When it comes to the holidays, few side dishes shine brighter than a Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows. Warm, comforting, and filled with nostalgic flavor, this dish has earned its place on countless dinner tables across America. Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast, planning a Christmas dinner, or simply searching for Dinner Recipes that bring both comfort and style to the table, this casserole is a timeless option.
In this in-depth article, we’ll dive into the full recipe, provide helpful cooking tips, discuss variations, and explain why this dish fits perfectly among your collection of Dinner Recipes. By the end, you’ll not only know how to make a flawless casserole, but you’ll also understand how to adapt it to your taste and impress everyone around the table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows:
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4–5 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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2 cups mini marshmallows (or enough to fully cover the top of your casserole)
Optional Topping Additions:
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1/2 cup chopped pecans (for crunch)
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1 tablespoon maple syrup (for extra flavor)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large pot for boiling sweet potatoes
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Potato masher or electric mixer
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Large mixing bowl
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Whisk
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Rubber spatula
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Oven
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender (about 15–20 minutes), then drain thoroughly.
Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Transfer the potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Use a masher or electric mixer to mash until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Stir in melted butter, both sugars, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until fully combined. Taste to adjust sweetness and seasoning.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 5: Top with Marshmallows
Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly across the top. If desired, add pecans or drizzle maple syrup for a gourmet twist.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and slightly melted.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. The result? A sweet, creamy base with a gooey, caramelized marshmallow topping that everyone will crave.
Why Sweet Potato Casserole is a Holiday Staple
This dish is more than just food — it’s tradition. Families across generations have enjoyed this casserole as part of their Thanksgiving spread. Its unique balance of sweet and savory makes it versatile, pairing beautifully with turkey, roasted vegetables, or even ham.
Among Dinner Recipes, it stands out because it’s:
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Comforting and nostalgic
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Easy to prepare ahead of time
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Adaptable with countless variations
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Loved by both kids and adults
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
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Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes – Avoid canned sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
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Balance the Sweetness – Marshmallows already add sugar, so taste your mixture before adding extra sweeteners.
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Texture Options – For creamier casserole, use heavy cream. For a lighter version, stick with milk.
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Crispy Marshmallows – If you like a crispier topping, broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
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Make Ahead – Assemble the casserole without marshmallows a day ahead. Store in the fridge, then add marshmallows before baking.
Variations of Sweet Potato Casserole
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Nut Topping Only: Skip marshmallows and make a pecan crumble topping with brown sugar and butter.
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Marshmallow + Pecan Combo: A mix of textures makes this version irresistible.
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Healthier Option: Reduce the sugar and top with just a light marshmallow layer.
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Vegan Version: Use almond milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free marshmallows.
Nutritional Value (per serving, about 1 cup)
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Calories: ~280
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Carbohydrates: 48g
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Sugar: 26g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 9g
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Fiber: 5g
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Vitamin A: Over 300% of daily value
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Vitamin C: 25% of daily value
Pairing Sweet Potato Casserole with Other Dinner Recipes
This casserole fits beautifully with many holiday and everyday meals. Here are a few perfect pairings from the category of Dinner Recipes:
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Roast Turkey or Chicken – Classic holiday main course.
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Green Bean Casserole – Another holiday staple with creamy, savory flavor.
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Glazed Ham – Sweet and salty pairing perfection.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Adds earthy balance to the sweetness.
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Buttery Dinner Rolls – For soaking up all the flavors.
Why This Belongs in Your Dinner Recipes Collection
Among all the Dinner Recipes you might try, this dish brings something special. It’s not just food—it’s a memory maker. It’s versatile, delicious, and adaptable to your crowd. Whether you’re serving a family of four or hosting twenty guests, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows delivers comfort, flavor, and joy.
Conclusion
If you’re building your collection of go-to Dinner Recipes, make sure Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is at the top of the list. Its combination of creamy sweet potatoes, warm spices, and gooey marshmallows makes it a dish that’s not only delicious but also unforgettable.
Serve it once, and you’ll find your guests asking for it year after year. This holiday classic is a true comfort food hero — one that deserves its place in your kitchen traditions.