This sweet potato and pineapple casserole, my oh my, it’s somethin’ else. You take them sweet potatoes, the orange kind, and some pineapple, and you mix ’em all up. It’s sweet, like candy, but it’s good for ya too, ’cause of them potatoes.
Gettin’ Started with Sweet Potato
First thing, you gotta get them sweet potatoes ready. You can cut ’em up ahead of time, saves ya some trouble later. But don’t let ’em sit too long, they get all dried out like an old prune. Just peel ’em and chop ’em up into little chunks. Boil them taters until they get all soft. You know, like when you poke ’em with a fork and it just slides right in.
You can just mash ’em up with one of them old-timey mashers. Get all the lumps out, make it real smooth, you don’t want no lumps in there. You can put some milk in if you want to make them real creamy. And some of that sweet butter. Some folks put a little salt, if you want, not too much though!
Pineapple and Sweetness
Now, that pineapple, it comes in a can, usually. You gotta drain all that juice out. Don’t want no watery casserole. That pineapple, it’s sweet, real sweet. Some folks, they like to use fresh pineapple, but the canned kind is just fine, saves ya the trouble of cuttin’ it all up.
Some people, they like to add sugar, but that pineapple is sweet enough, I reckon. And them little marshmallows, the white fluffy kind. They go on top, and they get all brown and gooey in the oven. Oh, it’s good!
- Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Canned pineapple, drained good
- Butter, the real kind
- Milk, if ya want it creamy
- Marshmallows, for the top
- Maybe a pinch of salt
- Sugar if you really have a sweet tooth
You just mix them sweet potatoes and that pineapple all together in a big ol’ bowl. Make sure it’s all mixed up good. Then you pour it into one of them bakin’ dishes, you know, the glass kind, or whatever you got. Spread it out even, so it cooks up right.
Bakin’ it Up
Then you just pop it in the oven. ‘Bout 350 degrees, I reckon. Just keep an eye on it. When them marshmallows on top get all brown and bubbly, that’s when you know it’s done. Don’t let it burn, though! Burnt marshmallows ain’t no good.
This here sweet potato and pineapple casserole, it’s good for any time, really. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday dinner. Just whenever you want somethin’ sweet and good. Leftovers are good too, if there are any, that is. Heat it in the microwave or right in the oven.
Folks like to add all sorts of things to this casserole. Some like to put nuts in there. Pecans, walnuts, whatever you got. Some put spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can add a little yogurt, if you want to make it a little healthier. Some people even put beans on top of their sweet potatoes. Black beans, they call them. Lentils, too, if you have them on hand. I’ve even seen some folks put eggplant on it. I guess you can put anything you want on it, really. Just make sure it tastes good.
Sweet Potato and Pineapple Casserole, a Family Favorite
This casserole, it’s been around for a long time. My mama used to make it, and her mama before her. It’s one of them dishes that just gets passed down. Everyone loves it. Kids, grown-ups, everyone. You can even make it a day ahead of time, then bake it up when you’re ready. Saves time when you got a big dinner to cook.
Just remember to use good sweet potatoes and drain that pineapple good. That’s the secret, I reckon. And don’t be afraid to try different things. Add what you like, take out what you don’t. Make it your own. This sweet potato and pineapple casserole is easy, that’s for sure. Even if you ain’t no fancy cook, you can make this. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be eatin’ good in no time.
So, there ya have it. My sweet potato and pineapple casserole. It ain’t fancy, but it sure is good. Give it a try sometime, you won’t be sorry. It’s a little bit of sweet, a little bit of savory, and a whole lot of yum!
