Sweet Potato à la Denise
- Calm Nutrition LLC
- Nov 26
- 2 min read
A Family-Favorite Thanksgiving Side With Heart & History
There are some dishes that travel with you throughout life, not because they’re fancy or complicated, but because they carry the warmth of the people who shared them with you. Sweet Potato à la Denise is one of those dishes for our family.
Growing up, we spent many Thanksgivings with our dear family friends, and Denise’s sweet potatoes were always on the table. It’s simple, comforting, and has that perfect balance of savory and sweet. To this day, it’s a must-have at our holiday table… and I love passing this tradition along.
This version is the one I make for my own family now, with my small twist: I add ½ cube of butter for extra richness. If you want it lighter, feel free to adjust the butter or skip it altogether. It’s a very forgiving recipe!
Ingredients
7–8 large sweet potatoes
1 small can crushed pineapple (with the juice)
10-15 large marshmallows (more or less depending on how gooey you like it)
½ cube butter (adjust to taste)
Salt & pepper to season
How to Make Sweet Potato à la Denise
1. Bake the sweet potatoes
Line a cookie sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
425°F for ~45 minutes
Bake until they’re soft when pierced with a fork.
2. Scoop & mash
Once cool enough to handle, remove the skins. Mash the warm sweet potatoes with:
Salt
Pepper
Butter (I use about ½ cube)
3. Add the pineapple
Stir in one small can of crushed pineapple with juice. This gives the dish a subtle sweetness and keeps it moist.
4. Reheat
Spread the mixture into a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes to warm through.
5. Add marshmallows
Halfway through reheating, add the marshmallows on top.
6. Bake until golden
Return to the oven and bake until the marshmallows are golden and lightly caramelized. Watch carefully—this part goes fast!
Tips & Notes
You can prepare the sweet potato base a day ahead and add the marshmallows the day of.
If pineapple isn’t your thing, reduce the amount or swap for chopped pecans for crunch.
Leftovers are incredible the next morning with eggs or served warm as a “healthy-ish” dessert.
Not only a perfect fit for the holiday table but also for the 21-Day Body Boost™
This Dish is a wonderful example of the meals I recommend during my 21-Day Body Boost™ (with the exception of the marshmallows).
Plant-based protein–rich
Anti-inflammatory
Easy to prep ahead and reheat
Gentle on digestion
Packed with fiber and micronutrients
It’s a meal that embodies the heart of my program: simple, delicious food that helps your body heal, reset, and thrive.
If you’re looking for more recipes and structured support to transform your energy, digestion, and overall well-being, join me for the 21-Day Body Boost™. You’ll receive a full plan, live guidance, and a supportive community, plus recipes like this one that you’ll want to return to again and again.
✨ Ready to feel nourished inside and out?
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