If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate a classic side to something truly comforting and festive, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping Recipe is the perfect answer. It’s a beautiful blend of creamy, spiced sweet potatoes beneath a golden, buttery streusel topped by soft, toasted marshmallows that add a touch of nostalgia and sweetness. This dish isn’t just for holidays; it’s the kind of cozy, heartwarming casserole that can brighten any meal or bring smiles around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step toward making this recipe shine. Each component plays a vital role: from the natural sweetness and creaminess of the sweet potatoes to the warm spices that awaken your senses, and the buttery topping that adds texture and richness.
- 3 lbs fresh sweet potatoes: Use firm, large sweet potatoes for the best natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture to make the filling luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings deep, caramel-like sweetness to the potatoes.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Enhances richness and helps bind the filling perfectly.
- 2 eggs: Provide structure and help the casserole set without becoming dry.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Bright and warm; a hallmark spice of this comforting dish.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of earthiness complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A fragrant note that lifts all the flavors and adds sweetness.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the natural flavors.
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour: The base of the streusel topping that adds a delicate crumbly texture.
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and sweetness to the topping.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Mirroring the filling, it flavors the streusel for continuity.
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg: Creates subtle warmth in the topping.
- Pinch of ground cloves: Offers a gentle, aromatic spice that enhances the topping’s complexity.
- 3 tbsp salted butter, melted: Binds the topping ingredients and adds a buttery richness.
- 2-3 cups marshmallows: The crowning glory; they toast to golden perfection, adding that irresistible sweetness and softness.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (176°C). It’s important the oven is fully heated so the casserole cooks evenly and the marshmallows toast beautifully at the end.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cut about 3 pounds of fresh sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Boil them in a large pot until fork-tender, roughly 8 minutes. This ensures the sweet potatoes cook through without getting soggy, making them perfect for mashing.
Step 3: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Drain and transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a bowl. Mash them until they reach your preferred smoothness — creamy but with just enough texture keeps the casserole interesting.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
To the mashed sweet potatoes, add milk, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until wonderfully combined. This blend balances sweetness, spice, and creaminess in every bite.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour your sweet potato filling into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. If you want to prepare ahead, refrigerating it now for up to two days works perfectly, giving you flexibility for busy days.
Step 6: Bake Initially
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the filling to heat through. This step cooks the eggs and melds the flavors beautifully before adding the crunchy topping.
Step 7: Prepare the Streusel Topping
While the casserole is baking, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl. Add the melted butter and mix until the texture turns crumbly and slightly sticky. This topping will provide a buttery, spiced contrast to the smooth filling below.
Step 8: Add Topping and Marshmallows
Once the casserole has baked initially, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato layer. Then, generously cover with 2 to 3 cups of marshmallows, depending on how gooey and sweet you like your topping.
Step 9: Final Bake and Toast
Return the casserole to the oven and bake until the marshmallows puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown, around 10–15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; there’s nothing like perfectly toasted marshmallows crowning your dish!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the toasted marshmallows. These add a delightful crunch and a pop of color that makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or ham, making it an ideal side dish for holiday meals. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed green beans or a crisp mixed green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, bake the Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for personal servings. This creates a charming presentation and allows everyone to enjoy their own marshmallow-topped delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after resting, making leftovers just as enjoyable.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked sweet potato casserole without the marshmallow topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh marshmallows for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven-safe dish at 325°F (163°C) covered with foil until warmed through. Add marshmallows on top during the last 5–10 minutes to refresh that iconic toasted topping.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes, but fresh ones provide a creamier texture and more vibrant flavor. If using canned, make sure to drain them well and mash thoroughly before mixing.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk, like almond or oat, and swap butter for a vegan margarine or coconut oil. The texture will still be creamy and delicious.
How can I prevent marshmallows from burning?
Keep a close eye during the last baking stage and remove the casserole as soon as the marshmallows turn a golden brown. You can also broil for just a minute, but watch carefully as marshmallows can go from toasted to burnt quickly.
Can I make the streusel topping nut-free?
This recipe’s streusel topping is naturally nut-free, but if you add nuts as a garnish, simply omit them to keep it safe for nut allergies.
How many servings does this casserole make?
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping Recipe comfortably serves about 10 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping Recipe enough as a must-have in your recipe collection. It’s a joyful blend of sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy that brings warmth to any occasion. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become one of your go-to comfort foods, ready to impress your friends and family year-round.
