Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a classic holiday side dish that combines creamy, naturally sweet sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping and a gooey layer of marshmallows. This dish is a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, loved for its balance of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors. It’s comforting, festive, and has a wonderful texture contrast that appeals to both children and adults.

The sweet potato filling is creamy, smooth, and lightly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, giving it warm, aromatic notes. The pecan topping adds a satisfying crunch, while the marshmallows on top melt into golden, gooey perfection, creating a visually stunning and deliciously indulgent dish. This casserole can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy holiday kitchens or any special occasion.

In this article, we’ll guide you step by step to create Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows, including tips for perfectly smooth sweet potato filling, achieving the ideal topping, variations to suit your taste, serving ideas, and answers to common questions to ensure your casserole is a hit every time.

Ingredients

For the sweet potato filling:
▢ 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into large chunks (around 9 cups)
▢ 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
▢ 1 cup brown sugar
▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
▢ 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the pecan topping:
▢ 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
▢ 1/3 cup brown sugar
▢ 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
▢ 1 1/4 cups finely chopped pecan pieces

For the marshmallow layer:
▢ 10 oz mini marshmallows

Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the sweet potato chunks in a large pot of boiling water and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and transfer the sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth using a potato masher or hand mixer. Add melted butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and creamy.

Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a separate small bowl, prepare the pecan topping by combining melted butter, brown sugar, flour, salt, and chopped pecans. Mix until the topping is evenly coated and crumbly. Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato filling.

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the topping is golden and slightly crisp. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and melted. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Casserole

Use large sweet potatoes for a creamier texture. Boil until fully tender to avoid lumps in the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix the sweet potato filling thoroughly for smoothness, but avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture. For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the topping. Add the marshmallows towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning or burning.

Variations

Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for a spicier, aromatic flavor. Substitute maple syrup or honey for some of the brown sugar for a richer sweetness. Mix in crushed graham crackers into the pecan topping for a cookie-like crunch. Replace mini marshmallows with large marshmallows for a classic look or use a combination of both. Incorporate orange zest into the sweet potato filling for a fresh, citrusy twist.

Serving Ideas

Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive meal. Pair it with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a hearty vegetarian main dish. Garnish with extra toasted pecans for added crunch and visual appeal. This casserole can also be made a day ahead and reheated before serving, making it perfect for holiday meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake and add marshmallows just before serving.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used, but fresh sweet potatoes generally provide a creamier texture and more flavor.

How can I prevent marshmallows from burning?
Add marshmallows towards the last 5–10 minutes of baking and watch carefully. Broil briefly if you want a toasted top.

Can I make it vegan?
Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use vegan marshmallows to make the casserole vegan-friendly.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze before adding marshmallows for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake before adding marshmallows.

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Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a festive, indulgent side dish that combines creamy, spiced sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping and gooey marshmallow layer. Perfect for holiday tables or special family dinners, this casserole is sure to become a favorite with its irresistible flavors and textures.