Rich Sweet Potato Casserole, Marshmallow Topped (Print Version)
Rich Sweet Potato Casserole, marshmallow-topped, is a holiday classic. Learn my family's simple recipe, perfected over years, for a truly comforting side dish.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Sweet Potato Base
01 -
3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
02 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 -
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 -
1/2 cup whole milk
05 -
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
06 -
1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Flavor Enhancers
07 -
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
08 -
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
09 -
1/4 tsp salt
→ Crunchy Topping
10 -
2 cups mini marshmallows
11 -
1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by peeling and chopping those beautiful sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Get a large pot of salted water boiling – this is where I always forget to salt the water, oops! Add your sweet potato cubes and cook them until they're fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You want them soft enough to mash easily, but not disintegrating. Drain them really well; extra water makes for a watery casserole, and nobody wants that! The steam rising from the pot always smells so earthy and promising.
02 -
Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Now, grab a potato masher or a fork and get to work. I like a few small lumps in my sweet potato casserole; it gives it character, you know? While they're still warm, add the melted butter, brown sugar, whole milk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix it all up until it's well combined and smells absolutely divine. This is where you really start to see the vibrant orange color develop. Don't overmix, though; we’re not making baby food here!
03 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and give it a light spray with cooking spray. I’ve forgotten this step before, and scraping the sides was not fun! Pour your glorious sweet potato mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. It should look smooth and inviting, ready for its transformation. If you're adding toasted pecans to the base, sprinkle them in now before spreading. This is the calm before the marshmallow storm!
04 -
Now for the fun part: the marshmallows! Arrange those mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the sweet potato mixture. Don't be shy! I usually try to cover every inch, because who doesn't love a gooey, toasted marshmallow crust? If you're adding toasted pecans, sprinkle them over the marshmallows, too. This sweet potato casserole is about to get even better. I love how the little marshmallows look like fluffy clouds waiting to be browned.
05 -
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potato mixture is heated through and the marshmallows are beautifully golden brown and puffy. Keep a close eye on those marshmallows, though! They can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a flash, and I've learned that the hard way more than once. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely incredible during this step, a mix of sweet and warm spices.
06 -
Once it's out of the oven, let your Rich Sweet Potato Casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the marshmallows set a little and makes it easier to serve. The top should be a lovely golden-brown, slightly crisp, and the inside creamy. Honestly, resisting digging in immediately is the hardest part! Serve it warm, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy every sweet, comforting bite!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't over-mash the sweet potatoes; a few small lumps give it character.
02 -
You can prep the sweet potato mixture a day ahead and bake just before serving.
03 -
No pecans? Crushed cornflakes mixed with brown sugar and butter work surprisingly well!
04 -
Serve this warm, straight from the oven, with a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
potato masher
03 -
large mixing bowl
04 -
9x13-inch baking dish
05 -
spatula
06 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 4g