sweet potato casserole topped with toasted marshmallows in a white baking dish

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

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Created on November 3rd, 2025 at 10:41 am

A warm, comforting classic for your family gatherings

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a beloved dish that embodies the spirit of home cooking. Its vibrant orange hue, combined with the creamy texture of sweet potatoes, creates a delightful centerpiece for any family meal or holiday gathering. Topped with a layer of lightly toasted marshmallows, this casserole presents a sweet contrast that is both pleasing to the palate and eye. As it bakes, it fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma, reminiscent of childhood memories and festive occasions.

This recipe stands out for its balance of flavors and textures. The natural sweetness of the potatoes is complemented by a buttery, crunchy topping. Each bite offers warmth, comfort, and indulgence, making it a perfect dish for gatherings. Importantly, it can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to savor time with your loved ones instead of spending it in the kitchen.

Baked Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet Potato Casserole works harmoniously by combining simplicity with rich flavors. The sweet potatoes melt in your mouth, creating a smooth base while the marshmallows provide a lightly chewy texture. The aroma wafting through your home as it bakes contributes to the overall comforting experience. Moreover, the recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Leftovers only improve next day, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

Main:

  • 4 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Topping:

  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Kitchen Tools

Preparing this Sweet Potato Casserole is simple and requires just a few essential tools. A sharp knife and cutting board will help you chop the sweet potatoes easily. A large pot is needed for boiling, while a mixing bowl and a casserole dish are essential for assembling the dish.

  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Casserole dish

Step-by-Step Instructions


  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and cutting them into uniform cubes. This ensures even cooking and creates a smoother texture in the final dish.



  2. Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.



  3. Drain and Mash: Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher or electric mixer to mash them until smooth. The color should be a bright orange, inviting and rich in appearance.



  4. Mix in the Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until fully incorporated; the mixture should be creamy with a slightly glossy surface.



  5. Transfer and Smooth: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased casserole dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly. The mixture should look rich and inviting.



  6. Add the Topping: Scatter the mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the casserole. If using pecans, sprinkle them on as well for added flavor and texture. The marshmallows should contrast beautifully with the orange of the sweet potatoes.



  7. Bake: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes. The marshmallows should puff up and turn golden brown, creating an enticing aroma that fills your home.



  8. Cool Slightly and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This brief resting time allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.


Pro Tips

  • For a deeper flavor, roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. This adds a caramelized sweetness.
  • Adjust the sugar based on the natural sweetness of your sweet potatoes; sometimes, they don’t need as much.
  • If you prefer a crunchy topping, add the pecans for extra texture and flavor contrast.
  • This casserole can be assembled the day before and baked just before serving; just remember to adjust baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.

Comforting and Delicious

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a dish that captures the essence of home-cooked comfort. Its beautiful presentation and delightful flavors make it a favorite at gatherings. With a warm, creamy base topped with pillowy marshmallows, it is both accessible and memorable. Your kitchen will feel like a haven as it fills with the aroma of baked sweetness. Prepare this dish, and savor the joy it brings to your table.

NutrientAmount (per serving)
Calories280 kcal
Protein3 g
Fat8 g
Carbohydrates50 g
Fiber4 g
Sugar24 g
Sodium170 mg

Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation.

sweet potato casserole topped with toasted marshmallows in a white baking dish

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

A smiling woman in a modern kitchen, wearing a brown apron, preparing a delicious dish with fresh ingredients.Sorrel Calver
A warm, comforting classic topped with toasted marshmallows, perfect for family gatherings. Smooth sweet potatoes meet a golden marshmallow topping in this beloved holiday dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Holiday
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Casserole dish

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 4 large sweet potatoes about 2 lbs, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Topping

  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans optional

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform cubes for even cooking.
  • Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Place cubes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
  • Drain and Mash: Drain and return to the pot. Mash with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and bright orange.
  • Mix in Ingredients: Add sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until creamy and glossy.
  • Transfer and Smooth: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and smooth the top evenly.
  • Add the Topping: Scatter mini marshmallows evenly over the top. Sprinkle pecans if desired.
  • Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown.
  • Cool and Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

Notes

For deeper flavor, roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling. Adjust sugar based on potato sweetness. Can be prepared a day ahead and baked before serving. Pecans add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
Keyword Comfort Food, Holiday Baking, Marshmallows, Sweet Potato Casserole, Thanksgiving

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