Kardashian Holiday Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Sweet potato casserole is a holiday staple, but I like to shake things up with unexpected flavors. This version embraces a smoky-sweet vibe, thanks to bourbon and paprika, making it stand out on the table. It’s a dish that invites both nostalgia and curiosity, with a little bit of chaos in every bite.

Why this casserole keeps calling me back

The unexpected smoky bourbon flavor makes every bite a little adventure. It’s a reminder to break rules, even during the holidays. The crispy-topped marshmallows contrast beautifully with the creamy sweet potatoes. This dish always sparks conversations and keeps tradition fresh, season after season.

Breaking down the components of this bold casserole

• Sweet potatoes: The star—natural sweetness and creamy texture, enhanced by smoky paprika.
• Butter: Rich and silky, helps bind the mash and adds flavor depth.
• Maple syrup: Sweet and sticky, balancing the smoky elements with a touch of pure maple.
• Bourbon: Adds warmth and a smoky-vanilla aroma that lingers.
• Marshmallows: Topping that melts into a gooey, caramelized crust, inviting and sweet.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky kick, elevating the dish beyond traditional.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors together.

Tools of the trade for this sweet potato remix

• Large pot: For boiling the potatoes.
• Masher or fork: To mash the tender sweet potatoes.
• Skillet: To make the bourbon-maple sauce.
• Baking dish: To assemble and bake the casserole.
• Spatula: For spreading and layering.

Step-by-step for a bold, sweet, and smoky holiday casserole

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks.

Step 3: Boil sweet potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until tender.

Step 4: Drain and mash with a splash of cream, a pinch of salt, and a dash of smoked paprika.

Step 5: In a skillet, melt butter, then stir in maple syrup and a splash of bourbon, cooking until fragrant.

Step 6: Layer the mashed sweet potatoes in a baking dish, then pour the bourbon-maple mixture over.

Step 7: Top with marshmallows, then bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and marshmallows are golden.

Step 8: Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Smoky Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole

This bold twist on classic sweet potato casserole combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with smoky paprika and bourbon, creating a rich, flavorful dish. Topped with melting marshmallows, it offers a crispy, caramelized crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior, perfect for holiday tables. The dish balances sweetness, smokiness, and warmth in every bite.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 large sweet potatoes peeled and chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp bourbon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup marshmallows
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Masher or fork
• Skillet
• Baking dish
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks that will cook evenly.
2. Place the sweet potato chunks into a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Drain the sweet potatoes well and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Mash thoroughly with a masher or fork until smooth and creamy.
4. Add a splash of cream, a pinch of salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until evenly combined, and the mash is smooth with a hint of smoky color.
5. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup and bourbon, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly thickened.
6. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly into a baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Pour the bourbon-maple sauce over the mashed sweet potatoes, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
8. Sprinkle the marshmallows evenly over the top of the casserole, creating a generous layer for a gooey crust.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbling around the edges and the marshmallows are golden and crispy on top.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the topping to set slightly.
11. Serve warm, enjoying the rich, smoky-sweet flavors with a crispy marshmallow topping and creamy interior.

Cooking checkpoints to keep in mind

• Sweet potatoes should be tender and easily mashable.
• The bourbon-maple mixture should be fragrant and slightly thickened.
• Marshmallows should be golden and slightly crispy on top.
• The casserole should be bubbling around the edges before you pull it out.

Common pitfalls and how to dodge them

• Not draining sweet potatoes properly.? If the sweet potatoes are watery, drain thoroughly and add a bit more butter or cream.
• Over-torching the marshmallows.? If the marshmallows burn quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the first 10 minutes.
• Over-reducing the bourbon mixture.? If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of warm milk or cream.
• Underbaking the dish.? If the casserole isn’t bubbling, bake a few extra minutes until it is.

This casserole isn’t just about the sweet potatoes; it’s a reminder to play with flavors that surprise and delight. The smoky undertone from the paprika and bourbon adds depth you won’t forget. Feel free to swap marshmallows for toasted pecans or add a sprinkle of cayenne for heat—make it yours. Whatever your holiday table looks like, this dish will make a statement.

Himani Jawa

Hi there! I’m Himani and welcome to Val’s Recipe Box. This little corner of the internet didn’t begin with me.
It began with Val my neighbourhood aunt whose kitchen held more warmth than any fireplace ever could.