This sweet potato casserole is that warm, cozy side dish everyone grabs seconds of. It’s sweet, buttery, and topped with gooey, golden-brown marshmallows. Whether it’s for a holiday table or a comfort food night, this one never misses.
Why I Love This Recipe
This casserole takes me straight back to family get-togethers where everyone came for the marshmallow top but stayed for that buttery, creamy base. It’s nostalgic and just ridiculously good.
- That marshmallow top gets perfectly golden and melty
- Super easy to make with simple ingredients
- The sweet potatoes are smooth, fluffy, and full of flavor
- Works great for holidays or just when you’re craving comfort food
What You’ll Need
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 ½ lbs), peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Makes: 6–8 servings
Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Boil your sweet potatoes until fork-tender, not just soft
- Use a potato masher or hand mixer for the creamiest texture
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra cozy touch
- Let the casserole sit for a couple minutes after baking so it sets
- Use a broiler for 1–2 minutes if you want extra toasty marshmallows
Tools Required
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Potato masher or hand mixer
- Baking dish (8×8 or similar)
- Spatula
Substitutions and Variations
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a deeper sweetness
- Add chopped pecans on top for crunch
- Swap mini marshmallows for a streusel topping
- Make it dairy-free with almond milk and vegan butter
Make Ahead Tips
- Prepare and mash the sweet potatoes the day before
- Store in the fridge covered
- Top with marshmallows and bake right before serving
How to Make It
Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes
Place 3 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed) in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
Step 2: Drain and Mash
Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash until mostly smooth using a potato masher.
Step 3: Mix in Butter, Sugar, and Spices
Add ¼ cup melted butter, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ cup milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the mashed sweet potatoes. Stir until creamy and well blended.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spoon the sweet potato mixture into a greased 8×8 baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 5: Add Marshmallows
Sprinkle 2 cups mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the sweet potato mixture.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the casserole at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown and puffed.
Step 7: Serve
Leftovers and Storage
Let leftovers cool, then cover and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. Marshmallows may melt more when reheated but still taste great.
Macros (per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Boiling the sweet potatoes softens them evenly so they mash up super smooth. Adding butter and milk gives creaminess, while brown sugar and cinnamon bring that warm, sweet flavor. The marshmallows puff and brown fast in the oven thanks to their sugar content, giving you that classic toasted topping.
Common Mistakes
- Undercooking the potatoes – makes them hard to mash
- Adding marshmallows too early – they’ll burn
- Skipping the vanilla – it adds depth to the sweetness
- Not mashing well enough – leaves lumps in the casserole
What to Serve With
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Glazed ham
- Green bean casserole
- Cranberry sauce
- Fresh dinner rolls
FAQ
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, just drain them first and warm slightly before mashing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally. Prep the sweet potato base a day ahead and add marshmallows right before baking.
Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?
Yep, just cut them in half so they melt evenly.
Is it very sweet?
It’s sweet, but not overly so. You can cut back on the sugar if you want it more balanced.
Pro Tips
Bring It All Together
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a total classic. It’s cozy, rich, and that marshmallow top just seals the deal. Try it out and drop a comment — I’d love to hear what you think or if you give it your own spin!