Name: Microwave Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 Medium Sweet Potatoes, Peeled and Diced; 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter; 50 ml Milk; 2 tbsp Brown Sugar; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon; A Pinch of Salt; 50 g Pecans, Chopped; 2 tbsp Brown Sugar; 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter, Melted

Ingredients

4 Medium Sweet Potatoes Peeled and Diced
3 tbsp Unsalted Butter
50ml Milk
2 tbsp Brown Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
A Pinch of Salt

For the Topping

50g Pecans Chopped
2 tbsp Brown Sugar
1 tbsp Unsalted Butter Melted

Method

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Place the diced sweet potatoes in a large microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water, cover with a microwave-safe lid or cling film (make sure it’s microwave-safe), and microwave on high for about 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Raw sweet potato cubes in a glass dish covered with cling film ready for the microwave

Check and stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

This 10-minute timing is based on 900w. You’ll need to add a minute or 2 if you have a lower-wattage microwave. If you have a higher-wattage microwave, check after 8 minutes. You can get more information on timings here.

Step 2: Mash

Drain any excess water from the sweet potatoes. Add the butter, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the sweet potatoes. Mash the mixture until smooth and well combined.

Cooked sweet potato cubes covered with spices and sugar to make casserole

Mashing sweet potatoes with casserole flavourings in a glass dish

Step 3: Make the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the mashed sweet potatoes.

Traditional sweet potato toppings in a glass bowl

Spreading sweet potato casserole toppings over mashed sweet potato

Step 4: Microwave Again

Microwave the casserole on high for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the topping is slightly caramelised and the casserole is heated through.

Close up of the top of a sweet potato casserole cooked in the microwave

Tweaks

Add Marshmallows Add a handful of mini marshmallows on top before the final microwave step for a gooey, classic finish.
Drizzle in Maple Syrup Drizzle 2 tbsp of maple syrup into the sweet potato mixture for a deeper, caramelized flavour.
Included Dried Cranberries Stir in a handful of dried cranberries into the sweet potato mixture for bursts of tart sweetness.

Substitutes

Use Different Nuts Use walnuts in place of pecans for a different nutty flavour in the topping.
Swap the Milk Substitute milk with oat milk for a dairy-free and nut-free alternative.
Replace the Vanilla Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a subtle, nutty aroma.

Storage

In the Fridge Let the casserole cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container to maintain freshness then store for up to 5 days.

In the Freezer Wrap the casserole tightly with both cling film and foil to prevent freezer burn then pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Tips

Pierce Potatoes: Before microwaving, pierce your sweet potatoes with a fork to prevent them from bursting. The holes allow steam to escape.

Adjust Sweetness Before Topping: Taste the mixture before adding the topping and adjust the sweetness as needed.

Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the casserole during the final microwaving to prevent the topping from burning.

Prep Ahead: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in water in the fridge to save on prep time.