Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

When it comes to holiday comfort food, nothing says celebration quite like a warm and bubbly sweet potato casserole with marshmallows. The creamy sweet potatoes layered beneath a golden, gooey marshmallow topping make this dish a favorite that bridges the line between side dish and dessert.

This holiday sweet potato recipe has been part of my family’s table for as long as I can remember. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with a touch of butter, sugar, and cinnamon, while the marshmallows caramelize into a toasty crust that everyone dives into first. It’s the perfect balance of cozy, nostalgic flavors.

Of course, no Thanksgiving casserole dish feels complete without this classic. Nestled alongside turkey, gravy, and stuffing, it adds a pop of color and just the right touch of sweetness to the holiday spread. For me, it’s as essential as cranberry sauce or pumpkin pie.

But this recipe isn’t just for November. It also makes a festive Christmas sweet potato recipe, pairing wonderfully with glazed ham or prime rib at the holiday table. Its rich flavors and cheerful presentation make it just as welcome in December as it is in the fall.

If you’ve never tried making it yourself, don’t worry, it’s truly an easy sweet potato casserole to prepare. You can even make the potato filling a day ahead, then top it with marshmallows before baking, saving time on the big day.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, this dish brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Once you take a bite of this timeless classic, you’ll understand why it’s a must-have at holiday dinners year after year.

What You’ll Need When Making Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Sweet Potatoes

• The star of the show. Rich in natural sweetness, creamy texture, and packed with vitamins.

2. Butter

• Adds richness and silkiness to the mash.

3. Brown & White Sugar

• Balance each other with depth and brightness.

4. Eggs

• Help bind and give structure.

5. Milk

• Makes the casserole light and creamy.

6. Vanilla & Spices

• Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla add warmth and festive flair.

7. Marshmallows

• Create that gooey, golden topping everyone loves.

8. Pecans (Optional)

• Add crunch and Southern charm.

Quick Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

• Don’t overboil sweet potatoes – too much water makes them watery. Drain thoroughly.
• Whip for creaminess – use a hand mixer for extra smooth potatoes.
• Toast timing – if marshmallows aren’t browning, broil for 1–2 minutes.
• Add texture – pecans give a lovely crunch against the soft potatoes.
• Make ahead – prepare potatoes a day in advance and add toppings right before baking.

Equipment for Making This Recipe

1. Large Pot

• Needed for boiling sweet potatoes until they’re tender.
• A sturdy pot helps cook evenly without scorching.
• Choose one that’s deep enough so the water covers the potatoes fully.

2. Potato Masher (or Hand Mixer)

• Essential for mashing the sweet potatoes to a creamy consistency.
• A hand masher gives you a rustic, chunky texture.
• A hand mixer or stand mixer creates a smoother, whipped base.

3. Mixing Bowls

• You’ll need at least two: one for the mashed potatoes and one for mixing toppings.
• Glass or stainless steel bowls work best for easy cleanup.
• Having different sizes makes prep more efficient.

4. Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula

• Useful for stirring in sugar, spices, and butter without overmixing.
• Silicone spatulas are heat-resistant and help scrape every bit from the bowl.
• Prevents unnecessary mess and keeps the mixture fluffy.

5. Baking Dish (9×13-inch recommended)

• The heart of this recipe — where all the flavors come together.
• A ceramic or glass baking dish distributes heat evenly.
• The size ensures the casserole bakes with the right thickness for marshmallow melting.

6. Measuring Cups and Spoons

• Precision matters for sugar, butter, and spices.
• Using proper measuring tools prevents the casserole from being too sweet or bland.
• Both dry and liquid measures will be needed.

7. Oven Mitts

• A must for safely handling the hot baking dish.
• Heat protection ensures you can remove the casserole without burns.
• Always use thick, high-quality mitts for safety.

8. Aluminum Foil (Optional)

• Helpful if the marshmallows brown too quickly.
• Covering lightly prevents burning while allowing the casserole to finish baking.
• Also handy for storing leftovers after cooling.

9. Cooling Rack (Optional but useful)

• Allows the casserole to rest without trapping steam underneath.
• Helps keep the bottom from getting soggy.
• Especially useful if making ahead for a big holiday meal.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

• Rich in Vitamin A & C – boosts immunity and skin health.
• Good source of fiber – supports digestion.
• Antioxidant-rich – sweet potatoes help fight inflammation.
• Nutrient-packed comfort food – a wholesome side with indulgent touches.
• It’s a classic holiday side dish that doubles as a sweet treat.
• The contrast of creamy sweet potatoes with gooey marshmallows is irresistible.
• You can easily make it ahead of time – a lifesaver for Thanksgiving cooking marathons.
• Both kids and adults will come back for seconds.
• It feels festive, indulgent, and oh-so nostalgic.

Conclusion

Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is more than just a recipe – it’s a tradition. Passed down from kitchens across the South, it has become a symbol of holiday gatherings everywhere. It brings warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia in every bite, reminding us of family tables filled with laughter and love.

Whether you’re making it for the first time or carrying on a family tradition, this dish never fails to wow. It’s creamy, buttery, and topped with marshmallow bliss – the kind of comfort food that makes holiday meals unforgettable. So this year, when you plan your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast, make sure this casserole has its place of honor. After all, some classics are simply timeless.

✅ Quick Tips: Read through the full recipe before diving in; it’s the best way to get a feel for the flow, prep time, and tools you’ll need. Think of it like scanning a map before a road trip: you’ll cook more confidently and avoid any surprises halfway through.

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Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

This Southern sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is the ultimate holiday side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas. With creamy sweet potatoes, buttery pecans, and a gooey marshmallow topping, this easy casserole recipe brings comfort and festivity to your holiday family dinner.

Delicious

Author: Lia Agbor Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Brunch, Dinner, Side Dish Recipe Keys: High Fiber Vegan

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Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins Difficulty: Beginner Cooking Temp: 175  C Servings: 8 Calories: 315

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on richness preference)
• ¼ ¼ granulated sugar
• ½ cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the topping:

• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• ½ cup pecans, chopped (optional, for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes

   • Place cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot of salted water.

   • Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.

   • Drain well and let cool slightly.

   
   Mark as complete

1. Mash and Flavor

   • In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.

   • Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

   • Whip until creamy and well blended.

   Mark as complete

1. Assemble the Casserole

   • Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).

   • Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

   • In a small bowl, toss pecans with melted butter and brown sugar (if using).

   
   Mark as complete

1. Add the Toppings

   • Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly on top.

   • Scatter marshmallows over the top in a single layer.

   Mark as complete

1. Bake

   • Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until marshmallows are golden brown and lightly toasted.

   • Serve warm at your holiday table.

   
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Serving Size about 1

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 315kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 12g19%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Cholesterol 58mg20%

Sodium 180mg8%

Potassium 480mg14%

Total Carbohydrate 47g16%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 25g

Protein 4g8%

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Vitamin A 9500 IU

Vitamin C 18 mg

Calcium 65 mg

Iron 1.2 mg

Vitamin D 5 IU

Vitamin E 1.5 IU

Vitamin K 3 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Drain potatoes well after boiling.
• Mix eggs after cooling slightly, or they’ll scramble.
• Add marshmallows at the last 20 minutes to prevent burning.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
• Test doneness when marshmallows are golden and potatoes bubbly.