole with a glass of white wine or a sparkling cider for a festive touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

One serving of Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of cheese. It may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole is a nutritious dish that is high in vitamins and minerals, while also being a good source of carbohydrates and protein.

Summary

Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a creamy texture and savory flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a brisk autumn day, the leaves were turning shades of red and gold, and there was a hint of cinnamon in the air. I was visiting my dear friend Mary, who was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. As soon as I walked through her door, I could smell something sweet and savory wafting from the kitchen.

Mary greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she led me into the kitchen where she was busy peeling sweet potatoes. I watched as she expertly chopped and mashed them, adding in ingredients I had never seen used in a sweet potato dish before. She explained to me that she was making a Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole, a family recipe that had been passed down for generations.

As I watched Mary work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but be amazed at how effortlessly she whipped up such a delectable dish. She shared stories of how her grandmother used to make this casserole for special occasions, and how it always brought the family together around the dinner table.

After Mary had finished preparing the casserole, she popped it in the oven to bake. The sweet aroma filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product. When she finally served me a generous portion of the steaming casserole, I took my first bite and was instantly transported to a place of comfort and warmth. The creamy sweet potatoes were perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of spices, and the crunchy pecan topping added a delightful contrast in texture.

I begged Mary for the recipe, knowing that I had to recreate this dish for my own family. She smiled and handed me a handwritten recipe card, filled with detailed instructions and ingredients. I thanked her profusely, knowing that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

When I got home, I immediately set to work on making the Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole. I followed Mary's instructions to a tee, taking care to peel and chop the sweet potatoes just as she had shown me. As I mixed in the spices and sugar, the familiar scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filled my kitchen, bringing back memories of that cozy autumn day at Mary's house.

Once the casserole was baked to perfection, I couldn't wait to share it with my family. As we sat down to dinner that evening, I proudly presented the dish, hoping that it would receive the same warm reception that Mary's had. To my delight, my family devoured the casserole, each bite eliciting smiles and nods of approval.

From that day on, the Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole became a staple at our family gatherings. I would make it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any other special occasion that called for a comforting and delicious side dish. Each time I prepared it, I would think back to that fateful day at Mary's house, where I had first discovered the magic of this recipe.

Years passed, and as I grew older, I continued to make the Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole for my grandchildren, passing down the recipe just as Mary had done for me. It became a tradition in our family, a symbol of love and togetherness that transcended generations.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures that food can bring. The Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole may just be a dish, but to me, it represents so much more – it's a connection to my past, a link to my dear friend Mary, and a way to create lasting memories with the ones I love.

So as I take a spoonful of the creamy, sweet potato goodness, I savor each bite, knowing that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart. And as I pass it on to my grandchildren, I hope that they too will find joy and comfort in the simple act of sharing a delicious meal with the ones they hold dear.