Delicious Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

When the holiday season rolls around, there’s one dish that brings comfort, warmth, and sweet flavors to the table – a classic sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows. This dish combines creamy sweet potatoes, rich spices, and gooey marshmallows to create a dessert-like side that even kids will love. Best of all, it’s simple to make, requires only a few basic ingredients, and doesn’t take much time, so you can spend more time enjoying the holiday and less time in the kitchen!

Why Sweet Potato Casserole?

Sweet potato casserole is a beloved dish, especially during Thanksgiving, but it’s delicious enough to enjoy all year long. Sweet potatoes are full of nutrients like vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. Plus, their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices to create a warm and cozy dish. Adding a marshmallow topping makes this casserole special – the marshmallows melt and brown slightly, giving a caramelized crust that perfectly complements the creamy sweet potatoes underneath.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this sweet potato casserole is easy, and the ingredients are probably ones you already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Sweet Potatoes – Around 4–5 large sweet potatoes (about 4 cups mashed) will do. Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, and they give the casserole its creamy texture and delicious flavor.
2. Butter – About 4 tablespoons of melted butter adds richness and smoothness to the casserole.
3. Brown Sugar – Use 1/2 cup of brown sugar for a bit of sweetness that enhances the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
4. Milk – Adding 1/4 cup of milk makes the casserole creamier. Use any milk you prefer – whole milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk can work!
5. Eggs – Two eggs help bind everything together and give the casserole a light, fluffy texture.
6. Vanilla Extract – Just a teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a hint of warmth and depth to the flavor.
7. Spices – Cinnamon and nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon each) bring out the warm, cozy flavors of the sweet potatoes.
8. Salt – A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
9. Marshmallows – The star topping! Use about 2 cups of mini marshmallows to cover the top of the casserole. They’ll melt into a deliciously gooey layer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get started! This sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is simple to prepare and doesn’t require any special techniques. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, which you can lightly grease or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks. Add them to a large pot of water and heat until it boils. Let the sweet potatoes cook until they’re very tender, which should take about 15–20 minutes. Pour off the water from the potatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Using a potato masher, electric mixer, or fork, mash the sweet potatoes until they’re smooth. A few small lumps are okay, but aim for a mostly creamy texture.

Step 3: Mix in the Ingredients

To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined and smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture and a warm, spiced aroma.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.

Step 5: Add the Marshmallow Topping

Evenly distribute the mini marshmallows over the sweet potato mixture. Cover the entire surface with marshmallows so that every bite has a bit of that gooey, caramelized goodness!

Step 6: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25–30 minutes. The marshmallows should be lightly browned on top, and the sweet potatoes should be hot and bubbly.

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

To make your sweet potato casserole with marshmallows even better, here are a few extra tips:

1. Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Freshly cooked sweet potatoes provide the best texture and flavor. Canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch, but fresh ones taste richer and creamier.
2. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly or skip the marshmallows and top with chopped pecans for a nutty crunch instead.
3. Make It Ahead: Sweet potato casserole can easily be made a day or two ahead. Prepare the sweet potato mixture and spread it in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, top it with marshmallows and bake as usual.
4. Watch the Marshmallows: Keep a close eye on the casserole as it bakes – marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burned quickly. If they start browning too much, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes aren’t just tasty; they’re also packed with health benefits. They’re an excellent source of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and immune function. They also provide fiber, which helps keep your digestive system healthy, and they have a natural sweetness that makes them a lower-sugar alternative to other sweet treats. Plus, when paired with a small amount of butter and milk, they offer a balance of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that make this dish both nutritious and satisfying.

Variations to Try

This recipe is simple and delicious as it is, but there are many ways to put your spin on it! Here are some variations you might enjoy:

1. Add a Nutty Topping: Try sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts over the marshmallows for a crunchy topping that complements the sweet potatoes.
2. Make It Extra Creamy: Add an extra 1/4 cup of milk or a dollop of sour cream to make the casserole even creamier.
3. Try Different Spices: If you love spices, add a pinch of ginger or allspice to the sweet potato mixture for a different flavor twist.
4. Use Coconut Milk for a Tropical Flavor: Swap out regular milk for coconut milk to give your casserole a hint of tropical flavor. This works well with a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top, too!

Serving Suggestions

Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows pairs well with savory holiday dishes like roast turkey, glazed ham, green bean casserole, and stuffing. It’s also a wonderful side for any fall meal. Serve it warm as a side dish, or even as a dessert if you like!

If you want to make the presentation even more special, serve it in individual ramekins or small baking dishes. This way, each guest gets their own mini sweet potato casserole – a fun twist on the traditional dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers (if you’re lucky!), cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for about 3–4 days in the fridge.

To reheat, simply place a serving in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, just until heated through.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is sure to become a holiday favorite in your home. It’s creamy, cozy, and just the right amount of sweet, with a toasted marshmallow topping that’s irresistibly gooey. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make, using ingredients you likely have on hand. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering, this dish is bound to bring smiles and compliments.

So, the next time you want to make something special, give this sweet potato casserole a try. Its comforting flavors and creamy texture make it a standout dish that everyone at the table will enjoy.

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