Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole

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Created on October 29th, 2025 at 10:05 am

A timeless side for cozy gatherings

Looking for that perfect sweet potato casserole that brings everyone back to the table for seconds? This Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole is the holiday hero you didn’t know you were missing. Creamy, lightly sweetened sweet potatoes are topped with a golden layer of gooey marshmallows and buttery pecan crunch — making it the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re hosting a Gratitude Gathering or bringing a side to a Holiday at Home, this cozy, nostalgic bake adds warmth and tradition to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the velvety richness of mashed sweet potatoes with the delightful crunch of pecans and the caramelized softness of toasted marshmallows — all in one unforgettable bite. It’s easy to prep, ideal for feeding a crowd, and reheats like a dream. Whether you’re a sweet potato purist or love a marshmallow-topped twist, there’s something here for everyone. It’s a family-friendly, festive classic that belongs at every fall or winter celebration.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

📝 Ingredients List

For the Sweet Potato Base:

5 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
¼ cup whole milk
1 splash orange juice
3 tablespoon brown sugar
5 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

For the Marshmallow Pecan Crunchy Topping:

1 cup finely chopped pecans
3 tablespoon unsalted butter, slightly softened
½ cup dark brown sugar
1–2 cups mini marshmallows

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

Large saucepan
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups & spoons
Sharp knife & cutting board
Hand mixer or potato masher
Baking dish (2½–3 qt)
Wooden spoon or spatula

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the sweet potatoes:
Place diced sweet potatoes in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender. 🍠
Mash and mix:
Drain well, then mash with a hand mixer or masher. Add milk, orange juice, brown sugar, butter, egg, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Mix until creamy and smooth.
Bake the base:
Transfer the mixture to a greased 2½–3 qt baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Prepare the topping:
Mix chopped pecans, softened butter, and dark brown sugar in a small bowl until crumbly.
Add your toppings:
After 25 minutes of baking, top the casserole with your choice of all marshmallows, all pecan topping, or a combination (stripes look gorgeous!) 🔥
Final bake:
Return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes until the marshmallows are golden and the topping is crisp.

💡 Pro Tips

Make Ahead: Prep the base and topping separately. Add toppings just before baking for best results.
Mix It Up: Go 100% marshmallows, 100% pecans, or half & half to please everyone at the table.
Silky Smooth: Use a hand mixer for that extra-smooth texture.
Nut-Free? Simply skip the pecans or use crushed graham crackers for crunch.

🎯 Dig In and Enjoy

This sweet potato casserole isn’t just a side dish — it’s a memory-maker. From the creamy, spiced filling to the golden, gooey top, it brings warmth and comfort to every table. Whether you’re sharing it at a family celebration, a joyful occasion, or a cozy weeknight meal, this casserole delivers flavor, nostalgia, and happiness in every bite. Keep it classic or make it your own — either way, it’s destined to be devoured.

📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	315	4g	45g	14g	5g	21g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.