Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

This comforting sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is a cherished holiday side dish. It perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, making it a family favorite. A golden-brown topping of toasted marshmallows and crunchy pecans crowns this delicious dish. It’s ideal for Thanksgiving, Easter, or any festive family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

You will adore this classic recipe for many reasons, as it makes holiday cooking simple and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy parents and beginners alike.

• Simple Ingredients: You only need a few common pantry staples for big, comforting flavors.
• Easy Preparation: The straightforward steps make this dish approachable for any home cook.
• Excellent Make-Ahead: Prepare much of it in advance to reduce holiday stress.
• Crowd-P\leasing: This dessert-like side dish is always a hit, satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth.
• Versatile: Enjoy this festive sweet potato bake alongside many main courses.

Ingredients

To create this delightful sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, gather your ingredients. These simple items combine to form a truly special dish. Beyond their delicious taste, sweet potatoes are packed with important nutrients, offering numerous health benefits of sweet potatoes.

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into cubes)
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ⅓ cup butter (softened)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup chopped pecans (divided)
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows

Notes & Substitutions

Always choose firm, unblemished fresh sweet potatoes. You can use canned sweet potato puree for a faster option, just ensure it’s plain and well-drained. For the sugar, dark brown sugar offers a richer molasses flavor, while light brown sugar is milder. You can even use maple syrup for a subtle flavor twist. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the saltiness, but salted butter works fine; just adjust added salt. If pecans aren’t your favorite, feel free to use walnuts or omit nuts entirely. Enhance the flavor profile with additional warm spices like nutmeg, ground ginger, or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice. A splash of orange zest or a tablespoon of bourbon can add unexpected depth. For a creamier mash, add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream.

Equipment

Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the cooking process smoother. You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools for this delicious sweet potato dish.

• 9×13 inch casserole dish
• Large saucepan or pot
• Potato masher or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls

Instructions

Creating this delightful sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly golden and flavorful side dish that will impress your guests. This method ensures a creamy sweet potato base topped with perfectly toasted marshmallows.

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.

Next, prepare your sweet potatoes. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Place the cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. They should be easily pierced with a fork. Once cooked, carefully drain all the water from the pot.

Return the drained sweet potatoes to the pot or transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the packed brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Mash the sweet potato mixture thoroughly using a potato masher or a hand mixer until it reaches your desired consistency. You can leave it slightly chunky or make it completely smooth.

Now, incorporate half of the chopped pecans into the mashed sweet potato mixture. Gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed. Spread this sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Finally, generously sprinkle the miniature marshmallows over the sweet potato layer. Evenly distribute the remaining chopped pecans over the marshmallows. Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are beautifully golden brown and the sweet potato mixture is heated through and bubbly around the edges. Keep a close eye on the marshmallows during the last few minutes to prevent burning. Remove the classic sweet potato casserole with marshmallows from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

For a perfectly smooth mash, use a hand mixer. If you prefer a rustic texture, a potato masher works wonderfully. To prevent a watery casserole, ensure your sweet potatoes are very well-drained after boiling. Perfectly golden marshmallows are achieved by keeping a close eye on the oven; they can go from golden to burnt quickly. If marshmallows start browning too fast, loosely tent the dish with foil. Always taste and adjust the sweetness and seasoning before baking to suit your preference. Ensure the casserole heats evenly by spreading it uniformly in the dish.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is a beloved addition to any meal. Its sweet and savory notes make it adaptable for various occasions.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this delightful side dish with traditional holiday meats like roasted turkey, spiral-sliced ham, or a juicy baked chicken. It also complements other holiday favorites such as green bean casserole, stuffing, or mashed potatoes. For a beautiful presentation, garnish your sweet potato bake with extra toasted pecans or a light sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Make Ahead: Prepare the sweet potato base up to 48 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the marshmallows and pecans just before baking. For ensuring the safety and quality of your make-ahead dishes and leftovers, it’s important to follow safe cold food storage guidelines.
• Refrigeration: Store any leftover sweet potato casserole with marshmallows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked or unbaked sweet potato base (without the marshmallows) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or topping.

Variations

• Topping Ideas: Instead of marshmallows, try a streusel crumble made from oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar. Candied pecans also make a delightful crunch.
• Flavor Boosts: Introduce a bright note with orange zest. A tablespoon of bourbon or rum can add sophisticated depth to the sweet potato mixture.
• Sweetness Adjustments: Reduce the amount of brown sugar for a less sweet profile, or experiment with alternative sweeteners like maple syrup.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the following nutrition information for this sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is an estimate. It is based on the ingredients and proportions listed in this recipe. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and any substitutions made. This data is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make sweet potato casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato base up to two days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and add marshmallows and pecans right before baking.

How do I store leftover sweet potato casserole?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days.

What’s the best way to reheat sweet potato casserole?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm. For a whole casserole, cover it with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.

Can you freeze sweet potato casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the sweet potato base without the marshmallow topping. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months.

Conclusion

This classic sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting tradition. Its creamy texture, sweet flavor, and toasted marshmallow topping make it truly irresistible. Making this dish is simple, ensuring even beginner cooks can achieve delicious results. Don’t wait for a holiday to enjoy this fantastic sweet potato bake; make it for your next family meal. We can’t wait to hear how your delightful creation turns out!