As the crisp air of fall settles in, I often find myself craving comfort food that warms not just my stomach, but my soul. One dish that takes me back to family gatherings around the holiday table is Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows. There’s something uniquely satisfying about the blend of creamy sweet potatoes topped with gooey marshmallows, each bite a delightful dance between sweet and savory.
I remember the first time I made this dish for a potluck; my kitchen filled with the sweet, spicy aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, and before I knew it, I was whisking away with excitement. This recipe is the perfect remedy for those who are tired of fast food and looking to whip up something special without spending all day in the kitchen.
In just 45 minutes, you can have a show-stopping casserole on the table that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Trust me, once you try this delightful combo, it’ll quickly become a staple in your home!
Why is Sweet Potato Casserole so beloved?
Comforting nostalgia: This Sweet Potato Casserole evokes memories of family gatherings and holiday traditions that bring warmth to your heart.
Easiest recipe: With a prep time of just 5 minutes, you’ll savor a mouthwatering dish without the hassle.
Flavor explosion: The harmonious blend of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and marshmallows creates a delectable contrast of flavors.
Delightful textures: Enjoy the creamy base topped with gooey marshmallows and crunchy pecans for an irresistible experience.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for potlucks and gatherings, it’s sure to impress your guests. For more comforting recipes, don’t miss out on my delicious casserole collection.
Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need for a delicious Sweet Potato Casserole!
For the Sweet Potato Base
• Sweet Potatoes – 3 pounds, peeled and cubed for a creamy base that’s the star of the dish.
• Brown Sugar – ½ cup packed, enhancing the natural sweetness and adding depth.
• Butter – ⅓ cup softened, for richness and a smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon, elevating the flavors with its aromatic sweetness.
• Cinnamon – ½ teaspoon, bringing warmth and a cozy hint of spice.
• Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon, for that extra layer of aromatic warmth.
For the Pecan Topping
• Butter – ¼ cup melted, ensuring the topping binds together beautifully.
• Brown Sugar – ¼ cup, for that lovely caramelized crunch.
• Flour – 2 tablespoons, providing structure to your tasty pecan topping.
• Pecans – 1 cup chopped, introducing a delightful nutty crunch that complements the marshmallows.
For the Marshmallow Layer
• Miniature Marshmallows – 2 cups, adding a gooey and sweet finish that’s hard to resist!
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole
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Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy serving later.
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Boil the sweet potatoes. In a large pot, add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 15 minutes until fork tender, then drain thoroughly.
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Mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Combine them with brown sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well blended, then spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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Prepare the pecan topping. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans together until combined. Sprinkle this crunchy topping generously over the sweet potato layer.
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Layer the marshmallows. Evenly distribute the miniature marshmallows on top of the pecan mixture for that delightful sweet finish.
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Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted beautifully. Enjoy the warm deliciousness!
Optional: For added flavor, drizzle some maple syrup over the casserole before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Sweet Potato Casserole
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through for a delightful treat.
Freezer: You can freeze the Sweet Potato Casserole before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or use a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For best results, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Covering: To ensure freshness, cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating or freezing to prevent freezer burn.
Sweet Potato Casserole Variations
Embrace the opportunity to make this delicious dish truly yours with exciting twists that enhance flavor and cater to your preferences!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use almond milk for a creamy base that delights without the dairy.
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Maple Twist: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup to add a delightful, rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
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Nut-Free: Omit pecans altogether or swap in pumpkin seeds for a wonderful crunch that keeps the texture playful and nut-free.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the sweet potato mixture for a surprising burst of heat that balances the sweetness.
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Fruit Fusion: Fold in diced apples or pears for an unexpected fruity twist that adds brightness and complements the sweet and savory notes.
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Vegan Delight: Substitute marshmallows with vegan marshmallows, and use plant-based butter to create a vegan-friendly version everyone can enjoy.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a savory note that adds depth and complexity to your casserole.
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Cinnamon Roll Version: Swirl in cinnamon roll filling into the sweet potato base before topping with marshmallows for a decadent take that’s sure to impress!
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Casserole?
As you prepare this delightful dish, think about what wonderful sides and drinks can create a warm, inviting feast.
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Savory Green Beans: Their crunchy texture and mild flavor provide a beautiful contrast to the sweet casserole. The vibrant color also adds to your table’s appeal.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, these carrots harmonize perfectly with the flavors of the casserole while enhancing the overall sweetness of the meal.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts balances the sweetness of the casserole, creating a more complex flavor profile that delights the palate.
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Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: A family favorite, the cheesiness complements the sweet potatoes elegantly. Plus, who can resist that gooey cheese alongside soft, sweet bites?
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Herbed Stuffing: Bursting with savory herbs, this stuffing creates a delightful pairing that rounds out the meal beautifully. The textures and flavors combined will evoke cozy, nostalgic memories.
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Warm Apple Crisp: For dessert, this warm treat, filled with spiced apples and topped with a crunchy oat topping, echoes the comforting vibes of the casserole and adds a delightful finish to your meal.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Serve this warm beverage to enhance the seasonal feel. Its cinnamon and nutmeg notes will perfectly tie together the flavors of your feast.
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
• Choose Quality Potatoes: Select firm, vibrant sweet potatoes for the best flavor. Avoid any that show signs of sprouting or soft spots.
• Perfect Mash: Ensure the sweet potatoes are thoroughly drained before mashing to avoid a watery texture in your casserole.
• Customize Sweetness: Taste before baking! You can adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness, especially with the marshmallows.
• Pecan Topping Crunch: Mix the pecan topping well to achieve a delightful crunch. If it feels too dry, add a little extra melted butter for binding.
• Watch the Marshmallows: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the marshmallows from burning. They should be perfectly toasted!
• Make Ahead: Prepare your Sweet Potato Casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra baking time to heat it through before serving.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time on busy weeknights! You can mash the sweet potatoes and combine them with the brown sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg up to 24 hours in advance, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Similarly, you can prepare the pecan topping (mixing melted butter, brown sugar, and flour with chopped pecans) and keep it refrigerated until needed. When you’re ready to bake, simply spread the sweet potato mixture into the greased baking dish, top with the pecans and marshmallows, and bake directly from the fridge for about 30-35 minutes. This ensures your casserole remains just as delicious while offering you the convenience of meal prep!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! When choosing sweet potatoes, look for firm, vibrant ones that feel heavy for their size. They should be free from dark spots, blemishes, or sprouts. Avoid any with soft spots, as they may be past their prime. Opt for those that have a smooth, unblemished skin for the best flavor!
How should I store my leftover Sweet Potato Casserole?
After enjoying your delicious Sweet Potato Casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can pop it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through; this should take about 15 minutes, making it easy to relive your earlier culinary success!
Can I freeze my Sweet Potato Casserole, and if so, how?
Very! You can freeze your Sweet Potato Casserole both before and after baking. To do this, allow it to cool completely first. Wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
What if my marshmallows are browning too quickly?
I often watch the marshmallows carefully during the last few minutes of baking. If they start to brown too quickly, simply cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent them from burning while the casserole continues to bake. Remember, a perfectly toasted marshmallow is golden and slightly gooey!
Is this Sweet Potato Casserole suitable for those with nut allergies?
Great question! For individuals with nut allergies, it’s best to omit the pecans in the topping or substitute them with seeds, like sunflower seeds, for that bit of crunch. Always make sure to double-check other ingredients, like your marshmallows, to ensure they’re allergy-safe. Your safety in the kitchen is key!
How do I know when my casserole is done baking?
When baking, the top layer of marshmallows should be golden brown and slightly toasted, which usually takes 25-30 minutes at 375°F. You can also insert a knife in the center of the casserole; if it comes out hot and clean, it’s perfect! Enjoy this sweet comfort food.
Delicious Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure easy serving later.
- In a large pot, add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 15 minutes until fork tender, then drain thoroughly.
- Mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Combine them with brown sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well blended, then spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans together until combined. Sprinkle this crunchy topping generously over the sweet potato layer.
- Evenly distribute the miniature marshmallows on top of the pecan mixture for that delightful sweet finish.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted beautifully.