Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Recipe

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Recipe, Dinner recipe, Food recipes, Christmas food recipes, Christmas dinner recipes, Thanksgiving recipe, Easy recipes, Baking recipe, Vegetarian food recipes, Dinner ideas


I’ve always believed that the best holiday dishes are the ones that bring a little nostalgia to the table—and this sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows is exactly that!


Sweet potato casserole is one of the most beloved holiday side dishes for a reason—it transforms humble sweet potatoes into something creamy, sweet, and undeniably nostalgic.


With its buttery mashed sweet potatoes, a hint of cinnamon, and a crown of pillowy marshmallows and toasty pecans, this dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. If you're looking to complete your holiday meal, check out this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe for an equally delicious addition that perfectly complements the flavors of the sweet potato casserole. Make sure to give both recipes a try for a memorable feast!


Every bite feels like a comforting trip down memory lane, making it a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy gathering.


But, this classic can sometimes feel over-complicated with too many steps and ingredients (I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of that too!). For more comforting dinner ideas like this, be sure to view more of our dinner recipes to inspire your next dinner night spread.


Today, we’re keeping things simple with the easiest few ingredient sweet potato casserole you’ll ever make. In under an hour, with minimal effort and even fewer dishes, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to steal the show.


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Whether it’s piled onto your plate at a festive dinner or savored as a mid-week treat, this casserole is guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!



Ingredients For Sweet Potato Casserole


The ingredients for this sweet potato casserole are simple yet incredibly flavorful, with no need for extras like eggs or flour.


  • Sweet Potatoes: This recipe calls for 3 lbs of sweet potatoes, roughly 6 medium to large ones, though it can vary slightly. You can also use canned sweet potatoes if preferred—three 29oz cans (well-drained) will work perfectly.
  • Brown Sugar: Either light or dark brown sugar works, but I prefer dark brown for its richer flavor and the color. A dash of maple syrup can also be added for extra sweetness.
  • Butter: Salted butter is my go-to for this recipe. If using unsalted butter, add a bit more salt to balance the flavors.
  • Pecans: Pecans pair beautifully with sweet potatoes, but walnuts can be substituted if you prefer.
  • Flavoring: A touch of vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon enhance the flavor. Feel free to increase the cinnamon or experiment with other warm spices like pumpkin pie spice. A splash of bourbon can also add a unique twist.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows create an even layer on top of the casserole. They melt, brown, and crisp up beautifully while baking.


This simple list ensures a delicious and perfectly balanced casserole every time!



Helpful Swaps


Canned Sweet Potatoes: Use two 29-ounce cans of sweet potatoes in light syrup. Drain them, but don’t rinse—we want to keep a little of the syrup for flavor. Microwave the sweet potatoes in a large bowl on HIGH for 4 minutes, stirring halfway through. Then, proceed with the recipe starting at step 4, using 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Keep the marshmallow topping amount the same.


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Spices: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can use a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a classic sweet potato casserole flavor.



Topping Options


Our favorite way to top this recipe is with pecans and mini marshmallows. If you’d prefer, you can add a streusel topping or pecan crumble.



How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe


This Sweet Potato casserole recipe is made up of three main parts: prepping the sweet potatoes, mash and bake.


You can find the complete recipe with precise measurements at the end of this post, but here’s a brief rundown of the steps:


  • Prep the sweet potatoes: Start by peeling and boiling the sweet potatoes in a large pot as directed in the recipe. To save time, I like to peel and cube the potatoes before boiling, which helps them cook faster. Alternatively, you can boil them whole, which takes about 20–25 minutes, and peel them afterward.

  • Mash: Mash sweet potatoes using a potato masher as it leaves a little bit of texture. But,  if you prefer them completely silky smooth, you can use a hand mixer to make them fluffy. Then Spread the sweet potato mixture into a baking dish.
  • Bake: Top with marshmallows & pecans and bake until golden.

So easy!



Variations


We typically stick to a classic sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and pecans, but you can easily switch it up with a flavorful crumble topping or a splash of bourbon for extra flair.



Storage Tips


This easy sweet potato casserole recipe can be prepared well ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours for meal prep (store the topping separately).


If you do refrigerate it before baking, remove it from the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking. 


If chilled, heat it for about 20 minutes and then stir the sweet potatoes. Add the topping and cook for 15-20 minutes, cold sweet potatoes take much longer to heat through.



What to Serve with Sweet Potato Casserole




Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Recipe, Dinner recipe, Food recipes, Christmas food recipes, Christmas dinner recipes, Thanksgiving recipe, Easy recipes, Baking recipe, Vegetarian food recipes, Dinner ideas


Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe FAQ



How to know when sweet potato casserole is done?


The marshmallows will be lightly browned, and the center of your casserole will be firm and set.


How do you thicken sweet potato casserole?


If it cooks but doesn’t thicken enough, you can prepare a slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water. Stir it in before adding the marshmallow topping, then let it cook a little longer to activate the cornstarch and achieve the desired thickness. After that, add your topping.


Why add eggs to sweet potato casserole?


The egg is the all-important binder in a sweet potato casserole: it enriches and stiffens the mixture without making it heavy.


What goes well with sweet potato casserole?


Do casseroles cook faster covered?


Yes! As the heat from the pot cooks the food, it transfers into the air, creating steam. This steam is hot, and the heat escapes through your kitchen exhaust as waste. However, when you cover the pot with a lid, the heat stays inside, helping to cook your food more quickly.


Why does sweet potato casserole get watery?


When boiling your sweet potatoes: Avoid overcooking them! They can absorb too much water, which may make the filling watery. So, if you find any undercooked bits of sweet potato, you have two options: Remove them or bake the casserole long enough to soften those pieces.


How to fix dry casserole?


If your casserole turns out too dry after cooking, a simple solution is to heat some broth and pour it over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the liquid from evaporating and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving.


Can a sweet potato casserole be frozen?


Yes, you can freeze sweet potato casserole. Bake the filling as directed (ideally in a foil baking pan) but leave off the topping. Once the casserole has cooled, wrap the entire dish securely in foil.



Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe



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