Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a delightful side dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the gooey goodness of marshmallows, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table.

Imogen Price

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2025-12-11T10:08:00.519Z

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows has been a family favorite for generations. The creamy texture of the sweet potatoes paired with the sweet, toasted marshmallows on top creates a comforting dish that everyone loves. It's especially popular during Thanksgiving and other festive occasions.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
  • A crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests.
  • Easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.

The Perfect Holiday Side Dish

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is not just a dish; it's a cherished tradition for many families during the holiday season. This delightful casserole brings warmth and comfort to your table, creating a sense of togetherness with every bite. The combination of sweet potatoes and marshmallows offers a unique twist on classic flavors that everyone loves, making it an ideal side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.

This casserole is versatile enough to complement a variety of main courses, from glazed ham to roasted turkey. Its vibrant orange color adds a festive touch to your holiday spread, making it visually appealing as well. With its sweet and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a hit among both kids and adults, leaving a lasting impression on your guests.

Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are a rich source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting good vision. Additionally, sweet potatoes are high in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and helping to keep you feeling full longer. Incorporating sweet potatoes into your meals can contribute to a balanced diet and overall well-being.

Moreover, sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index compared to regular potatoes, making them a better choice for those monitoring their blood sugar levels. Their natural sweetness means you can use less added sugar in recipes, allowing you to enjoy their rich flavor without compromising on health.

Making It Ahead of Time

One of the best things about this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is that it can be prepared in advance. You can make the sweet potato mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to cover it tightly to keep it fresh. On the day you plan to serve it, simply spread the mixture in the baking dish, top it with marshmallows, and bake according to the recipe instructions.

This make-ahead option not only saves you time on the day of your celebration but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Your casserole will taste even better after sitting overnight, making it the perfect solution for busy holiday cooking. Just pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a delicious side dish ready to impress your guests!

Ingredients

For the Casserole

  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Make sure to gather all the ingredients before you begin for a smooth cooking experience.

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.

Mix the Casserole Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Add the Topping

Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the sweet potato mixture, and if desired, add chopped pecans.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows alongside savory dishes like roasted turkey or glazed ham for a delightful contrast of flavors. The sweetness of the casserole complements the saltiness of meats, creating a balanced meal that satisfies everyone at the table. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad to add a light, crisp element to your holiday feast.

For a fun twist, consider offering a toppings bar where guests can customize their servings. Provide options like chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, or even a drizzle of maple syrup. This interactive element can make your gathering more engaging and allows everyone to tailor the dish to their liking.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This casserole can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, ensure the casserole is completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

To reheat, cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the marshmallows from browning too quickly. You can also add a splash of milk to keep the casserole moist. Reheating in the oven helps to retain its texture, giving you that freshly baked taste even days later.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and add the marshmallow topping just before baking.

→ Can I substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes?

While you can use regular potatoes, the flavor and sweetness will differ significantly from the traditional sweet potato casserole.

→ What can I use instead of marshmallows?

You can use a mixture of crushed graham crackers and melted butter as a topping for a different texture and flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a delightful side dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the gooey goodness of marshmallows, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration50 minutes
Overall Time70 minutes

Created by: Imogen Price

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Casserole

  1. 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  2. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  3. 1/4 cup milk
  4. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  7. 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  8. 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

  1. 2 cups mini marshmallows
  2. 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 03

Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 04

Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the sweet potato mixture, and if desired, add chopped pecans.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 105mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 20g
  • Protein: 2g