Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: Classic Holiday Side with Marshmallows

I fell in love with sweet potato casserole the first time my grandmother brought it to our Thanksgiving table. She would hum as she mashed the sweet potatoes and sneak a few marshmallows before they made it into the dish — a little childhood mischief I still remember fondly. For me, this casserole is more than a side dish; it’s a warm memory of family gatherings, laughter, and the scent of cinnamon and butter filling the kitchen. Sweet potato casseroles have roots in American holiday traditions, especially around Thanksgiving, where sweet, candied vegetables symbolize harvest and comfort. This easy, cozy recipe brings that tradition to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Who is this recipe for?

• This recipe is perfect for busy parents, home cooks looking for a simple holiday side, and beginners who want a reassuring, forgiving dish that always pleases a crowd.

Core ingredients overview:

• This dish combines 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, butter, vanilla, eggs, salt, and marshmallows to create a creamy, lightly sweet casserole that’s baked until warm and topped with toasted mini marshmallows.

Tools & Ingredients

Tools (you’ll need)

• 1 large mixing bowl — to combine the sweet potato mixture evenly.
• 1 spatula or wooden spoon — to mix and smooth the casserole.
• Measuring cups and spoons — for accurate ingredient amounts.
• 9×13-inch greased baking dish (or similar) — to bake the casserole evenly.
• Mixer or potato masher (optional) — for fluffier mashed sweet potatoes.
• Oven — to bake and toast the marshmallows.

Ingredients (with a short benefit for each)

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes — rich in beta-carotene and provides the creamy base.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar — adds caramel-like sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1/4 cup milk — helps achieve a smooth, silky texture.
• 1/4 cup melted butter — adds richness and a buttery mouthfeel.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — enhances sweetness and rounds the flavors.
• 2 eggs — bind the mixture and help it set while baking.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt — balances sweetness and elevates overall taste.
• 2 cups mini marshmallows — create a nostalgic, toasted topping with a light sweetness.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, eggs, and salt until well combined. Please mix until the texture is smooth and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the casserole to heat through and the edges to set.
5. Remove from the oven and top with mini marshmallows, spreading them evenly over the surface.
6. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are toasted and golden. Keep an eye on them the last few minutes to avoid burning.
7. Serve warm as a side dish for Thanksgiving or any cozy meal.

FAQ

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes — you can freeze the baked casserole (without marshmallows) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, then add and toast the marshmallows before serving.

Q: What can I use instead of mini marshmallows?
A: You can substitute a pecan-brown sugar streusel for a crunchy topping or use large marshmallows and cut them in half. A streusel also provides a nutty contrast if you prefer less sweetness.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake according to directions, adding a few extra minutes if coming straight from the fridge. Add marshmallows and toast at the end.

Q: Are sweet potatoes and yams the same for this recipe?
A: Many recipes use the terms interchangeably. Use your preferred variety — the flavor will be similar, though some yams can be firmer or sweeter. Taste your mash and adjust sugar if needed.

Tips & Tricks

• Use room-temperature eggs and warm milk when mixing to help the casserole come together more smoothly.
• If your mashed sweet potatoes are very dry, add a splash more milk or melted butter a tablespoon at a time until the desired texture is reached.
• To get evenly toasted marshmallows, watch the casserole closely during the final bake, or briefly broil on low for 20–30 seconds — but stay near the oven to avoid burning.
• For extra flavor, stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture.

Enjoy this sweet, comforting side at your next holiday meal — it’s meant to be shared with good company. Always add

tag after Directions.

Conclusion

For more variations and inspiration, check out these trusted recipes: Sweet Potato Casserole {with Marshmallows} – Spend With Pennies, Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe, and Sweet Potato Casserole – Tastes Better From Scratch.