Anabelle Mclean Ina Garten’s Sweet Potato Casserole is a rich, creamy dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a buttery topping for a perfect holiday side. With its balance of sweet and savory flavors, this casserole is a crowd-pleasing addition to any table.
What is Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole?
Ina Garten’s Sweet Potato Casserole features a velvety sweet potato base topped with a buttery streusel or marshmallow layer. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that combines classic ingredients with Ina’s signature simplicity and elegance.
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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole
- Perfect for holidays: A must-have side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Rich and creamy: The sweet potato filling is luscious and satisfying.
- Versatile topping options: Choose between a crunchy streusel or a marshmallow topping.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when needed.
- Balanced flavors: Combines sweet, buttery, and nutty elements for a delightful dish.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole
For the sweet potato base:
- Sweet potatoes: 4 large (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened.
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup.
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
- Eggs: 2 large.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon.
For the streusel topping:
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup.
- Brown sugar: 1/3 cup.
- Butter: 1/4 cup, cold and cubed.
- Pecans: 1/2 cup, chopped.
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon.
Optional marshmallow topping:
- Mini marshmallows: 2 cups.
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the sweet potatoes
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the sweet potato base
- Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add softened butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, eggs, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
Step 3: Transfer to the baking dish
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the streusel topping
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Step 5: Add the topping
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potato mixture. For the marshmallow option, scatter the mini marshmallows on top instead of the streusel, or use both for extra indulgence.
Step 6: Bake the casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the marshmallows are melted and lightly browned if using.
Step 7: Cool and serve
- Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
What Goes Well With Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole
- Roast turkey: A classic pairing for holiday meals.
- Glazed ham: Complements the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
- Green beans: Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Cranberry sauce: Enhances the sweetness with a tart, fruity note.
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole
- Boil sweet potatoes evenly: Cut them into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Mash thoroughly: Ensure the sweet potatoes are smooth for the best texture.
- Chill the topping: Cold butter in the streusel ensures a crisp, crumbly texture.
- Customize the sweetness: Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference.
- Combine toppings: Use both streusel and marshmallows for an indulgent twist.
Creative Variations of Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole
- Savory version: Omit the sugar and cinnamon, and add herbs like thyme and rosemary for a savory twist.
- Vegan option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use plant-based cream and egg substitutes.
- Spicy touch: Add a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg to the sweet potato base.
- Fruit topping: Mix dried cranberries or raisins into the streusel for added sweetness.
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
FAQs
Can sweet potato casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, sweet potato casserole can be made ahead. Prepare the sweet potato base and toppings separately, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bake when ready to serve.
How do you keep sweet potato casserole from being watery?
To avoid a watery casserole, drain the boiled sweet potatoes thoroughly and avoid overmixing the base. If using frozen sweet potatoes, ensure they are fully thawed and drained before using.
Can sweet potato casserole be frozen?
Sweet potato casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble the dish without the topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake as directed.
What is the best topping for sweet potato casserole?
Streusel made with brown sugar, flour, butter, and pecans is a classic choice for a crunchy topping. Marshmallows are another popular option for a gooey, sweet finish. Both can be combined for a decadent twist.
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. With its creamy sweet potato filling and customizable toppings, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress.
More Ina Garten Recipes
- Ina Garten Lamb Sausage in Puff Pastry
- Ina Garten Crustless Quiche
- Ina Garten Guacamole
- Ina Garten Snickerdoodles
Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Ina Garten’s Sweet Potato Casserole features a velvety sweet potato base topped with a buttery streusel or marshmallow layer. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that combines classic ingredients with Ina’s signature simplicity and elegance.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the sweet potato base:
- Sweet potatoes: 4 large (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened.
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup.
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
- Eggs: 2 large.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon.
For the streusel topping:
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup.
- Brown sugar: 1/3 cup.
- Butter: 1/4 cup, cold and cubed.
- Pecans: 1/2 cup, chopped.
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the sweet potatoes
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the sweet potato base
- Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add softened butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, eggs, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
Step 3: Transfer to the baking dish
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the streusel topping
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Step 5: Add the topping
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potato mixture. For the marshmallow option, scatter the mini marshmallows on top instead of the streusel, or use both for extra indulgence.
Step 6: Bake the casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the marshmallows are melted and lightly browned if using.
Step 7: Cool and serve
- Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
