The Ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans & Toasted Marshmallows

Prepare to elevate your holiday spread with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious sweet potato casserole! This dish is a true showstopper, brimming with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, crunchy pecans, and a golden crown of perfectly toasted mini marshmallows. It’s a Thanksgiving essential, but so comforting and simple, you’ll want to enjoy it all year round.

Imagine serving this delightful casserole alongside some Honey Baked Turkey Wings and a decadent 4 Cheese Mac and Cheese for a truly unforgettable feast. The combination of sweet, savory, and creamy textures will leave your guests asking for seconds!

As autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, our thoughts often drift to heartwarming, seasonal dishes like creamy smothered chicken thighs and delightful pumpkin cupcakes. It’s hard to believe it’s taken this long to finally share my go-to sweet potato casserole recipe. This isn’t just any side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that captures the essence of the festive season.

No Thanksgiving table is truly complete without the classic sweet potato casserole, adorned with its signature mini marshmallow topping. What makes this particular recipe so special is not just its undeniable deliciousness, but also the wholesome nutrition packed into every bite. Sweet potatoes are incredibly good for you, offering a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Over the years, I’ve sampled countless sweet potato casseroles, but I can confidently say that this one stands out as the absolute best I’ve ever created. Its perfect balance of sweetness and spice, combined with the ideal creamy texture and delightful crunch, makes it a true winner. While it shines brightly during the holidays, its comforting nature means it can effortlessly grace your dinner table any time of year. Many restaurants, like Boston Market, recognize its year-round appeal, serving their sweet potato casserole with marshmallows consistently. I am absolutely certain you’re going to fall in love with this easy-to-make and incredibly comforting sweet potato casserole.

What is Sweet Potato Casserole?

Sweet potato casserole is a beloved American classic, particularly popular in the Southern United States and a staple at holiday gatherings, especially Thanksgiving. At its heart, it’s a harmonious blend of mashed sweet potatoes, enriched with eggs, milk, butter, and a medley of warm spices. This creamy base is then layered into a baking dish, often crowned with a crunchy pecan topping, and famously finished with a blanket of sweet, fluffy mini marshmallows that toast beautifully in the oven. It’s the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and comforting, designed to be served as a decadent side dish that often doubles as a dessert.

Why This Sweet Potato Casserole Will Be Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons why this particular recipe stands out and is destined to become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire:

Unbeatable Flavor Profile: It masterfully balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes with rich brown sugar, warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and a hint of vanilla. Each bite is a symphony of fall flavors.
Perfect Texture Harmony: You get the creamy, smooth goodness of mashed sweet potatoes, the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, and the soft, gooey, slightly caramelized sweetness of melted marshmallows. It’s a textural delight!
Surprisingly Nutritious Base: While undeniably indulgent, sweet potatoes are packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. This recipe allows you to enjoy a festive dish that still offers significant nutritional benefits.
Incredibly Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this casserole is remarkably straightforward. With clear, step-by-step instructions, even novice cooks can achieve a perfect result.
Versatility Beyond Holidays: While it’s a Thanksgiving icon, this casserole is wonderful for any autumn dinner, potluck, or Sunday family meal. Its comforting nature makes it suitable for countless occasions.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare much of this dish in advance, saving you precious time on busy cooking days.

Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet Potato Casserole

Creating the perfect sweet potato casserole starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! Opt for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes like Beauregard, Jewel, or Garnet varieties, which are known for their vibrant orange flesh and sweet, moist texture. You’ll need about 2 lbs, peeled and chopped into 2-inch chunks for even cooking.
Milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve that smooth, luscious mashed potato consistency. Whole milk is recommended for richness, but 2% will also work.
Butter: Melted butter is essential for a rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture. Using salted butter can help balance the overall sweetness of the dish. You’ll need 4 tablespoons.
Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully. The molasses in brown sugar adds a depth of flavor that white sugar simply can’t replicate. About 1/2 cup is perfect.
Cinnamon: A foundational spice for any fall or holiday dish, offering warmth and aromatic complexity. 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Nutmeg: Provides a slightly sweet and pungent aroma, enhancing the overall spice profile. 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
Cloves: A smaller amount of ground cloves adds a subtle, intense warmth that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon and nutmeg. 1/4 teaspoon is just right.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the sweet and spiced flavors, adding a layer of sophistication. 2 teaspoons.
Eggs: Don’t skip these! Eggs act as a binder, giving the casserole firmness and a custardy texture once baked. They prevent the casserole from being too loose or watery. You’ll need 3 eggs.
Pecans: Crushed pecans provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft sweet potatoes and gooey marshmallows. 1/2 cup is a good amount.
Mini Marshmallows: The iconic topping! These melt into a sweet, gooey layer and toast to a beautiful golden-brown under the broiler, adding a festive finish. Have 3-4 cups ready.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Mini Marshmallows: Step-by-Step

This sweet potato casserole is probably one of the easiest, yet most impressive, side dishes you’ll prepare for any special occasion. Follow these simple steps for a truly memorable dish:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly from the moment it goes in. Meanwhile, peel and chop your sweet potatoes into uniform 2-inch chunks. This size helps them cook evenly and become fork-tender relatively quickly. Place the chopped sweet potatoes in a large pot with salted water, bring to a boil, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork.

2. Prepare the Sweet Potato Base: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, carefully drain them thoroughly. It’s crucial to remove as much water as possible to prevent a watery casserole. Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large bowl and allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes. This brief cooling period helps the potatoes firm up slightly and prevents the eggs from scrambling when added. Now, add the milk, melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and vanilla extract to the bowl.

3. Blend Until Smooth: Add the eggs to the mixture. Using an electric mixer (or a potato masher for a chunkier texture, see “Notes” below), blend all the ingredients until the sweet potato mixture is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy. The eggs are vital for the casserole’s structure, so ensure they are fully incorporated.

4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the smooth sweet potato mixture into a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the bottom. The eggs will provide the necessary firmness and structure for the casserole, preventing it from collapsing.

5. Add the Pecans: Evenly sprinkle the crushed pecans over the sweet potato layer. This adds a wonderful layer of texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.

6. Top with Marshmallows and Bake: Finally, scatter the mini marshmallows generously over the pecan layer, ensuring an even blanket. Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. During this time, the sweet potato base will set, and the marshmallows will begin to puff up and turn golden.

Top Tip for a Perfect Golden-Brown Marshmallow Topping:

For that irresistible, beautifully toasted and slightly browned marshmallow top, keep a close eye on your casserole during the last minute of cooking. After 45 minutes of baking, you can carefully place the casserole under the broiler for about a minute. Watch it constantly, as marshmallows can burn quickly! Remove it as soon as they reach a beautiful golden hue. This extra step truly makes the presentation shine.

Recipe Tips and Delicious Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as written, here are some tips and ideas to customize it to your liking:

Enhance Flavor with Salted Butter: For this recipe, using salted butter is highly recommended. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and marshmallows can be quite intense, and the hint of salt from the butter provides a wonderful counterbalance, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.
Nutty Alternatives: Not a fan of pecans or have an allergy? No problem! You can easily substitute crushed walnuts for a different nutty flavor and crunch. For a nut-free option, you can omit the nuts entirely or use toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for texture.
Streamline Your Holiday Prep (Make-Ahead Option): This casserole is excellent for preparing in advance. You can fully prepare the mashed sweet potato mixture and place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. On the day of serving, simply spread the mixture into your baking dish, top with pecans and marshmallows, and bake for 45 minutes as directed. You can also assemble the entire casserole (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Add a Citrusy Brightness: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding 1-2 teaspoons of orange zest to the sweet potato mixture. The citrus brightens the entire dish and pairs wonderfully with sweet potatoes.
A Hint of Southern Charm: A splash of bourbon (1-2 tablespoons) can add a sophisticated depth to the sweet potato mixture, enhancing the vanilla and spice notes.
Crunchy Pecan Topping (No Marshmallows): If marshmallows aren’t your preference, you can create a delicious pecan streusel topping instead. Combine 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and 2 tablespoons cold butter (cut into small pieces). Crumble this mixture over the sweet potatoes before baking for a crunchy, sweet crust.

Serving Suggestions for Your Sweet Potato Casserole

While sweet potato casserole is synonymous with Thanksgiving, its versatility and comforting flavor make it an ideal side for a variety of meals throughout the year. Here are some ideas:

Holiday Feast Staple: Absolutely essential for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. It pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib.
Alongside Roasted Meats: Serve it with a succulent roasted chicken, tender pork loin, or even a simple baked ham for a weeknight meal with a touch of elegance.
BBQ & Grilling: Its sweet and savory profile is a fantastic complement to barbecued ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken during summer cookouts.
Comfort Food Dinners: Great with meatloaf, pot roast, or any hearty comfort food dishes during colder months.
Brunch Option: Believe it or not, this casserole can make a delicious and unique addition to a brunch spread, especially for a holiday brunch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover sweet potato casserole is just as delightful as the fresh batch! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the baked casserole. Once cooled, cover it tightly with multiple layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For a whole casserole, cover it with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If the marshmallows have lost their toastiness, you can briefly pop it under the broiler again at the very end.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making sweet potato casserole:

Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Yes, you can! If using canned sweet potatoes, make sure to drain them very well. Canned sweet potatoes are often already sweetened, so you may want to reduce the amount of brown sugar in the recipe to taste. Start with half the amount and adjust as needed.
What if I don’t like marshmallows? No problem! You can easily omit the marshmallows and still have a delicious casserole. Many people prefer a topping of just crushed pecans, or you can make a brown sugar streusel topping (as mentioned in the “Variations” section) for a delightful crunchy crust.
How do I prevent my casserole from being watery? The key is to drain your boiled sweet potatoes very thoroughly. After draining, let them sit in the colander for a few minutes to allow any excess water to evaporate. Overcooking the potatoes can also make them absorb too much water, so cook just until fork-tender. The eggs in the recipe also help bind the mixture and prevent a watery consistency.
Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini? You can, but mini marshmallows are generally preferred for sweet potato casserole. They create a more even, consistent layer and melt and toast more uniformly. Large marshmallows might create larger pockets of gooeyness and take longer to brown.
How can I make it extra smooth? For an incredibly smooth, restaurant-quality texture, use an immersion blender or a food processor to blend the cooked sweet potatoes with the other ingredients. Just be careful not to over-process, which can sometimes make potatoes gluey.

More Irresistible Side Dishes You’ll Love:

If you enjoyed this sweet potato casserole, be sure to explore these other fantastic side dish recipes perfect for any meal:

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Creamed Mushrooms
Candied Yams
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls

Rated 3 out of 5 stars from 3 votes

Sweet Potato Casserole

By
Julie Maestre

Easy and delicious mashed sweet potatoes with pecans and mini marshmallows.

Prep:
30

Cook:
45

Servings:
10 people

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Ingredients

2 lbs Sweet Potatoes, peeled and chopped into 2-inch chunks
3/4 cup Milk
4 tbsp Butter, melted
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
3 Eggs
1/2 cup Crushed Pecans
3-4 cups Mini Marshmallows

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large pot with salted boiling water, boil the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes for 10-12 minutes or until fork-tender.
Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly and place them in a bowl. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly and then add the milk, brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
Add the eggs and blend until smooth using an electric mixer or potato masher. Do not overmix.
Pour the sweet potato mixture into a well-greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle crushed pecans evenly over the casserole and then add an even layer of mini marshmallows.
Bake for 45 minutes.
For a beautiful toasted top, you can briefly place the casserole under the broiler for about a minute, watching carefully until marshmallows are golden. Allow casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a chunky sweet potato casserole, use a potato masher instead of an electric mixer to achieve your desired texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/10 of casserole

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Julie Maestre

Prep Time:
30

Cook Time:
45

Course:
Side Dish

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
10 people

Calories:
257

Keywords:
easy sweet potato casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Marshmallows, Holiday Side Dish, Thanksgiving Casserole

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