Sweet Potato Casserole For Two

Sweet Potato Casserole For Two is a small-batch version of the classic holiday side dish. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are flavored with brown sugar, butter, vanilla and warm cinnamon, then topped with a buttery brown sugar and pecan topping.

It has all the flavor of a full-size sweet potato casserole without leaving you with a large baking dish of leftovers. It is the perfect amount for two generous servings or three smaller holiday portions.

This recipe is ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter dinner. However, it is easy enough to make whenever you want a warm and comforting side dish.

Best of all, you can prepare most of the casserole ahead of time. Then, when you are ready to eat, add the pecan topping and bake it until the sweet potato filling is warm and the topping is lightly browned.

Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans Or Marshmallows

There are two popular ways to top sweet potato casserole.

Some recipes use a layer of mini marshmallows. Others use a brown sugar and pecan topping.

This recipe uses the pecan topping because it adds a nice contrast to the creamy sweet potato filling. The brown sugar, flour, butter and pecans bake into a lightly crisp topping.

However, you can still add marshmallows if that is how you prefer your sweet potato casserole.

Bake the casserole with the pecan topping as instructed. During the final 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle a small handful of mini marshmallows over the top.

Watch the casserole closely because marshmallows can go from lightly toasted to burned very quickly.

You can also leave off the pecan mixture completely and cover the sweet potatoes with marshmallows during the final 8 to 10 minutes of baking.

How Many Sweet Potatoes Do You Need?

You will need approximately 1 pound of sweet potatoes. Depending on their size, this will usually be two small or medium sweet potatoes.

After peeling and cooking, you should have approximately 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes.

It is fine if you have slightly more or less. The exact amount can vary based on the size of the potatoes and how much is removed during peeling.

Avoid using a very large sweet potato because the center can sometimes be tough or fibrous. Smaller sweet potatoes generally have a smoother texture and cook more evenly.

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

Look for sweet potatoes that are firm with smooth skin. Avoid potatoes with soft spots, deep cuts or signs of moisture.

Although many stores label orange-fleshed sweet potatoes as yams, true yams are a different vegetable. The orange sweet potatoes commonly sold in American grocery stores are exactly what you want for this sweet potato casserole recipe.

Butter

Butter makes the sweet potato filling rich and creamy.

Use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe. Salted butter can be used, but you may want to reduce or leave out the added salt.

Butter is also used in the pecan topping. For the best results, soften the butter before mixing it with the brown sugar and flour.

Brown Sugar

Light brown sugar adds sweetness and a light molasses flavor.

A small amount is added to the sweet potato filling, and more is used in the topping.

If your sweet potatoes are already very sweet, you can reduce the amount in the filling. However, do not reduce it too much in the topping because the sugar helps create the crumbly texture.

Milk

Milk makes the sweet potato mixture smooth without making it runny.

Whole milk or 2 percent milk works well. Half-and-half can be used for a richer filling.

Begin with the amount listed in the recipe. If the sweet potatoes still seem dry after mixing, add another teaspoon or two.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla enhances the sweetness and gives the filling a familiar holiday flavor.

A little goes a long way in this small recipe, so you only need ½ teaspoon.

Cinnamon

Ground cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the sweet potatoes.

You can also add a small pinch of nutmeg if you enjoy more holiday spice. Avoid adding too much because nutmeg has a strong flavor.

Flour

All-purpose flour helps hold the brown sugar and butter together in the topping.

The topping should look crumbly rather than smooth. It will melt and spread slightly while the casserole bakes.

Pecans

Chopped pecans provide crunch and balance the soft sweet potato filling.

For additional flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the topping.

Walnuts can be substituted, or the nuts can be left out completely.

How To Cook The Sweet Potatoes

There are several ways to cook sweet potatoes for casserole. Boiling is the quickest and most reliable method for this small recipe.

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a medium saucepan and cover them with cold water.

Bring the water to a boil and then reduce it to a gentle boil. Cook the sweet potatoes for approximately 12 to 15 minutes.

They are ready when a fork easily slides into the center of the pieces.

Drain the sweet potatoes well and return them to the warm saucepan for 1 to 2 minutes. This allows excess moisture to evaporate.

You can also bake the sweet potatoes. Pierce them several times with a fork and bake them at 400°F until soft. Depending on their size, this can take 45 to 60 minutes.

Let them cool enough to handle, remove the skins and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl.

How To Make Sweet Potato Casserole For Two

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a small baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

A 3-cup baking dish, small loaf pan or two large ramekins will work well.

Place the cooked sweet potatoes in a medium bowl. Add the butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and salt.

Mash the mixture with a potato masher or fork until it reaches the consistency you prefer.

For a very smooth filling, use an electric hand mixer. Do not mix it longer than necessary or the sweet potatoes may become slightly gummy.

Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, softened butter and chopped pecans. Use a fork to mix everything until small crumbles form.

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the topping is lightly browned.

Let the casserole rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving. The filling will be extremely hot when it first comes out of the oven.

How To Prevent Watery Sweet Potato Casserole

Drain the cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly. Excess water is one of the most common reasons that sweet potato casserole turns out runny.

After draining, return the potatoes to the warm saucepan. Let them sit over low heat for a minute or two while gently stirring.

This helps any remaining moisture evaporate.

You should also add the milk gradually. Sweet potatoes vary in moisture, so some may require less liquid than others.

The filling should be soft and creamy but thick enough to hold its shape in the baking dish.

Can You Make It Ahead Of Time?

Sweet Potato Casserole For Two is an excellent make-ahead side dish.

Prepare the sweet potato filling and spread it in the baking dish. Cover the dish and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.

Mix the topping ingredients and store them in a separate covered container in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to bake the casserole, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.

Sprinkle the topping over the sweet potatoes and bake as instructed. Because the filling is cold, it may require an additional 5 to 10 minutes.

What To Serve With Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is most often served with turkey, ham or roast chicken.

For a complete small Thanksgiving meal, serve it alongside this Crock Pot Turkey and Dressing. The turkey and stuffing cook together, leaving the oven available for this casserole and any other side dishes.

It also pairs well with green beans, corn, cranberry sauce and dinner rolls.

Because the casserole is sweet, it provides a nice contrast to savory dishes such as turkey gravy, stuffing and roasted vegetables.

How To Store And Reheat Leftovers

Cover the baking dish or transfer leftovers to a covered container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat the casserole in a 325°F oven until warmed through. Cover it loosely with foil if the pecan topping begins to brown too much.

Individual servings can also be reheated in the microwave.

Sweet potato casserole can be frozen, although the pecan topping may lose some of its crisp texture.

For the best results, freeze the sweet potato filling without the topping. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, add a freshly mixed topping and bake as instructed.

Enjoy! Mary

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