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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly on top.
Scatter marshmallows over the top in a single layer.
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.
Servings 8
Serving Size about 1
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Thank you for trying out my recipe! I hope it adds flavor and joy to your kitchen. Happy cooking!
