Name: Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Gooey Marshmallows
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 8-12 servings
Ingredients: 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (for base); 1 cup brown sugar (for base); ½ teaspoon salt (for base); ½ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for streusel); ⅓ cup brown sugar (for streusel); 2 tablespoons all purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt (for streusel); 1 ¼ cups finely chopped pecan pieces; 10 oz mini marshmallows

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows — doesn’t just sound delicious, it conjures up images of festive gatherings, cozy evenings, and the undeniable warmth of cherished traditions. For many, myself included, this iconic dish transcends the role of a mere side; it stands as a beloved centerpiece, especially during holiday feasts like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s a culinary hug that has earned its permanent place on our tables and in our hearts, promising comfort and joy with every spoonful.

The journey of this delightful creation from simple sweet potato preparations to the indulgent, dessert-like casserole we adore today is fascinating. Evolving through generations, the introduction of that signature fluffy, golden-brown marshmallow topping elevated it to an entirely new level of comfort food. It’s this sweet transformation that cemented its status as a seasonal must-have, blending humble roots with a touch of celebratory flair and becoming an eagerly anticipated highlight of any holiday spread.

Why We Can’t Resist This Classic Dish

What is it about the Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows that makes it so universally adored? I believe it’s the masterful symphony of textures and flavors. You have the lusciously creamy, subtly spiced sweet potato base, offering a perfect, earthy sweetness that is both comforting and rich. This is then crowned with a glorious, caramelized layer of gooey marshmallows, which become delightfully crisp on top when baked. Every bite delivers a satisfying contrast — the soft interior yielding to the sugary, slightly chewy exterior — making it an unforgettable experience that perfectly bridges the gap between a savory side and a decadent dessert. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food, designed to bring joy and a satisfied smile to every palate.

Ingredients:

3 pounds sweet potatoes, about 4-5 medium-sized, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, plus extra for greasing the baking dish
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a slightly lighter texture)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, a good quality one makes a difference!
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, but highly recommended for depth)
1/4 teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors
4-5 cups mini marshmallows (or large marshmallows, cut into halves or quarters, but minis tend to melt more evenly)

Prepping Your Sweet Potatoes

Prepare the Potatoes: First things first, we need to get those beautiful sweet potatoes ready for their transformation into the star of our “Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows.” Carefully peel all 3 pounds of sweet potatoes using a sturdy vegetable peeler. I find that starting at one end and working my way down in long, even strokes works best. Once peeled, cut each sweet potato into roughly 1-inch cubes. Try to keep the size as consistent as possible; this ensures that they all cook evenly, leading to a perfectly smooth and uniform texture for our casserole base. Inconsistent sizes can lead to some pieces being overcooked and mushy while others remain firm, which we definitely want to avoid for a truly luxurious sweet potato mash.
Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Place your cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot. Fill the pot with cold water until the potatoes are completely submerged by at least an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water; this not only seasons the potatoes from the inside out but also helps prevent them from becoming waterlogged. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the sweet potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for them to be incredibly tender when pierced with a fork – they should offer almost no resistance. Don’t undercook them, or your casserole will be lumpy, and definitely don’t overcook them to the point of disintegration. The perfect doneness means they’re soft enough to mash effortlessly but still hold their shape until pressure is applied.
Drain Thoroughly: Once perfectly tender, carefully drain the sweet potatoes into a colander. This step is crucial for achieving a rich, creamy texture rather than a watery one. Let them sit in the colander for a few minutes, shaking it occasionally, to allow as much steam as possible to escape. The drier your sweet potatoes are at this stage, the more readily they will absorb the butter and other delicious ingredients we’re about to add, resulting in a more concentrated flavor and superior consistency for our “Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows.”

Creating the Silky Sweet Potato Base

Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the hot, drained sweet potatoes back into the empty pot or a large mixing bowl. Now comes the mashing! You can use a traditional potato masher, a large fork, or for the silkiest results, a potato ricer. I personally love the texture a ricer gives, as it breaks down the sweet potatoes into fine, airy strands, making them incredibly smooth. If using a masher, really work at them until all lumps are gone. This base needs to be as smooth as possible, as it’s the foundation for our delectable “Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows.”
Incorporate the Fats and Sugars: While the sweet potatoes are still hot, add the softened 1/2 cup of unsalted butter to the mashed potatoes. The residual heat will help it melt beautifully and evenly distribute its richness. Next, add both the granulated sugar and the light brown sugar. The brown sugar adds a lovely molasses note that complements the sweet potatoes wonderfully. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the butter is fully melted and the sugars are dissolved, creating a wonderfully sweet and rich mixture. You’ll notice the aroma starting to build already!
Add the Liquids and Flavorings: Pour in the heavy cream (or whole milk), the two lightly beaten eggs, and the vanilla extract. The cream adds an extra layer of richness and creaminess, while the eggs act as a binder, helping the casserole set beautifully and preventing it from being too loose. The vanilla extract, of course, enhances all the sweet flavors. Stir everything together until well combined and smooth. Ensure the sweet potato mixture isn’t scalding hot when you add the eggs, or you risk scrambling them! If your potatoes are still steaming intensely, let them cool for just a few minutes before incorporating the eggs.
Season with Spices: Now for the magic that transforms this into an unforgettable sweet potato casserole! Add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger (if using), and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt. The cinnamon and nutmeg are classic pairings with sweet potatoes, bringing warmth and a hint of holiday spice. The ginger, though optional, adds a subtle zing and complexity that truly elevates the flavor profile. The salt is absolutely essential here; it doesn’t make the casserole salty but rather balances the sweetness and makes all the other flavors pop. Mix all the spices thoroughly into the sweet potato mixture until everything is uniformly distributed. Give it a quick taste – adjust seasonings if you feel it needs a tiny bit more of something. This is your chance to make it perfect for your palate before it goes into the oven.

Assembling and Baking the Casserole

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick cooking spray. This small step ensures that our beautiful “Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows” won’t stick, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
Transfer and Smooth: Spoon the entire sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish. You want a relatively flat and uniform surface so that when we add our marshmallow topping, it melts evenly and creates that gorgeous golden-brown layer across the whole casserole. This also helps ensure even baking of the sweet potato base.
Initial Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. During this initial bake, the sweet potato base will firm up, the flavors will meld together, and the edges might just start to turn a beautiful golden color. This step is crucial for cooking the eggs thoroughly and developing the deep, rich flavor of the sweet potato mixture before the final marshmallow topping is added. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s slightly puffed and set.

The Grand Finale: Marshmallow Bliss

Add the Marshmallows: Carefully remove the partially baked sweet potato casserole from the oven. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) or prepare to use the broiler (see next step for broiler option). Now for the fun part: evenly scatter the 4-5 cups of mini marshmallows over the entire surface of the sweet potato base. Don’t be shy here; you want a generous layer to create that iconic, gooey, toasted marshmallow topping that defines a classic “Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows.” If you’re using larger marshmallows, you can cut them in half or quarters for more even coverage.
Final Bake/Broil for Golden Perfection:
- Oven Method: Return the casserole to the oven, now at 350°F (175°C), and bake for another 5-10 minutes. Keep a very close eye on it during this stage! The marshmallows can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. You’re looking for them to puff up beautifully and turn a lovely golden-brown.
- Broiler Method (My preferred method for ultimate control): If you want truly glorious, quickly toasted marshmallows, preheat your broiler. Place the casserole on an oven rack that is about 6-8 inches away from the broiler element. Broil for 1-3 minutes. This method requires your undivided attention. Do not walk away! The marshmallows will toast and brown very quickly. As soon as they reach your desired level of golden-brown perfection and puffiness, remove the casserole from the oven immediately. This is how you achieve that wonderfully caramelized and slightly crisp top with a gooey center for your “Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows.”
Rest and Serve: Once the marshmallows are beautifully toasted to your liking, remove the “Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows” from the oven. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the casserole to set further, making it easier to serve, and it also gives the marshmallows a chance to cool slightly so they’re not scalding hot, while still retaining their delicious gooey texture. Serve warm and watch it disappear! This classic holiday side dish is always a crowd-pleaser and truly embodies comfort and sweetness.

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the delicious conclusion of our journey with this incredible recipe. I genuinely believe that if there’s one dish you absolutely must add to your culinary repertoire, especially as the holidays approach or whenever you’re craving a hug in a bowl, it’s this one. This isn’t just any side dish; it’s a truly unforgettable experience that marries the earthy sweetness of perfectly cooked sweet potatoes with a cloud of golden, toasted marshmallows, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that simply has no equal. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this version, ensuring it’s not overly sweet but perfectly balanced, allowing the natural goodness of the sweet potatoes to shine through while the marshmallows add that irresistible, iconic sugary crust and gooey center.

What makes this specific Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows a must-try, you ask? Well, it’s all about the exquisite balance. We’re not just mashing potatoes and slathering on marshmallows; we’re creating a creamy, subtly spiced base that truly celebrates the star ingredient. The hint of warm spices I’ve suggested elevates the natural sweetness, transforming it from a simple root vegetable into a sophisticated, yet comforting, masterpiece. Every spoonful offers that delightful contrast – the smooth, rich potato mixture followed by the light, airy, and slightly caramelized marshmallow topping. It’s a dish that consistently steals the show, eliciting oohs and aahs from even the most discerning diners, and trust me, you’ll feel an immense sense of pride when you bring it to the table.

Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

Now, let’s talk about how to truly make this dish your own and integrate it into your culinary life. While this casserole is undeniably the star of any holiday feast – imagine it nestled gloriously alongside your roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a succulent prime rib – its versatility extends far beyond festive occasions. I love serving it as a comforting side to a simple roasted chicken on a chilly weeknight, or even pairing it with pork tenderloin for an unexpected twist. For a unique brunch idea, consider serving smaller portions alongside savory items like quiche or breakfast sausage; the sweet contrast is surprisingly delightful!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! I encourage you to experiment and personalize your creation. If you’re a fan of a little crunch, consider mixing in a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts into the sweet potato base, or sprinkle them on top with the marshmallows for an extra layer of texture. For those who adore more spice, feel free to amp up the cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to really awaken those warm, comforting flavors. If you’re looking for a slightly less sweet option, you could reduce the amount of brown sugar in the potato mixture, allowing the natural sweetness of the potatoes and marshmallows to dominate. For a sophisticated alternative to traditional marshmallows, a homemade meringue topping, lightly browned with a kitchen torch, offers a stunning presentation and a wonderfully airy texture.

Feeling adventurous? Try baking individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant, personal touch at your next dinner party. You can even experiment with different types of sweet potatoes – some are richer, some are brighter – to find your perfect flavor profile. Remember, the kitchen is your playground, and this recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity.

Your Turn: Share Your Sweet Success!

I genuinely hope this recipe ignites your culinary passion and encourages you to get into the kitchen. Gather your ingredients, put on some cheerful music, and immerse yourself in the joyful process of creating this exceptional dish. I promise you, the effort is minimal compared to the incredible reward of tasting this masterpiece. I truly believe that once you try this version, it will become a cherished tradition in your home, just as it has in mine. Please, don’t keep your culinary triumphs to yourself! I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you add a unique twist? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos, your special variations, or any tips you discover in the comments below. Your feedback and creativity inspire me, and I can’t wait to see and hear about your very own delicious Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows!