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Easy Sweet Potato Casserole (with Marshmallows): A Classic Comfort Dish Everyone Loves
Few dishes feel as nostalgic, comforting, and universally loved as an easy sweet potato casserole with marshmallows. Creamy, lightly spiced sweet potatoes topped with pillowy, golden marshmallows create a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Whether you serve it as a side dish at Thanksgiving or enjoy it as a cozy holiday dessert, this classic sweet potato casserole has earned its place at the table generation after generation.
This recipe is designed to be approachable, reliable, and crowd-pleasing. It uses simple pantry staples, requires minimal prep, and delivers consistent results every time. If you’ve ever wanted a thanksgiving sweet potato casserole that’s fluffy, flavorful, and never dry, you’re in the right place.
Why This Sweet Potato Casserole Works So Well
This easy sweet potato casserole succeeds because it focuses on balance. The sweet potatoes are mashed until silky smooth, enriched with butter and milk, and lightly sweetened with brown sugar rather than being overly sugary. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the natural sweetness without overpowering it.
The marshmallow topping isn’t just decorative. When baked properly, it forms a lightly crisp top layer while staying gooey underneath, adding texture and visual appeal. The contrast between creamy filling and toasted topping is what makes this dish unforgettable.
A Brief History of Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potatoes have long been a staple in American cooking, especially in Southern cuisine. The marshmallow-topped casserole rose to popularity in the early 20th century when marshmallow companies promoted creative uses for their products. What started as a marketing idea quickly became a holiday tradition.
Today, classic sweet potato casserole recipes vary widely, but the marshmallow version remains the most iconic. It bridges the gap between savory side dish and dessert, making it one of the most talked-about items on the holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4–5 medium sweet potatoes)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup milk or evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor and texture. The eggs add structure, the butter adds richness, and the spices bring warmth that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish and set aside.
- If not already prepared, peel and boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes and melted butter. Mix until creamy.
- Add brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, allowing the casserole to heat through and set.
- Remove from oven and evenly sprinkle marshmallows over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until marshmallows are puffed and golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
- Use real sweet potatoes, not canned, for the best flavor and texture.
- Mash while hot to achieve the smoothest consistency.
- Add marshmallows only near the end to prevent burning.
- For extra browning, broil for 30–60 seconds—but watch closely.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans under or over the marshmallows.
- Less Sweet: Reduce brown sugar to ¼ cup for a more savory profile.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and almond or oat milk.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra warmth.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even as a standalone comfort dish. While traditionally served as a side, many people enjoy it as a dessert thanks to its sweetness and marshmallow topping.
For presentation, serve directly from the baking dish or scoop into small ramekins for individual portions.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prepare the sweet potato base up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add marshmallows just before baking.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Why This Recipe Is a Holiday Favorite
There’s a reason holiday sweet potato recipes like this one stand the test of time. They’re simple, comforting, and bring people together. This casserole is especially loved by kids and adults alike, making it a safe and satisfying addition to any festive menu.
Final Thoughts
This easy sweet potato casserole with marshmallows delivers everything you want: creamy texture, balanced sweetness, and a golden, fluffy topping. It’s reliable, adaptable, and always a hit—whether you’re cooking for a holiday crowd or just craving a nostalgic comfort dish.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s considered a true classic.
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole (with Marshmallows)
A creamy, classic sweet potato casserole topped with golden toasted marshmallows, perfect for holidays and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender, then mash until smooth.
- Mix mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter until creamy.
- Add brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
- Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from oven, top with marshmallows, and return to oven.
- Bake 10–15 minutes until marshmallows are golden and puffed.
Notes
Add marshmallows only near the end to prevent burning. For extra browning, broil briefly.
