There’s no denying the comfort and nostalgia of sweet potato casserole with marshmallows. These creamy sweet potatoes topped with a buttery crumble and gooey marshmallows are a must-have on any holiday table. If you are in charge of making Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner, this recipe is a winner. If you saw that video and fancy a go-cook yourselves, here is the recipe for your sleeves side dish on Thanksgiving Day.
Sweet Potato Casserole – The Perfect Holiday Classic
Sweet Potato Casserole is a side dish that has lingered in American holiday traditions for years. Colorful and slightly sweet, this cheesy orange dish will sit on a serving table like a jewel as part of your Thanksgiving dinner menu: it makes an easy Thanksgiving side that can be served alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or beef tenderloin. Not to mention, they are loaded with vitamins A and C, adding a dose of healthiness to this decadence.
The creamy sweet potatoes beneath get a small melting of these toasty marshmallows and that golden crust on top, so it satisfies kids and grownups alike — basically the exact opposite of cranberry sauce served as is (at least for most).
Ingredients to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (peeled and boiled)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Steps
Boil the sweet potatoes The first step is to peel and chop your sweet potatoes then you are going toss them in a pot of salted water, bring to boil over medium heat and simmer for 15 minutes until done.Mash the sweet potatoes using a little bit of butter or milk if desired.
To being peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into huge chunks. When you can easily stick a fork into them, drain them. As soon as the potatoes are done boiling, you will drain them and then mash them in a large bowl until nice and smooth. You can do this by hand with a masher, use an electric mixer, or even a food processor for a smoother texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture
Add the following to the mashed sweet potatoes:
- Melted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Milk
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon (optional)
- Salt
Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined. This creamy base will form the heart of your casserole.
Step 3: Put Together the Casserole
Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch glass baking dish. I like to sprinkle a layer of brown sugar and chopped pecans over the top for a little extra flavor.
Step 4: Toss on the Marshmallow Topping
Sprinkle mini marshmallows over the sweet potato mixture. Evenly spread to be sure to catch every bite of that yummy marshmallow.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes in the oven or until the marshmallows are golden brown and light crispy. Watch out in the last minutes to keep from burning.
FAQs About Sweet Potato Casserole
Yes! This dish is perfect for prepping in advance. Prepare the sweet potato mixture and topping separately, then refrigerate them. Assemble and bake the casserole just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Sweetness is a personal preference. If you like a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar in the sweet potato mixture or use maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of marshmallows, you can replace them with a crumble topping made from oats, brown sugar, and butter. This adds a crunchy texture that pairs well with the creamy base.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain the texture of the topping.
For a rustic texture, use a hand masher. If you prefer a smoother consistency, an electric mixer or food processor works best.
Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
- Uniform layer: spread the sweet potato filling out evenly in the casserole dish so that it bakes consistently.
- Golden Marshmallows – that is the point when you should remove them from the oven They burn easily and the perfect golden brown is just that, literally.
- Various Toppings: I went with the classic nutty crunch of pecans, but you could use walnuts, sunflower seeds, or maybe even some coconut flakes.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows — a holiday can’t go by without it! The video demonstrates just how simple it is to make this comforting recipe—even for rookies. With virtually no prep and taste that everyone loves, this dish is definitely the star of your holiday menu.
The rich, creamy sweet potato background with the gooey marshmallows and an added touch of crunchy pecans is heaven-sent. It looks so pretty, comes together in minutes, and is always a hit!
Variations to Try
- Nut-Free: Skip the pecans for a nut-free version.
- Healthier Alternative: Use less sugar and replace marshmallows with a sprinkle of oats and cinnamon for a healthier twist.
- Spiced Up: Add nutmeg or ginger to the sweet potato mixture for a warm, festive flavor.