Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows & Brown Sugar

The Comfort of Tradition: Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows & Brown Sugar

Nothing says “holiday comfort” quite like the warm, caramel-scented aroma of a sweet potato casserole baking in the oven. It’s the kind of dish that brings generations together — smooth, buttery sweet potatoes topped with golden brown sugar and gooey toasted marshmallows. Every bite is rich, nostalgic, and downright irresistible.

This old-fashioned sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and brown sugar captures everything we love about traditional Southern holiday cooking. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory, creamy and fluffy, rich yet comforting — the kind of dish that makes Thanksgiving (or Christmas) dinner feel complete.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, attending a potluck, or simply craving something cozy, this recipe delivers a taste of classic holiday magic with every spoonful.

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Why You’ll Love This Classic Sweet Potato Casserole

• Timeless Flavor: A tried-and-true holiday staple that never goes out of style.

• Creamy and Fluffy: Mashed sweet potatoes blended with butter, vanilla, and brown sugar.

• Sweet Crunch and Toasty Top: That irresistible layer of melted marshmallows and caramelized sugar.

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps, no fancy tools required.

• Perfect for Make-Ahead: Can be prepared a day before baking.

This recipe celebrates everything comforting and familiar — a true Southern favorite that turns any meal into a memory.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient works harmoniously to create layers of flavor and texture that everyone will love.

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

• 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds) – Peeled, cubed, and boiled until tender.

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick) – For richness and smooth texture.

• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark) – Adds deep caramel sweetness.

• ¼ cup milk or heavy cream – For creaminess and moisture.

• 2 large eggs – Bind the mixture and give it a light, fluffy texture.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Brings warmth and depth.

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds that cozy fall spice.

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional) – For a subtle hint of warmth.

• Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness.

For the Marshmallow-Brown Sugar Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar – Caramelizes beautifully while baking.

• 3 tablespoons melted butter – Helps the topping crisp and melt evenly.

• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.

• 2 cups mini marshmallows – The signature topping that turns golden and gooey in the oven.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into medium-sized chunks.

3. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.

4. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Drain well and let cool slightly.

Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy.

Pro Tip: For even more flavor, you can roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. Simply bake whole potatoes at 400°F for 45–50 minutes until soft, then scoop out the flesh. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness.

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Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Filling

To the mashed sweet potatoes, add melted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Mix until well combined and smooth. The mixture should be rich, fluffy, and slightly sweet — just right for layering with the topping.

Texture Tip: Don’t overmix; a few small lumps of sweet potato are okay and add a homemade feel.

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Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped pecans (if using). Stir until crumbly and evenly coated.

This mixture will create a rich, caramelized base beneath the marshmallows for an irresistible flavor contrast.

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Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish.

3. Sprinkle the brown sugar-pecan mixture evenly over the top.

4. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.

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Step 5: Add the Marshmallow Topping

Remove the casserole from the oven. Carefully scatter the mini marshmallows evenly across the top.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted and golden brown.

For an extra-toasty finish, you can broil the casserole for 30–60 seconds, but keep a close eye — marshmallows can burn quickly!

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The Secret to That Perfectly Toasted Marshmallow Top

• Use Mini Marshmallows: They melt evenly and brown perfectly.

• Add Them Late: Marshmallows added too early will melt completely before browning.

• Broil for Drama: For that beautiful campfire-style golden top, broil briefly at the end.

That first scoop — with creamy sweet potatoes and melty, golden marshmallow topping — is pure holiday bliss.

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Flavor Variations to Try

1. Pecan Streusel & Marshmallow Combo
Can’t decide? Add both! Layer brown sugar-pecan crumble on half the casserole, marshmallows on the other half — or both together for an ultra-indulgent version.

2. Maple-Brown Sugar Twist
Add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to the filling for a deeper caramel note.

3. Coconut Marshmallow Casserole
Sprinkle shredded coconut with the marshmallows for a sweet, toasty twist.

4. Cinnamon Swirl
Stir a tablespoon of cinnamon sugar into the topping for extra spice.

5. No-Nut Version
Simply skip the pecans if you prefer a nut-free casserole — it’s just as delicious and crowd-friendly.

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How to Make Ahead

Option 1: Assemble Ahead of Time

• Prepare the sweet potato filling and spread it in the dish.

• Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

• Before baking, bring to room temperature for 20 minutes.

• Add the topping and bake as directed.

Option 2: Bake Then Reheat

• Bake the casserole (without marshmallows), cool completely, and cover.

• Reheat at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

• Add marshmallows at the end and broil until golden.

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Storage and Reheating

To Store:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To Reheat:
Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through. If reheating individual portions, microwave for 1–2 minutes.

To Freeze:
Freeze the baked casserole (without marshmallows) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat, adding fresh marshmallows just before serving.

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What to Serve With Sweet Potato Casserole

This classic dish pairs beautifully with all your Thanksgiving favorites:

• Roast turkey or chicken – The sweet complements savory perfectly.

• Cranberry sauce – Adds tartness to balance the sweetness.

• Green bean casserole – Earthy and creamy pairing.

• Stuffing or cornbread dressing – Adds a comforting, savory balance.

• Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots – Enhance the cozy, caramelized flavors.

Whether on the main holiday table or served as part of a Sunday dinner, this dish completes any feast.

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Tips for the Perfect Casserole

1. Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: They have the best flavor and texture.

2. Mash While Warm: It’s easier to achieve smooth consistency.

3. Don’t Skip the Vanilla: It enhances the sweetness naturally.

4. Avoid Overbaking: Bake just until set to keep it moist and creamy.

5. Add Marshmallows at the End: Ensures a golden, fluffy topping instead of melted goo.

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Why Sweet Potato Casserole is a Southern Classic

In many Southern homes, sweet potato casserole is as essential as turkey and gravy. It represents tradition, hospitality, and warmth — a dish passed down through generations. The combination of brown sugar and marshmallows brings a nostalgic, dessert-like charm that perfectly complements savory dishes.

It’s also a symbol of Southern ingenuity: turning simple, earthy sweet potatoes into something celebratory and indulgent. One bite, and it’s clear why this dish remains a timeless Thanksgiving favorite.

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Nutrition Highlights (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 320

• Fat: 13g

• Carbohydrates: 47g

• Fiber: 4g

• Protein: 4g

• Sugar: 21g

It’s a sweet, comforting dish meant to be savored and shared — moderation optional during the holidays!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this without marshmallows?
Yes! It’s still delicious with just the brown sugar-pecan topping for a slightly less sweet but still indulgent dish.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Absolutely. Drain and mash before mixing with other ingredients. Adjust sweetness as canned varieties can be quite sugary.

Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, milk with almond or oat milk, and eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can use ⅓ cup brown sugar in the filling instead of ½ cup and reduce or skip the sugar in the topping for a lighter version.

Do I have to use pecans?
No. They’re optional, but they add a nice crunch and flavor contrast. You can replace them with oats or sunflower seeds for texture.

How do I make the topping extra crisp?
Bake uncovered for the last 5 minutes or broil briefly after adding marshmallows.

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Bringing It All Together: The Taste of Holiday Nostalgia

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Brown Sugar is more than just a side dish — it’s a taste of tradition. The rich sweetness of the mashed potatoes, the caramelized brown sugar topping, and the soft, golden marshmallows combine into a flavor that feels like home.

It’s the dish that makes kids and adults alike hover near the oven, waiting for that first warm, gooey scoop. The kind of recipe that’s requested year after year, generation after generation.

Whether it’s your first time making it or your fiftieth, this casserole will always hold a special place on your holiday table. Because sometimes, the simplest, most nostalgic recipes are the ones that bring the most joy.

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Leftover Ideas

If you happen to have leftovers (and that’s a big “if”), here are a few creative ways to use them:

• Sweet Potato Pancakes: Mix with a little flour and egg for a delicious breakfast treat.

• Pie Filling: Use as a shortcut base for sweet potato pie.

• Smoothie Boost: Blend a scoop with almond milk, banana, and cinnamon.

• Dessert Parfait: Layer with whipped cream or yogurt and crushed graham crackers.

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Final Thoughts

Few dishes embody the spirit of Thanksgiving quite like Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Brown Sugar. It’s warm, familiar, and deeply satisfying — a true comfort classic that ties the meal together with its sweet aroma and cozy flavor.

The golden marshmallows on top, the silky smooth filling, and the touch of brown sugar bring that unmistakable taste of the holidays to every bite. It’s not just a side dish — it’s a memory, baked to perfection.

So this holiday season, bring this beloved classic to your table, and watch it disappear faster than the turkey. Because nothing says “home for the holidays” quite like this sweet, nostalgic favorite.