Few dishes capture the warmth, nostalgia, and spirit of the holidays quite like a Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows. With its creamy base of mashed sweet potatoes, buttery richness, and that irresistibly gooey, golden-brown marshmallow topping, this dish sits right at the crossroads of dessert and side dish — a hallmark of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and fall celebrations across America.

But this casserole isn’t just about taste — it’s about memories, tradition, and comfort. Whether it’s served beside roasted turkey, baked ham, or as the star of a cozy Sunday dinner, Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows always brings warmth to the table.

In this post, we’ll explore its origins, ingredient secrets, cooking techniques, variations, and expert tips to make your casserole perfect every time. Get ready for a 360° guide to this beloved holiday classic — because once you’ve made it right, you’ll make it every year.

1. The History Behind Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

While it feels like a long-standing Southern tradition, the pairing of sweet potatoes and marshmallows actually dates back to early 20th-century America.

In 1917, the Angelus Marshmallow Company (one of the first U.S. marshmallow producers) published a booklet featuring recipes that included marshmallows as a new, trendy ingredient. One of those recipes paired baked sweet potatoes with melted marshmallows on top — and the rest is history.

Over the decades, this sweet-savory dish became a Thanksgiving staple, particularly in the South, where sweet potatoes grow abundantly. Its appeal lies in the perfect contrast of flavors and textures — the earthy sweetness of the potatoes meets the toasty, sugary crunch of marshmallows.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows never goes out of style:

Perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and buttery flavors.
Crowd-pleasing — even those who don’t usually love sweet potatoes fall for this one.
Easy to make ahead, perfect for stress-free holiday prep.
Versatile — you can add pecans, maple syrup, or spices for your own twist.
Beautiful presentation — golden marshmallows on top make any table look festive.

3. Ingredients for the Perfect Sweet Potato Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need for the classic version:

For the filling:

4–5 large sweet potatoes (about 4 cups mashed)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup milk or heavy cream
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
A pinch of salt

For the topping:

2 cups mini marshmallows

Optional but recommended:

½ cup chopped pecans (for crunch)
Drizzle of maple syrup for depth and aroma

Pro tip: For a deeper flavor, roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. Roasting caramelizes their natural sugars and makes your casserole irresistibly rich.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the sweet potatoes

Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
Cut them into chunks and boil in salted water for about 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
Alternatively, roast them at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes until soft.

Step 2: Mash the potatoes

Once cooked, mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. You can use a potato masher or hand mixer for a fluffier texture.

Step 3: Mix the filling

Add melted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, and spices. Mix until fully combined and silky. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices to your preference.

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: Add toppings

Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly on top. For a more complex flavor, you can also add a layer of chopped pecans before the marshmallows.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and slightly crisp.

Keep an eye on the topping — marshmallows can brown quickly!

Step 7: Serve and enjoy

Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. The marshmallows will settle into a perfectly gooey topping that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling.

5. Variations to Try

The beauty of Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows lies in its adaptability. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

a. Crunchy Pecan Streusel

Swap marshmallows for a crumbly pecan topping:

Mix ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, 4 tbsp butter, and ½ cup chopped pecans.
Sprinkle over the casserole before baking.

b. Half & Half Topping

For guests who love marshmallows and others who prefer nuts — do both! Divide the casserole into two sections, topping one half with marshmallows and the other with pecan streusel.

c. Maple Bourbon Twist

Add 1 tbsp bourbon and 2 tbsp maple syrup to the filling for a deeper, more sophisticated flavor.

d. Healthier Version

Use coconut milk instead of cream, reduce sugar, and top with unsweetened coconut flakes or crushed walnuts instead of marshmallows.

6. Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead:

Prepare the filling 1–2 days in advance and refrigerate.
On the day of serving, top with marshmallows and bake as directed.

Storing Leftovers:

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving — it can make marshmallows rubbery.

Freezing:

Freeze without marshmallows for up to 2 months.
When ready to serve, thaw overnight, top with marshmallows, and bake fresh.

7. Expert Tips for the Best Casserole

Don’t overmix the filling — you want it smooth, not gluey.
Use real butter for richer flavor.
Brown sugar > white sugar — it adds depth and caramel notes.
Watch the bake time closely to prevent burnt marshmallows.
Add salt! A small pinch enhances sweetness and balances flavors.

8. The Perfect Pairings

This casserole complements almost any holiday dish, including:

Roast turkey or ham
Green bean casserole
Cranberry sauce
Stuffing or dressing
Garlic mashed potatoes

It also shines as a dessert alternative — especially when drizzled with maple syrup or caramel.

9. Why Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Wins Every Time

This dish embodies holiday comfort: the creamy richness of the sweet potatoes, the nostalgic sweetness of marshmallows, and that unmistakable aroma that fills the house while baking.

It’s more than food — it’s a tradition, a family moment, a reason to gather around the table and share stories.

Even people who claim they “don’t like sweet potatoes” often change their minds after tasting this one.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes! Drain them well before mashing. Fresh ones are better, but canned works in a pinch.

Q: Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely. Substitute butter with vegan butter, milk with coconut milk, and use vegan marshmallows.

Q: Why are my marshmallows melting too fast?
Your oven might be too hot. Try baking the casserole without marshmallows first, then add them for the last 10 minutes.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans.

11. The Sweet Potato Casserole Legacy

Every year, millions of home cooks recreate this dish — tweaking it with their own touches but keeping the heart of the recipe intact.

That’s the beauty of Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows: it connects generations through taste, nostalgia, and shared memories.

Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or adding another year to a beloved family tradition, this casserole belongs on your table.

Final Thoughts

Warm, comforting, and timeless — Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is the dish that never fails to bring people together. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest combinations — creamy sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, and fluffy marshmallows — can create pure holiday magic.