Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping

Introduction

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping is a classic, indulgent side dish that perfectly balances sweetness, creaminess, and texture. This recipe combines smooth, buttery sweet potatoes with a touch of brown sugar and warm spices, then is topped with a layer of golden, gooey marshmallows that toast to perfection in the oven. The result is a comforting, visually stunning dish that delights both the eyes and the palate.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or festive dinners, this casserole is a beloved tradition that brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia to the holiday table. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it an irresistible complement to roasted meats, turkey, or ham, ensuring it remains a crowd favorite year after year.

Why We Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple sweet potatoes into a creamy, flavorful, and festive side dish that’s perfect for holiday celebrations. The sweet, buttery sweet potatoes are enhanced with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, while the golden marshmallow topping adds a delightful sweetness and a slightly crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its nostalgic and comforting nature. Sweet potato casserole is a beloved holiday tradition, evoking memories of family gatherings, festive meals, and cozy celebrations. Making it from scratch adds a homemade touch that elevates the flavors far beyond store-bought versions.

I also love how visually appealing and versatile this dish is. The golden marshmallows create a beautiful, inviting top layer that makes the casserole stand out on the table. It pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, ham, or other holiday mains, and can even be adapted with a pecan streusel topping for added texture and flavor.

It’s a must-try dish

• This dish is a must-try because it perfectly combines creamy, spiced sweet potatoes with a golden, gooey marshmallow topping, creating a side dish that is both comforting and indulgent. The contrast of smooth filling and slightly crisp, sweet marshmallows makes every bite a delightful experience.
• It’s also a must-try because of its classic appeal and holiday tradition. Sweet potato casserole is a beloved staple for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other festive gatherings, bringing warmth, nostalgia, and rich flavors to the table. Making it from scratch elevates the dish, ensuring a fresh, flavorful, and memorable addition to your holiday meal.
• Another reason it stands out is its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. It complements roasted meats, turkey, ham, or vegetarian mains, and can be customized with toppings like pecans, brown sugar, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories (per serving): ~285 kcal
• Cuisine: American
• Cooking Method: Baking
• Course: Side Dish / Holiday Special

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) sweet potatoes (about 4–5 large), peeled and cubed
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the Marshmallow Topping:

• 3–4 cups mini marshmallows

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Sweet Potatoes:
   In a large pot of boiling water, cook sweet potatoes until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well.
3. Mash & Mix Filling:
   In a large mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
4. Assemble:
   Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake Without Topping:
   Bake for 20 minutes to set the filling.
6. Add Marshmallows:
   Remove from oven, sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly on top.
7. Final Bake:
   Return to oven for 5–10 minutes, or until marshmallows are golden and puffy.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Step 1: Peel and cube sweet potatoes.
2. Step 2: Boil in salted water until fork-tender (15–20 minutes), drain well.
3. Step 3: Mash sweet potatoes until smooth.
4. Step 4: Mix in sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Step 5: Transfer mixture to greased baking dish.
6. Step 6: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
7. Step 7: Add mini marshmallows evenly over top.
8. Step 8: Bake for another 5–10 minutes until marshmallows are golden.

How to Serve

Additional Recipe Tips & Variations

• Extra Flavor: Add ½ cup crushed pineapple for a fruity twist.
• Nut Topping Alternative: If you prefer less sweetness, replace marshmallows with a pecan-brown sugar crumble.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the filling, refrigerate overnight, and bake with marshmallows before serving.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze without marshmallow topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then add marshmallows before baking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling potatoes)
• Potato masher or electric mixer
• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping is the perfect holiday side dish — creamy, spiced sweet potatoes topped with gooey, golden marshmallows that melt in your mouth. It’s festive, nostalgic, and guaranteed to disappear fast from the table.