Incredible Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Jolly Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Magic

Sweet potato casserole dazzles taste buds with its velvety magic and nostalgic charm.

Imagine a dish that transforms humble root veggies into a culinary sensation bursting with warmth.

Creamy orange depths whisper tales of comfort and tradition on every spoonful.

Cinnamon and brown sugar waltz together, creating a melody of sweetness that tingles your senses.

Crunchy pecans provide a delightful textural surprise against the smooth potato landscape.

Marshmallows crown this dreamy creation with a golden-brown halo of pure indulgence.

Check out this soul-warming masterpiece and let your hunger guide you through a delectable journey of pure comfort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 8

Everything That Goes Into Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole

For Sweet Potato Base:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, vibrant orange specimens without bruises or soft spots.
  • Butter: Select high-quality unsalted butter for rich, clean flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Look for fresh, full-fat cream to enhance silky texture.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Pick moist, clump-free sugar for smooth sweetness.
  • Eggs: Select large, fresh eggs with intact shells.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced flavor enhancement.
  • Cinnamon: Opt for freshly ground Ceylon cinnamon for warm, complex notes.
  • Smoked Paprika: Choose high-quality Spanish paprika for deep, smoky undertones.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Select bright red, potent cayenne for gentle heat kick.
For Topping Components:
  • Flour: Use all-purpose flour for classic, consistent texture.
  • Marshmallows: Pick large, fluffy white marshmallows for golden, puffy topping.
  • Pecans: Select fresh, crisp pecans with rich, buttery flavor.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Choose aromatic, sweet cinnamon to complement pecan crunch.

Items You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Baking Sheet: Large, flat metal pan for roasting sweet potatoes.
  • Aluminum Foil: Protective layer for easy cleanup and even cooking.
  • Sharp Knife: For piercing sweet potato skins.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for creating creamy filling.
  • Casserole Dish (13×9-inch): Rectangular baking dish for assembling the recipe.
  • Small Bowl: For mixing pecan topping ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Wooden Spoon or Potato Masher: For mixing and mashing sweet potato filling.
  • Pastry Brush or Butter Knife: To grease baking dish with butter.
  • Oven Mitts: Protective gear for handling hot dishes.

Process to Complete Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole

Process to Complete Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Roast Sweet Potato Magic

Transform sweet potatoes into a flavor-packed foundation by heating your oven to 425°F. Wrap potatoes in aluminum foil, pierce with a knife, and roast until tender and soft. After cooling, gently peel away the skins revealing creamy goodness inside.

  • Create Dreamy Filling

Blend roasted sweet potatoes with rich butter, velvety cream, and warm spices like cinnamon and smoked paprika. Mash everything together creating a luscious mixture that hints at comfort and excitement. The texture can range from silky smooth to rustic and chunky.

  • Craft Crunchy Pecan Topping

Mix flour, brown sugar, and aromatic spices with chopped pecans and melted butter. Stir until the mixture becomes delightfully clumpy and irresistible, promising a satisfying crunch with every bite.

  • Assemble and Bake Decadent Casserole

Lower oven temperature to 375°F. Generously butter a baking dish and spread sweet potato filling evenly. Sprinkle marshmallows across the top, then shower with pecan crumble. Bake until edges bubble and marshmallows turn golden and puffy.

  • Serve and Savor

Pull your masterpiece from the oven, letting it rest briefly. Watch as steam rises and marshmallows glisten. Scoop generous portions onto plates, revealing layers of warmth and deliciousness perfect for gathering loved ones around the table.

Creative Variations for Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Customize Sweetness Levels: Adjust brown sugar quantity based on personal taste preferences or dietary needs. Less sugar creates a more savory dish, while more sugar enhances dessert-like qualities.
  • Spice It Up Creatively: Experiment with additional warming spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to introduce complex flavor dimensions. Each spice brings unique character to the sweet potato base.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the final baking stage one day in advance. Store covered in refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before final 35-minute baking process. Perfect for holiday meal planning.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use plant-based butter for a lactose-free version. The substitution maintains creamy texture while catering to dietary restrictions without sacrificing rich flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings for Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Pair with Holiday Feast: Serve this sweet potato casserole alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or classic holiday roasted chicken for a comforting side dish that complements main courses perfectly.
  • Create Brunch Delight: Transform leftovers into a morning treat by adding a dollop of whipped cream or serving with crispy bacon for a decadent breakfast experience.
  • Add Festive Garnish: Sprinkle extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top just before serving to enhance visual appeal and add a delightful crunchy texture.
  • Customize Temperature Preference: Enjoy warm straight from the oven for maximum gooey marshmallow goodness or let cool slightly for a more structured casserole consistency.

How to Store Leftovers from Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Preserve Sweet Potato Goodness: Store leftover casserole in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place entire dish in 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add fresh marshmallows before reheating for extra crispness.
  • Freeze for Future Feasts: Prepare casserole without final marshmallow layer. Wrap securely in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before adding marshmallows and baking.
  • Serving Suggestions: Portion into individual ramekins for easy grab-and-go meals. Keep extra chopped pecans nearby for guests who want additional crunch. Serve slightly warm for best flavor and texture experience.
Print
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Incredible Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Incredible Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful sweet potato casserole brings Southern comfort to holiday tables with marshmallow and pecan topping. Rich flavors meld perfectly, creating a memorable side dish you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) sweet potatoes
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 stick (113 g or 0.5 cup) butter, melted, plus more for greasing the casserole dish
  • 0.5 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 0.25 cup (57 g) butter, melted
  • 0.5 cup (71 g) light brown sugar
  • 0.33 cup (71 g) light brown sugar
  • 1.25 tsps salt
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1.5 tsps cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.75 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 0.5 cup (63 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows, divided

Instructions

  1. Roasting Preparation: Pierce whole sweet potatoes with a knife and wrap loosely in aluminum foil. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 50-60 minutes until extremely tender, creating a soft, caramelized base.
  2. Potato Transformation: Peel and transfer roasted potato flesh into a mixing bowl. Blend with melted butter, heavy cream, light brown sugar, eggs, salt, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, mashing to a smooth or rustic texture.
  3. Casserole Assembly: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 13-by-9-inch casserole dish generously. Create a pecan topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, chopped pecans, and melted butter until crumbly.
  4. Layering and Initial Baking: Spread one cup of marshmallows over the sweet potato mixture. Distribute the pecan topping evenly across the marshmallow layer. Bake for 25 minutes to develop rich, caramelized flavors.
  5. Final Touches: Add remaining marshmallows on top and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until edges bubble, center heats through, and marshmallows transform into a golden, toasted crown. Rest briefly before serving to allow layers to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Optimize Potato Roasting: Pierce sweet potatoes before roasting to prevent potential steam buildup and ensure even cooking. Wrapping loosely in foil helps retain moisture and develop deeper, richer flavors.
  • Master Smooth Texture: Mash sweet potato filling while still warm for easier blending and more consistent texture. Adjust mashing technique based on desired smoothness – from completely pureed to slightly chunky.
  • Prevent Topping Burning: Keep a close eye on marshmallow layer during final baking stage, as it can quickly transition from golden brown to burnt. Rotate dish if needed for even browning and remove immediately when perfectly caramelized.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare sweet potato filling and topping separately up to two days in advance. Store covered in refrigerator and assemble just before baking to save time and reduce day-of kitchen stress.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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