I absolutely love sharing this Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe because it’s such a comforting, nostalgic dish that always brings smiles around the table. Whether it’s holiday season or a cozy weekend dinner, this casserole feels like a warm hug in food form. You’ll find that the combination of caramelized sweet potatoes and toasted marshmallows hits the perfect sweet-and-savory note everyone craves.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to make something that tastes so indulgent without a ton of fuss. The best part? It’s incredibly forgiving and customizable—perfect if you’re new to sweet potato dishes or just want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a classic side that feels both special and downright delicious, your search for the perfect Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe ends here!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Comfort: This Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe brings back warm memories with every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything on hand—no need for specialty stores.
- Easy Prep and Baking: With clear steps, even beginners can nail this dish without stress.
- Perfect for Gatherings: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser during holidays or family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays an essential role in building that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and toasty flavors. I always recommend fresh sweet potatoes for the best natural sweetness and texture in this Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe.
- Sweet potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth-skinned varieties that will bake evenly and mash well.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to complement the natural potato flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melting it brings richness without overpowering the dish—plus, you control the salt perfectly.
- Milk: Helps keep the mashed potatoes creamy and smooth, so the texture isn’t dry or crumbly.
- Eggs: Acts as a binder to hold the casserole together after baking.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle, warm flavor kick that enhances the sweetness and rounds out the dish.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the natural flavors.
- Mini marshmallows: The crowning touch – toasted just right to get that golden, gooey topping you’ll love.
Variations
One thing I love about this Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Depending on your preferences or dietary needs, you can tweak ingredients without losing that cozy, comforting spirit.
- Nutty Crunch: I sometimes sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top just before adding marshmallows for a delightful texture contrast.
- Dairy-free version: Swap out butter and milk for plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk—just as delicious but allergy-friendly.
- Spiced Up: Adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mash adds a warm, cozy note that pairs perfectly with the marshmallows.
How to Make Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Roast Your Sweet Potatoes
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. I like to line a sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup and place whole sweet potatoes on it. Prick them with a fork a few times so steam can escape while they bake. Depending on their size, bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the skins start to collapse slightly and a fork goes in easily—that’s a sign they’re perfectly soft inside.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
Lower your oven temperature to 350°F and let those baked sweet potatoes cool for about 20 minutes—this makes them easier to handle. While they’re cooling, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla, and salt in a mixing bowl. Once cooled, peel the sweet potatoes (I like to use my fingers or a small knife) and add the flesh to that bowl. Mash everything together then stir in your eggs until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole Base
Transfer your sweet potato mixture into a small 20-ounce baking dish—this recipe is perfect for that size. Pop it into the oven for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the eggs set. You’ll notice the mixture becomes firmer but still creamy, which is exactly what you want at this stage.
Step 4: Add Marshmallows and Finish Baking
Remove the casserole from the oven and scatter mini marshmallows on top. Then, bake again for another 5 to 10 minutes, watching closely until those marshmallows toast to a beautiful golden brown. The smell alone is enough to get everyone excited! Serve immediately for that perfect melty, fluffy topping.
Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe
- Let Sweet Potatoes Cool: Peeling the sweet potatoes when warm is tricky; letting them cool saves you frustration.
- Add Marshmallows Last Minute: Toast marshmallows just before serving to avoid them melting completely into sugar, which changes texture.
- Use Foil for Easy Cleanup: Lining your baking pan with foil during roasting makes cleanup effortless.
- Watch Baking Times: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on marshmallows to prevent them burning.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this casserole with a few extra toasty marshmallows for presentation, or sometimes a light sprinkle of chopped pecans to add crunch and a nutty aroma. A light dusting of cinnamon can also add a cozy aroma and a pop of color that makes it look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
My family usually pairs this casserole with a savory roast—like turkey or ham—plus some green vegetable sides like sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. The sweetness from this recipe complements saltier mains perfectly and balances your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins—it feels extra fancy and perfect for guests. Another fun trick is layering the sweet potato mash and marshmallows in a glass baking dish, so your guests can see those golden marshmallows on top as they bake, building excitement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe, wrap leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I always recommend covering the casserole to keep it moist and prevent the marshmallows from drying out or getting sticky.
Freezing
Freezing works well if you prepare the casserole base (through step 4) without the marshmallows. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking and adding fresh marshmallows on top.
Reheating
I reheat leftover casserole in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through. Then I add fresh mini marshmallows on top and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to restore that signature golden, gooey top. Microwave tends to make the marshmallows rubbery, so I avoid that method.
FAQs
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Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe?
While canned sweet potatoes are convenient, fresh roasted sweet potatoes offer better flavor and texture. If using canned, drain them well and mash thoroughly, but you might lose some of the natural depth that roasting brings.
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What size baking dish is best for this recipe?
This recipe works best in a 20-ounce (0.6L) baking dish. It keeps the casserole from being too thick or thin, allowing even baking and perfect marshmallow to potato ratio.
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How do I prevent marshmallows from melting into the potatoes?
Add marshmallows only in the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking. Waiting until just before serving helps keep them toasted and fluffy instead of melting away into a sugary mess.
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Can I prepare this Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole through baking the sweet potato base and store it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add marshmallows fresh and bake before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe has become a heartfelt tradition in my kitchen—there’s really nothing like that golden, toasted marshmallow topping paired with the creamy sweet potatoes underneath. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the same cozy feelings I do when I serve it. Trust me, whether it’s the holidays or a casual Sunday dinner, this casserole will bring warmth and smiles to your table every time.
PrintSweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A deliciously creamy and sweet sweet potato marshmallows casserole that combines tender baked sweet potatoes with a rich blend of sugar, butter, milk, and eggs, topped with golden toasted mini marshmallows for a perfect holiday side dish or comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh sweet potatoes
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons (2 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a sheet pan with foil. Place the sweet potatoes on the pan and prick them with a fork. Bake for 40-50 minutes, depending on size, until the skins start to collapse and a fork pierces them easily. Remove from the oven.
- Cool and Prepare Mixture: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and allow the sweet potatoes to cool for at least 20 minutes. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes and Mix: Peel the cooled sweet potatoes, add them to the bowl with the sugar mixture, and mash everything together thoroughly. Stir in the eggs until well incorporated.
- First Bake of Casserole: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a small 20-ounce (0.6L) baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F (177°C).
- Add Marshmallows and Toast: Remove the baking dish from the oven, scatter the mini marshmallows evenly over the top, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the marshmallows are toasted and lightly golden brown. Serve immediately for best results.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole up to step 4 ahead of time. After cooling, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes before adding marshmallows and toasting them for 5-10 minutes.
- Adding and toasting marshmallows just before serving prevents dissolving and preserves texture and appearance.
- For smaller servings (about 2), halve the ingredients accordingly and use a 0.6L baking dish with the same cooking times.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg