Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts is a dish that can make even the most stoic of Thanksgiving guests shed a tear of joy. Imagine creamy, sweet potatoes blanketed with a crunchy hazelnut topping that’s as delightful as finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag. creamy chicken noodle casserole This dish isn’t just food; it’s like a warm hug from Grandma on a chilly fall day, reminding you that life is indeed sweet—especially when you add marshmallows and nuts.
If you’re looking for the perfect side to accompany your holiday turkey or just want to impress your friends at the next potluck, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts is your ticket to culinary stardom. It’s versatile, comforting, and downright delicious. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts combines comfort and elegance in every bite.
- It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days or special occasions.
- The rich flavors and textures create a harmonious balance, visually stunning enough to steal the show on any dinner table.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve during holidays or as a cozy weeknight meal!
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Sweet Potatoes: About 3-4 medium sweet potatoes will do, providing a naturally sweet base for your casserole.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the flavor; it adds richness and creaminess.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work well, adding sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Heavy Cream: A splash of heavy cream makes everything smoother—because why not indulge a little?
- Cinnamon: Just a pinch adds warmth and coziness, making every bite feel like autumn in your mouth.
- Hazelnuts: Coarsely chopped for that delightful crunch—feel free to toast them for extra flavor!
- Mini Marshmallows: Because what’s a sweet potato casserole without that gooey layer of marshmallow goodness?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing those sweet potatoes into manageable chunks. Toss them into a large pot of boiling water and cook until they’re fork-tender—around 15-20 minutes should do the trick.
Step 2: Mash It Up
Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mash until smooth and creamy like your favorite mashed potatoes on steroids.
Step 3: Assemble in Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spoon the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Smooth it out like you’re trying to impress someone with your artistic skills.
Step 4: Create the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together coarsely chopped hazelnuts and mini marshmallows. Spread this delightful combination over the top of your sweet potato base—because we all know toppings are where it’s at!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop that masterpiece into your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. You want those marshmallows toasted but not burnt—no one wants charred sweetness!
Step 6: Serve It Up!
Once done baking, let it cool slightly before serving; you don’t want anyone burning their mouth on molten marshmallow lava. Transfer generous scoops onto plates and watch everyone swoon at this heavenly creation.
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts isn’t just another side dish; it’s an experience! Enjoy it during family gatherings or cozy nights in—you won’t regret it! For more inspiration, check out this Spicy Sweet Potato Chili recipe.
You Must Know
- This delightful Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts is not just a side dish; it’s a heartwarming experience.
- The creamy sweetness of the potatoes perfectly contrasts with the crunchy hazelnuts, making this casserole a standout on any dinner table.
- Perfect for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the sweet potatoes until fork-tender. While they cook, preheat your oven and prepare the hazelnut topping. Once the potatoes are ready, mash them with butter and spices before baking for that perfect golden finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap sweet potatoes with butternut squash for a twist. Adding maple syrup can enhance sweetness, while a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg will elevate flavors. You can even toss in mini marshmallows for an extra treat.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For a crispy topping, broil for a minute at the end!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe sweet potatoes for maximum flavor and creaminess.
- Toast hazelnuts before adding for enhanced nuttiness and crunch.
- Don’t skip mashing well; smooth texture makes all the difference in every bite!
Nothing beats hearing my friends rave about this casserole at our Thanksgiving dinner last year—it was gone in minutes! They even asked if I could make it every week!
FAQs:
What are the main ingredients in Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts?
The main ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts include sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and hazelnuts. You will also need milk, vanilla extract, and eggs to create a creamy texture. Topping the casserole with additional hazelnuts adds a crunchy contrast to the soft sweet potatoes. This combination of flavors and textures makes it a delightful dish for any occasion, especially during holidays. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
How do you prepare sweet potatoes for the casserole?
To prepare sweet potatoes for your casserole, first peel and chop them into small cubes. Boil the cubes in salted water until they are tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Drain the water and mash the sweet potatoes using a potato masher or fork until smooth. Incorporate butter, brown sugar, and other ingredients into the mixture for added flavor. This preparation ensures that your Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts has a rich taste.
Can I make Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts ahead of time! Prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and store it in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to bake it, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in a preheated oven. This allows for even cooking and ensures that your dish is warm and delicious when served.
What are some variations of Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts?
There are many delicious variations of Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts! For a healthier twist, consider substituting brown sugar with maple syrup or honey. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance flavor profiles as well. delicious corn casserole If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in cream cheese or Greek yogurt. You can also experiment with different nuts such as pecans or walnuts instead of hazelnuts while keeping the base recipe intact.
Conclusion for Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts:
In summary, Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts combines creamy sweet potatoes with crunchy hazelnuts for an exceptional dish. The preparation is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to enjoy comfort food at home, this casserole offers a delightful taste experience. roasted root vegetables medley With its versatility in variations and ability to be prepared ahead of time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts is the ultimate comfort dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy blend of hazelnuts and mini marshmallows, this casserole perfectly balances flavors and textures. It’s an ideal side for holiday feasts or family dinners, guaranteed to impress your guests and evoke fond memories.
Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup coarsely chopped hazelnuts
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Boil the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Mash the sweet potatoes with butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the mashed mixture into a greased baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix chopped hazelnuts and mini marshmallows; sprinkle this topping over the sweet potatoes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole (approx. 190g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added nuttiness, toast hazelnuts before mixing them in. Substitute butternut squash for a unique twist or use maple syrup in place of brown sugar for natural sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
