Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows: 5 Easy Steps

Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is a crowd-pleasing holiday dish that combines the rich, creamy texture of mashed sweet potatoes with a crispy, caramelized pecan topping and gooey, golden brown marshmallows. This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering, offering a balance of sweet and savory flavors that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

Why This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a Must-Make

If you’re looking for a dish that combines simplicity, comfort, and crowd appeal, this sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is the perfect recipe. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s both easy to make and highly customizable, making it an ideal addition to any holiday table. The sweet potatoes are perfectly mashed with a blend of spices and topped with a crunchy pecan crumble, all crowned with mini marshmallows that bake to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate balance of textures and flavors in one dish.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

This sweet potato casserole is made with a few simple ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sweet Potatoes: The base of the casserole, providing a creamy texture and natural sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a deep caramel flavor to the filling.
• Butter: Gives the casserole its rich and smooth texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Adds a warm, cozy spice blend that’s perfect for fall.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor of the sweet potatoes with its aromatic essence.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a crispy pecan topping that adds texture to the casserole.
• Pecans: Provides crunch and a savory flavor contrast to the sweetness of the dish.
• Mini Marshmallows: The star of the dish, these marshmallows melt into a gooey, toasted topping.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to adjust the recipe to accommodate dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are some alternative ingredients:

• Coconut Sugar: Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener.
• Vegan Butter: Use dairy-free butter to make the casserole vegan-friendly.
• Maple Syrup: For a richer, more natural sweetness, you can replace the brown sugar with maple syrup.
• Gluten-Free Flour: If you need a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour in the pecan topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Making this sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is easy. Just follow these simple steps to prepare a dish that will impress everyone:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and cutting them into large chunks. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Place the chopped sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher until smooth.
4. Add the Filling Ingredients: To the mashed sweet potatoes, add melted butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
5. Prepare the Pecan Topping: In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, flour, salt, and chopped pecans. Stir until the ingredients are fully combined.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish. Then, sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potatoes.
7. Top with Marshmallows: Evenly spread mini marshmallows over the pecan topping.
8. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 25-35 minutes, or until bubbly and the marshmallows are golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the marshmallows.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Sweet Potato Casserole

To ensure your sweet potato casserole with marshmallows turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Watch the Marshmallows: Marshmallows brown quickly, so keep a close eye on the casserole during the final few minutes of baking. You want them golden, not burnt.
• Make Ahead: You can prep the casserole the day before by making the sweet potato filling and storing it in the refrigerator. Add the pecan topping and marshmallows just before baking.
• Texture Check: The sweet potatoes should be soft and mashable, but not too watery. If they seem too runny after mashing, you can add a little more butter to achieve the right consistency.
• Sweetness Level: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows pairs wonderfully with a variety of holiday mains and sides. Here are some pairing ideas:

• Roast Turkey: The sweet and savory combination of turkey and sweet potatoes is a classic.
• Green Bean Almondine: The freshness and crunch of green beans complement the creamy sweetness of the casserole.
• Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
• Make it Spicy: For a twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sweet potato filling to give the dish a kick.

Storing and Reheating Sweet Potato Casserole

Leftover sweet potato casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or heat in the microwave until warm.

Conclusion

Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is the ultimate holiday side dish, perfect for any celebration. With its velvety mashed sweet potatoes, crunchy pecan topping, and gooey toasted marshmallows, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special meal, this sweet potato casserole will undoubtedly be a crowd favorite. It’s a great balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love, and it’s easy enough to prepare for even novice cooks.

Make sure to try this recipe out next time you’re planning a holiday feast, and enjoy the comforting, nostalgic flavors of this classic dish. Your guests will be asking for the recipe, and you can proudly say you made the best sweet potato casserole with marshmallows they’ve ever had.

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More Relevant Recipes

• Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan: This classic version of sweet potato casserole is made with a rich pecan topping, similar to the marshmallow version, but with a deeper nutty flavor. It’s a great alternative for those who prefer less sweetness but still want that comforting, holiday vibe.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Honey: If you’re craving sweet potatoes in a simpler form, this recipe roasts them to perfection with a drizzle of cinnamon and honey, making it a deliciously sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with any holiday spread.
• Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes: For a savory twist on the classic, these garlic butter roasted sweet potatoes bring a rich, buttery flavor with the perfect balance of garlic and sweetness. This dish makes a great companion to other roasted vegetables and meats, and it’s an excellent addition to any meal.

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