A Historical Overview
Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is a uniquely American tradition. Sweet potatoes were first cultivated by Native Americans and became a staple food in the South. In the early 20th century, marshmallows were introduced as a new confection, and recipe booklets promoted them as a modern topping for casseroles. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes and toasted marshmallows became a Thanksgiving classic, symbolizing the indulgence and festivity of the holiday season.
Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is rich, comforting, and wonderfully nostalgic. Fluffy mashed sweet potatoes are lightly sweetened and topped with golden, gooey marshmallows for the ultimate holiday side dish. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this dish brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of tradition to your table. With every bite, it’s like dessert and a side dish all in one—sure to be loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients
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4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
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½ cup brown sugar
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4 tbsp butter, melted
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½ cup milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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Pinch of salt
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2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.
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Stir in brown sugar, butter, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
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Spread mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
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Top with mini marshmallows.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, until marshmallows are golden brown.
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Serve hot and enjoy this sweet holiday favorite!
Notes
Swap marshmallows with a pecan streusel topping for less sweetness.
Use evaporated milk for a creamier texture
Add orange zest for a citrusy twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mashed sweet potato base a day before, refrigerate, and add marshmallows right before baking to keep them fresh and toasty.
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Definitely. Just drain them well before mashing. Canned sweet potatoes are softer, so you may need less milk.
3. How do I prevent marshmallows from burning?
Bake uncovered but watch closely during the last 5 minutes. For extra control, you can broil the top for 1–2 minutes instead of baking longer.
