This classic sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is a delightful side dish perfect for Thanksgiving and other festive occasions. Its creamy sweet potato base combined with a crunchy pecan topping and fluffy marshmallows makes it a standout choice. Easy to prepare, this casserole brings warmth and comfort to any holiday table, ensuring everyone will come back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and spices creates a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory dishes.
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip this up quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones.
- Versatile Dish: While it’s a holiday favorite, this casserole works great as a comforting side for family dinners or potlucks throughout the year.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Who can resist the gooey marshmallows on top? This dish is sure to impress both kids and adults alike!
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and simply bake when ready to serve, making your holiday meal planning even easier.
Tools and Preparation
To successfully make this sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Potato masher
- Mixing bowls
- 9 by 13 baking dish
- Cooking spray
Importance of Each Tool
- Large saucepan: Ideal for boiling sweet potatoes evenly, ensuring they become tender for mashing.
- Potato masher: Helps create that perfect creamy texture without lumps in your sweet potato filling.
- Mixing bowls: Multiple bowls allow you to prepare different components of the casserole efficiently.
Ingredients
This classic sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is a must make side dish for Thanksgiving and the holidays!
For the Sweet Potato Filling
- 4 large sweet potatoes (peeled and chopped into large chunks (around 9 cups worth))
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Pecan Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups finely chopped pecan pieces
For Topping
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into large chunks.
- Place them into a large saucepan and cover them with water.
- Bring the water to a boil.
Step 2: Boil the Sweet Potatoes
- Boil the sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender and easily pierced with a fork. They should fall apart easily.
Step 3: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
- Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the saucepan.
- Use a potato masher to mash them until smooth.
- Add melted butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg to the mashed potatoes. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, and pecan pieces.
- Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a 9 by 13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread the sweet potato filling evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potatoes.
Step 6: Add Marshmallows
- Evenly distribute mini marshmallows over the top of the casserole.
Step 7: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Watch closely towards the end to achieve that perfect golden color without burning.
With these simple steps, you’ll have an unforgettable sweet potato casserole with marshmallows ready to delight your guests!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Serving sweet potato casserole with marshmallows can elevate your holiday meal. Its sweet and creamy texture complements many dishes, making it a delightful addition to the table.
At Family Gatherings
- Warm from the Oven: Serve it hot right out of the oven for an inviting aroma that fills the room.
- Garnish with Pecans: Sprinkle some extra pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
As a Side Dish
- Pair with Roast Turkey: The sweetness of the casserole contrasts beautifully with savory turkey.
- Serve along with Ham: This dish adds a sweet touch that balances the saltiness of glazed ham.
For Potlucks
- Make in Advance: Prepare ahead of time and reheat before serving for convenience at potlucks.
- In Individual Portions: Consider serving in small ramekins for easy sharing and portion control.
As Leftovers
- Breakfast Option: Enjoy a scoop for breakfast topped with Greek yogurt or nuts for a twist.
- With Ice Cream: Treat yourself by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm casserole for dessert.
How to Perfect Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Perfecting sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is all about balance and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is a hit.
- Sweetness: Use ripe sweet potatoes to enhance natural sweetness; this creates a richer flavor profile.
- Creamy Consistency: Mash until smooth before mixing in the other ingredients to achieve that ideal creamy texture.
- Brown Sugar Balance: Adjust brown sugar based on your preference; taste as you go to find the right level of sweetness.
- Even Marshmallow Layer: Spread marshmallows evenly across the top to ensure each bite has that delightful gooeyness.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of baking; you want golden marshmallows without burning them.
- Let It Rest: Allow it to sit for a few minutes after baking; this helps set the filling for easier serving.
Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Complementing sweet potato casserole with marshmallows can enhance your holiday spread. Here are some excellent side dishes to consider.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the casserole perfectly.
- Green Bean Almondine: This dish offers a crunchy texture and freshness that pairs well.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: The natural sugars in carrots echo those in sweet potatoes, creating harmony on your plate.
- Cornbread Muffins: Their fluffy texture and slight sweetness make them an ideal accompaniment.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A classic side that offers creaminess, contrasting nicely with your casserole’s flavors.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberries cuts through sweetness, adding complexity to every bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making sweet potato casserole with marshmallows can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overcooking sweet potatoes: This can lead to a watery filling. To avoid this, boil them just until fork-tender.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not using enough cinnamon or nutmeg can make your casserole bland. Always measure and taste as you go!
- Using stale marshmallows: Old marshmallows won’t melt properly and can ruin your dish. Check the expiration date before using.
- Not greasing the baking dish: A sticky casserole is hard to serve. Make sure to grease your 9 by 13 baking dish well.
- Ignoring the cooking time: Baking too long can burn the marshmallows. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Sweet potato casserole will last for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.
Reheating Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Use a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, you’re not alone!
Can I prepare sweet potato casserole with marshmallows in advance?
Yes! You can assemble it a day before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
What can I substitute for pecans in my sweet potato casserole?
You can use walnuts or even omit nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.
How do I make my sweet potato casserole sweeter?
You can add more brown sugar or even maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Just drain and mash them, then mix with the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is not only a beloved holiday side dish but also offers room for creativity. You can customize it by adding different spices or toppings according to your taste. Try this recipe for an unforgettable addition to your Thanksgiving table!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Indulge in the warmth of this classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows, a delightful side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving and festive gatherings. This creamy casserole features a velvety sweet potato base enriched with butter, brown sugar, and spices, topped with crunchy pecans and gooey mini marshmallows. It’s an easy-to-make comfort food that transforms your holiday spread into a memorable feast. Whether served at family dinners or potlucks, this crowd-pleaser is sure to have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Peel and chop sweet potatoes; boil in water until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash sweet potatoes, mixing in melted butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, combine the pecan topping ingredients.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture in a greased baking dish; top with pecans and mini marshmallows.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
