Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams Recipe

Introduction

This easy sweet potato casserole with canned yams is a quick and comforting side dish perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners. With a creamy mashed base, a sweet marshmallow topping, and a crunchy pecan finish, it’s sure to delight your family and guests.

Ingredients

• 1 40 ounce canned cooked yams (drained)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces miniature marshmallows
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 1-quart baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: Drain the canned yams and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Mash the yams thoroughly using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, cinnamon, and salt, then mix until well combined.
3. Step 3: Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the dish from the oven and evenly sprinkle the miniature marshmallows and chopped pecans on top.
5. Step 5: Turn on the oven broiler and place the casserole on the upper-middle rack. Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely, until the marshmallows are lightly browned.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half the butter with cream cheese in the mashed yams.
• Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Swap pecans with walnuts or omit nuts if you prefer a nut-free dish.
• Use fresh cooked sweet potatoes instead of canned yams for a more natural texture.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the topping from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mashed sweet potato mixture and assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add marshmallows and pecans before baking and broiling on the day you plan to serve.

What can I use instead of miniature marshmallows?

If you don’t have miniature marshmallows, chopped regular marshmallows work fine. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a streusel topping made from brown sugar, butter, and flour for a different texture.

Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams Recipe

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4.8 from 142 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams is a simple and comforting dish perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings. Made quickly with canned yams, it combines a sweet, buttery yam base with a festive topping of toasted miniature marshmallows and crunchy chopped pecans. The casserole bakes to a warm, creamy texture and finishes under the broiler for a golden, bubbly marshmallow crust.

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Ingredients

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Sweet Potato Mixture

• 1 (40 ounce) can cooked yams, drained
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

• 8 ounces miniature marshmallows
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 1-quart baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
2. Mash the yams and mix: Drain the canned yams thoroughly. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl and mash using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon until smooth with a few lumps. Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, cinnamon, and salt until everything is fully combined and uniform.
3. Bake the yam mixture: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Place it uncovered in the oven and bake for 30 minutes to heat through and let the flavors meld.
4. Add topping and broil: Remove the dish from the oven and evenly distribute the miniature marshmallows and chopped pecans on top. Change your oven setting to broil and place the dish on the upper-middle rack. Broil for 1-2 minutes, carefully watching, until the marshmallows have puffed up and developed a light golden-brown color.
5. Serve and enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The combination of creamy yams, sweet marshmallows, and crunchy pecans makes a deliciously festive side dish.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh sweet potatoes cooked and mashed for canned yams if preferred, adjusting the moisture accordingly.
• Use unsalted butter to control the salt level; adjust salt to taste if using salted butter.
• Keep a close eye during broiling as marshmallows can burn quickly.
• For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before sprinkling on top.
• This dish is best served warm but can be reheated covered in the oven.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes baking + 1-2 minutes broiling
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, canned yams recipe, holiday side dish, sweet potato side, marshmallow sweet potato casserole, easy sweet potato casserole