The aroma of roasted sweet potatoes wafts through the air, wrapping me in a cozy embrace that only family traditions can provide. Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a creamy sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, a dish that’s become a staple on our holiday table. This recipe is a delightful blend of textures—sweet, velvety potatoes beneath a soft, golden topping that melts in your mouth. Its beauty lies not just in flavor; it’s effortless to prepare, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones instead of laboring in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that evokes smiles and nostalgia, making it the perfect addition to any feast. Ready to elevate your Thanksgiving spread with this comfort food classic?

Why is This Casserole So Irresistible?

Comforting Taste: The creamy sweet potatoes meld perfectly with the melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows, creating a nostalgic dish cherished by many.

Effortless Prep: You won’t need culinary skills to whip this up; it comes together quickly, letting you focus on enjoying time with family.

Crowd Favorite: With its familiar flavors, this casserole easily wins over guests and sparks joy at the holiday table.

Versatile Option: Substitute toppings like crunchy pecans for marshmallows if you’re feeling adventurous. There’s no wrong way to make it your own!

Make-Ahead Friendly: Get a jumpstart on your holiday meal by assembling it a day or two in advance—just bake before serving.

This sweet potato casserole is a must-have for your Thanksgiving feast alongside dishes like Corn Chicken Casserole, which also brings comfort to your table!

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Ingredients

For the Filling
Unsalted Butter – Adds richness to the creamy filling; can be substituted with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Sweet Potatoes – The star ingredient, offering natural sweetness and a velvety texture when baked.
Milk – Provides extra creaminess; opt for almond or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free version.
Brown Sugar – Enhances the dish’s sweetness, contributing a lovely molasses flavor; coconut sugar works well too.
Pure Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic sweetness, complementing the sweet potatoes beautifully.
Salt – Balances the sweetness; using kosher salt is best for flavor.
Eggs – Binds all the ingredients together; flax eggs serve as a great vegan alternative.
For the Topping
Mini Marshmallows – A nostalgic choice that melts to create a soft, sweet topping; can be replaced with crispy fried onions for a savory twist.
All-Purpose Flour – Used in various toppings for texture; swap with almond or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Cinnamon – Introduces warmth and spice; nutmeg can be a delightful substitute to elevate flavor.

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows captures the essence of Thanksgiving, making it a comforting addition to your holiday feast!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Step 1: Bake Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Let them cool for a few minutes before carefully peeling, revealing their vibrant orange flesh that will form the creamy base of your sweet potato casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is cooling, generously butter a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. The warmth of the dish helps create an inviting, evenly baked sweet potato casserole with marshmallows that everyone will love.

Step 3: Blend the Sweet Potato Filling
In a food processor, combine 2 ½ cups of the baked sweet potatoes with melted butter, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and eggs. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This rich filling forms the heart of your sweet potato casserole, ensuring every spoonful is indulgently satisfying.

Step 4: Add Texture to the Filling
Take the remaining sweet potato and hand mash it until slightly chunky, then gently fold it into the creamy mixture along with the orange zest. This step adds delightful texture to the sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, giving it structure while maintaining a fluffy, luscious feel.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out with a spatula. This golden layer entices everyone who lays eyes on it, setting the stage for your signature marshmallow topping that will melt into gooey sweetness beneath the oven’s heat.

Step 6: Make the Topping
In a medium bowl, mix together mini marshmallows, flour, and a pinch of cinnamon for added flavor. Drizzle melted butter over the mixture and stir until everything is just combined and clumpy. This will create a delectable topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sweet potato filling.

Step 7: Sprinkle and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the marshmallow topping over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and slightly puffy. The sight of bubbling goodness will have everyone eagerly awaiting the dish at your Thanksgiving table.

Step 8: Serve Warm
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is best enjoyed warm, ideally alongside other festive dishes, as its comforting flavors blend perfectly with the spirit of Thanksgiving celebrations.

Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole

Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold in hand-mashed sweet potato to keep the casserole light. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, losing the delicate fluffiness.
Temperature Matters: Allow the casserole to come to room temperature before baking if prepared ahead. This ensures even cooking and helps the marshmallows melt beautifully.
Easily Swap Ingredients: Feel free to replace mini marshmallows with crispy fried onions or coconut for a different twist. Customize the sweet potato casserole according to your family’s preferences!
Perfect Marshmallow Topping: For a beautiful golden finish, keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking. If the marshmallows start browning too quickly, cover with foil.
Make in Advance: Prepare your sweet potato casserole a day ahead, excluding the topping, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for effortless holiday entertaining.
Utilize Non-Stick Spray: If you don’t have butter, consider using a non-stick cooking spray in your baking dish to ensure an easy release and maintain that lovely presentation of your sweet potato casserole.

Make Ahead Options

These Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday meal prep! You can prepare the sweet potato filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply blend the ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For optimal quality, assemble the casserole without the marshmallow topping and refrigerate it until ready to bake. If you want to prep even further ahead, you can freeze the assembled casserole for up to 3 months—just remember to add the topping right before baking! When you’re ready to serve, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, until warm and gooey. This not only saves time but ensures you’ll have a delicious dish ready to delight your family!

What to Serve with Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

Creating the perfect Thanksgiving feast means marrying flavors and textures, and this sweet potato casserole is the star of the show!

Roasted Turkey: The savory flavors of herb-roasted turkey complement the sweetness of the casserole, creating a timeless Thanksgiving duo.
Honey-Glazed Ham: This sweet and savory option provides a rich contrast to the creamy dish, making your meal enchantingly diverse.
Green Bean Almondine: The crisp green beans and crunchy almonds add a delightful freshness and texture that balances the casserole’s richness.
Cranberry Sauce: A zesty cranberry sauce brightens the palate, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the overall dining experience with its tartness.
Cornbread Muffins: Soft, fluffy cornbread muffins introduce a comforting grainy texture, and their mildly sweet flavor invites guests to savor every bite.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes offer a luscious side that pairs beautifully with both the sweet and savory elements of the meal.
Autumn Apple Salad: Serve a vibrant salad filled with sliced apples, walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast that adds depth to your Thanksgiving spread.
Chardonnay: A glass of chilled Chardonnay enhances the richness of the casserole while its fruity notes provide a delightful complement to the meal.
Pumpkin Pie: Finish off this festive spread with a classic pumpkin pie; its warm spices awaken fond memories of family gatherings and shared laughter.

How to Store and Freeze Sweet Potato Casserole

Fridge: Place leftover sweet potato casserole in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best flavor and texture, take it out an hour before reheating.

Freezer: If freezing, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any foil and cover with fresh foil to prevent over-browning, then bake for about 20–25 minutes or until heated through.

Assembling Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, storing it in the fridge before baking. Just hold off on adding the marshmallows until right before baking for the best melt!

Sweet Potato Casserole Variations

Feel free to customize this sweet potato casserole for your unique holiday gathering or personal tastes!

Mini Marshmallows: For a classic touch, top with mini marshmallows instead of pecans, allowing them to melt and caramelize beautifully.
Coconut Bliss: Mix in shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist that enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Cranberry Zing: Fold in dried cranberries for a pop of tartness, adding delightful contrast and a festive vibe to your casserole.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a dash of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños in the filling for those who enjoy a spicy surprise alongside the sweetness.
Nutty Delight: Replace pecans with walnuts for a different nutty flavor that still gives that desired crunch and depth.
Vegan Option: Use coconut cream instead of milk and flax eggs for a wholesome vegan version that everyone can enjoy at the table.
Maple Magic: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup to bring a rich depth of flavor that’s perfect for anyone who loves that earthy sweetness.
Ginger Spice: Add ground ginger or finely grated fresh ginger for an aromatic twist that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and sweet potatoes.

Experiment with these ideas and create the perfect Sweet Potato Casserole that will be the talk of the Thanksgiving table! If you’re looking for more comforting sides, you might also enjoy making a warm Chicken Stuffing Casserole to complement your feast.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe FAQs

How do I know when my sweet potatoes are ripe?
Absolutely! Look for sweet potatoes that are firm, with smooth skin and no dark spots or blemishes. The best ones will have a vibrant orange color. If they have dark spots all over or feel overly soft, it’s time to pass on those.

What’s the best way to store leftovers of sweet potato casserole?
You can easily store your leftover sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it come to room temperature for about an hour before reheating for the best flavor!

Can I freeze sweet potato casserole?
Yes, you can! I often prepare a double batch for gatherings. Wrap your sweet potato casserole tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and it should be ready to go!

What if my casserole comes out watery?
Very! If your sweet potato casserole turns out watery, it might have been due to too much moisture in the sweet potatoes. To fix it, try baking the casserole a bit longer to evaporate excess liquid, or mix in some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to absorb some moisture. This will help thicken your casserole while adding a tasty crunch!

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
The sweet potato casserole with marshmallows can easily accommodate various dietary needs! For a dairy-free version, swap out butter for coconut oil and use almond or oat milk. If you need it to be vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs—just combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water; let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. And if you’re concerned about nuts, the pecan topping can be omitted altogether!

Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare your sweet potato casserole a day in advance. Assemble the casserole without the topping, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. To achieve the best melt and texture of the marshmallows, add them right before baking. This way, you can enjoy time with family without the last-minute rush!