Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (with Marshmallows!) - Oh Sweet Basil (2024)

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This easy Sweet Potato Casserole is topped with marshmallows and a brown sugar streusel topping. It’s so easy to make, and kids always love it! It’s a Ruth’s Chris Copycat gone wild, so if you love their famous Sweet Potatoes then jump in, and let’s get cooking!

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This recipe is undeniably the best marshmallow sweet potato casserole on earth. We just made it again for Thanksgiving, and it was my favorite side dish this year. In fact, I’m going to make it again for Christmas and I think you all should too! They are great for Easter too!

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (with Marshmallows!) - Oh Sweet Basil (1)

Sweet Potato Souffle with Marshmallows

Several years ago, I remember making this recipe with our four-year-old. She was so excited about making it, that she had call Cade, with my supervision of course, to tell him that SHE just made the best dinner ever. It’s definitely not “dinner” as we had more than just sweet potato casserole for dinner, and she most certainly did not make it all by herself, but the girl did quite a bit! And she loved it!

Can all of us moms have a moment of silence for a toddler who loved something that would become dinner? Not just ate it, but loved it! Alright, that could have something to do with the amount of sugar and marshmallows in this dish, but I won’t tell if you won’t.

I used to hate “yams” at Thanksgiving because they were an awful orange, dripping with some weird syrup (gag!), and they tasted like grossness with burned, flat, hard marshmallows on top.

Now I know better. Now I know that it was the person bringing them that was the problem, bless their hearts (that’s what you say to make a mean thing sound better). Sweet potatoes are awesome, they just need to be cooked correctly and if you must do the marshmallow thang, well let’s just do it my way at least.

Make the sweet taters into a souffle (easy peasy, so don’t get nervous on me…a potato ricer is a game changer) and then use both marshmallows and a brown sugar streusel on top. Trust me, your guests will be BEGGING for the recipe.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (with Marshmallows!) - Oh Sweet Basil (2)

Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients

To make this easy sweet potato casserole recipe with marshmallows, you’ll need:

  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Egg
  • Unsalted Butter
  • Salt
  • White sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Milk
  • Mini Marshmallows
  • All-Purpose Flour
  • Panko Bread Crumbs
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs

The measurements for all the ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post. You can save or print the recipe there as well.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (with Marshmallows!) - Oh Sweet Basil (3)

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet potato recipe might not be as easy as dumping canned yams into a casserole dish and topping them with marshmallows, but it’s pretty easy nonetheless! Here’s how to make this sweet potato dish:

  1. Bake the sweet potatoes until tender.
  2. Peel the sweet potatoes, then mash them in a bowl using a potato masher.
    • PRO TIP: If you have potato ricer, use that on your sweet potatoes to make them extra silky smooth!
  3. Mix in the egg, butter, salt, sugars, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla using a wooden spoon or hand mixer.
  4. Turn the mixture into a baking dish, then bake for 30 minutes.
  5. Remove from oven and top with marshmallows and streusel topping, then return to oven for 20 minutes.
  6. Let the sweet potato casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving it.

The complete instructions can be found down below in the recipe so keep scrolling for all the details.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (with Marshmallows!) - Oh Sweet Basil (4)

Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes?

Yes, you can make this sweet potato recipe with canned sweet potatoes if desired. Just make sure to drain them really well before mashing them.

Can I Add Nuts to This Sweet Potato Casserole?

If you prefer your sweet potato casserole with nuts, feel free to sprinkle some on top when you add the marshmallows. Pecans and walnuts would both work nicely here.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (with Marshmallows!) - Oh Sweet Basil (5)

Tips for Making Sweet Potato Casserole

When you first roast the sweet potatoes, you want them to be super soft before mashing them. I can usually tell when my sweet potatoes are finished because they start leaking juice once soft.

Because the sweet potato mixture is like a souffle, you must include the egg. I don’t know of a way to omit the eggs and still have the texture come out right.

If you don’t have mini marshmallows on hand, you’re welcome to chop up regular sized marshmallows and use those instead.

Can Sweet Potato Casserole Be Made Ahead of Time?

Want to make this marshmallow sweet potato casserole ahead of time? Follow these make ahead instructions…You can bake the potatoes and mash them days ahead and store in the fridge in an airtight container. You can make the crumble topping ahead of time too and store in a Ziploc bag, even a month ahead, and store in the freezer. The day before, you can make the souffle and store in the refrigerator. Bake this sweet potato casserole on the day of in order to avoid yucky marshmallows.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (with Marshmallows!) - Oh Sweet Basil (6)

Can Sweet Potato Casserole Be Frozen?

Yes, follow all the instruction for making the souffle and freeze it without the marshmallow and streusel topping. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw and then add the toppings and bake as directed.

How to Reheat Sweet Potato Casserole

If you want to reheat a whole casserole, stick it in the oven and warm it up at 300 degrees until heated through. To reheat just a serving, I prefer to just zap it in the microwave.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (with Marshmallows!) - Oh Sweet Basil (7)

This is the best sweet potato casserole recipe and it couldn’t be easier to make! The flavor is irresistible and it’s the one holiday side dish that could pass as a dessert. I can’t wait for you to taste this one!

More Thanksgiving Side Dishes:

  • Lemon Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
  • Southern Grape Salad with Pecans
  • Instant Pot Southern Macaroni and Cheese
  • Southern English Pea Salad
  • The Best Deviled Eggs Recipe
  • The Best Mashed Potatoes
  • Southern Macaroni and Cheese

Sweet Potato Casserole

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4.42 from 12 votes

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 1 hour hr

Cook Time: 50 minutes mins

Total Time: 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Description

This easy Sweet Potato Casserole is topped with marshmallows and a brown sugar streusel topping. It’s so easy to make, and kids always love it!

Ingredients

  • 3 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, (any milk will do)

Topping

  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1/3 cup butter, cold and cut in cubes
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

Instructions

Make the Casserole

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

  • Place a piece of tin foil on the oven rack.

  • Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.

    3 medium sweet potatoes

  • Carefully peel the potatoes and turn the oven down to 350 degrees F.

  • Place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl and smash them until smooth.

  • Add the egg, butter, cinnamon, salt, sugars, vanilla and milk.

    1 large egg, 1/4 cup butter, 1 pinch of salt, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

  • Using a handheld or standing mixer, beat everything together until smooth.

  • Pour the mixture into an 8×9-inch baking dish (8×8 or 9×9 works too) and bake for 30 minutes.

  • Remove from the oven and top with the marshmallows, then the crumb topping (see instructions below on how to make it), making sure to cover the marshmallows as much as possible, and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

    2 cups mini marshmallows

  • Allow to cool for 5 minutes and serve.

Make the Topping

  • In a medium sized bowl, add the cold butter, flour, sugar and cinnamon.

    1/3 cup butter, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

  • Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut into the mixture until the butter is well incorporated.

  • I like to use my hands at the end.

  • Stir in the panko and graham cracker crumbs and set aside until you're ready to top the casserole.

    1/2 cup panko bread crumbs, 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

Notes

Want to make this ahead? You can bake the potatoes and mash them days ahead and store in the fridge as well as the crumb topping in a ziploc bag or even a month ahead and store in the freezer. The day before you can make the souffle and store in the fridge. Bake the day of in order to avoid yucky marshmallows

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 579kcalCarbohydrates: 98gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 307mgPotassium: 487mgFiber: 4gSugar: 63gVitamin A: 16632IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Author: Sweet Basil

Course: 200+ Easy Side Dish Recipes Every Mom Needs, Over 300 Christmas Recipes and Ideas to Bring the Christmas Spirit

Cuisine: American

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FAQs

Why do Americans put marshmallows on sweet potato casserole? ›

Most people point to a 1917 pamphlet by the Angelus Marshmallow Company as the first time sweet potatoes and marshmallows came together. This company is believed to be the first to commercially-produce and sell the squishy white marshmallows we know, roast, and snack on today.

How do you make sweet potato casserole not watery? ›

Eggs and cream help stabilize the dish and prevent it from becoming too runny (a common complaint with many sweet potato casserole recipes). Make it as smooth or chunky as you like!

Why is my sweet potato casserole soupy? ›

(Another hot tip if you're boiling your sweet potatoes: Don't overcook them! They tend to absorb water, which could make the filling watery.) So, say you do have some undercooked bits of sweet potato.

Is sweet potato and marshmallow good? ›

This sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is gooey and delicious! It's a family favorite for holidays that you can bake ahead and reheat. This sweet potato casserole with marshmallows toes the line between side dish and dessert — and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Why do African Americans eat sweet potato pie? ›

After emancipation, when African American cooks gained more access to their own equipment and refined ingredients, they continued the tradition of baking with yams and sweet potatoes — especially the pie. These deep roots became the foundation of a strong tradition in African American food culture.

What do Americans call sweet potato and marshmallows? ›

Sweet potato casserole, which generally has marshmallows on it, is a sickeningly sweet dish, typically eaten at Thanksgiving, which starts with sweet potatoes and then adds brown sugar, vanilla and marshmallows, among other things.

How do you thicken a sweet potato casserole? ›

Everything you'll need to make this recipe.

Choose orange sweet potatoes for the best flavor and sweetness. Brown sugar adds a depth of flavor with a hint of molasses and helps create a caramel-like sauce. All-purpose flour will help thicken the sauce and give some structure.

How do you tell when sweet potato casserole is done? ›

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture, then pop it into the oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You will know it's done when the topping is lightly browned and the center of your casserole is set and firm.

Should sweet potatoes be soaked in water before baking? ›

TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: The main secrets to achieving that incredible crispy texture, is to soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove the starch from the sweet potatoes so they´re not limp & soggy.

Is it better to bake or boil sweet potatoes? ›

Baking can also cause an 80% drop in vitamin A levels, twice as much as boiling. Therefore, from a nutritional standpoint, boiling rather than baking should be recommended for cooking sweet potato.

How do you moisten a casserole? ›

The best way to prevent it from drying out is to add a little bit of water, around ¼ cup, to the top of it. Allow the water to seep between the food and the sides of the baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil to seal in the moisture.

Can you over cook sweet potatoes? ›

They are also roasted at high heat, making them perfectly crispy and cooked through in just 30 minutes. Can you overcook sweet potatoes? Unfortunately, yes!

What does sweet potato do for gut? ›

Along with anti-inflammatory properties, sweet potatoes have plenty of gut-friendly fiber, especially if you eat the skin. They are a mixture of soluble fiber, which can lower cholesterol and balance glucose, and insoluble fiber, which helps keep your bowels healthy and regular.

Why do people add marshmallows to sweet potatoes? ›

Despite what your grandmother says, this cloying side dish didn't originate as a family recipe. It was concocted by Big Marshmallow as a way to push the candy on Americans. Though the tubers are high in sugar to begin with, there's historical precedent for treating sweet potatoes like dessert.

Do Americans put marshmallow on sweet potato? ›

The American tradition of cooking sweet potatoes with marshmallows is a bit of a leap for the European reader. But it always pays to keep an open mind.

Why do marshmallows go with sweet potatoes? ›

Sweet Marketing

According to Saveur, it was 1917 when the first instance of sweet potatoes baked with a coat of marshmallows appeared in a recipe booklet commissioned by Angelus Marshmallows. Since then, the dish found its way into more and more culinary publications, allowing for nationwide recognition.

Do Americans eat sweet potatoes with marshmallows? ›

Served alongside savoury mains but certainly a super sweet dish is this much-loved American addition to the Thanksgiving table. Essentially the dish is a sweet potato mash of sorts topped with a thick, gooey layer of toasted marshmallows.

Is sweet potato and marshmallow American? ›

Sweet potato casserole was first promoted by a marshmallow company. Although it might seem strange to eat a dessert-like side dish alongside savory food, such sweet dishes have been common in American cooking since way back, according to Kitchn.

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