This is the Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows. This tried and true family recipe, passed down through three generations, is the real deal with butter, brown sugar, and fresh mashed sweet potatoes, all topped with melted marshmallows. This classic and old-fashioned recipe will be a hit at your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter table.
Finish off your holiday meal with my Vegetarian Stuffing, Cheesy Green Bean Casserole, and Cranberry Orange Relish.
The Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
This is hands down the best Sweet Potato Casserole with marshmallows. This classic southern dish was first made by my grandmother, and then my Mom, and now me, for holidays. It's been on Running in a Skirt for over a decade and has been viewed almost 400,000 times. It's a classic holiday comfort dish with cozy mashed sweet potatoes, seasoned with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. It's then baked off with fluffy marshmallows and browned to golden perfection. It has just the right amount of butter and sweetness to be the star of your holiday table.
This beloved dish was made every year by my Mom, who is no longer with us. She was very southern in her style of cooking, so you could expect a dash (or a lot) of sugar to go into most dishes. And it all tasted so good. So it's no surprise that her famous sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is the real deal. Yup, I'm talking brown sugar AND real butter AND marshmallows, friends. I don't cook with these ingredients a lot, but when I do, I do it with love and in keeping her memory alive.
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows recipe uses fresh sweet potatoes, hand-mashed to perfection, and big doses of cinnamon and nutmeg. Even though it looks fancy, it's surprisingly easy to put together with only a handful of basic ingredients.... many of which you probably already have. This side dish is so rich that it gives dessert vibes.
If you are looking for the perfect traditional sweet potatoes to add to your holiday meal, this is it. This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is downright delicious. It's perfect for your Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or holiday table.
Why You'll Love this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows...
- This Sweet Potato Casserole with marshmallows creates the fluffiest, most delicious sweet potatoes you'll try.
- It's an easy Sweet Potato Casserole recipe that's just 5 ingredients.
- If you are looking for a sure thing for your holiday table, this is it. This recipe is tested year after year.
- It's simple yet still tastes amazing.
- Did you see those pretty marshmallows?
- I believe in traditional family recipes, and I believe in THIS recipe. I know if you try it, you will feel the same.
Ingredients:
Here's an overview of what you'll need to make this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows, but keep scrolling for the full recipe amounts.
- Sweet Potatoes: This recipe uses three pounds of sweet potatoes. I use fresh sweet potatoes, not canned, as my Mom did. Peel them and cut them into 1-inch cubes. You can use canned, but I think fresh sweet potatoes taste so much better. If using canned, use 3 29-ounce cans. You want sweet potatoes and not yams for this. Yams are a starchy root vegetable that's slightly less sweet at the supermarket.
- Brown Sugar: You can use light or dark brown sugar for this recipe. You need the real stuff here!
- Butter: Butter makes the potatoes rich and creamy. You can make this dairy-free by using dairy-free butter.
- Cinnamon: I use a heavy hand with the cinnamon to get the flavor she did.
- Nutmeg: Nutmeg balances out the cinnamon. You can also use pumpkin pie spice.
- Milk: You can use whatever type of milk you keep in the house. I usually make this with 2% but to make it extra rich, you can use whole milk. A splash of milk gives the potatoes a lighter texture.
- Marshmallow: Mini marshmallows make this recipe so fun and southern. I occasionally will eat marshmallows, but they aren't strictly vegetarian. If you have concerns, try these vegan marshmallows.
Instructions:
This is an overview of the instructions to make the best Sweet Potato Casserole with marshmallows, but the full, detailed, printable recipe is below in the recipe card.
- First, you need to precook the sweet potatoes to mash them. In a large pot with salted water, cover the cubed sweet potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Simmer until tender, which should be around 20 minutes. You want them to be very soft. Drain the water from the sweet potatoes.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or mixer. I like to use this kind of potato masher with a grate on it.
- Add the rest of the ingredients - the milk, brown sugar, butter, and spices and stir well. Taste and add more brown sugar if desired.
- Smooth the sweet potato mixture into your Grandmother's casserole dish or a 1 ½ quart baking dish. Sprinkle the marshmallows to the top. You want them to be in just one layer.
- I recommend adding just a single layer of marshmallows on top to get the best cooked consistency and to keep them from melting into the casserole.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown. It should look like this out of the oven. Cooking time can vary, so keep an eye on the marshmallows so they don't burn. If the marshmallows start to burn, you can cover the dish with foil.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Variations
I love this Sweet Potato Casserole with marshmallows as written, but here are some fun variations.
- Make it Sweeter: My Mom's big secret is that she made her recipe and THEN added even more brown sugar until it was absolutely sinful. If you really want to channel her sweet tooth, I suggest doing the same thing... but just for Thanksgiving. AND maybe Christmas too.... I promise not to tell.
- Add Pecans: You can also add chopped pecans or walnuts on top to make more of a streusel.
- Add Vanilla: You can also bring out the flavors of the potatoes by adding some vanilla extract.
- Steam the Potatoes: You can also steam your sweet potatoes or bake them whole before mashing them. My Mom boiled them, so that's how I included them in this recipe.
- Make it in Individual Portions or Large Batch: This recipe can be very easily adjusted for the size of your party! You can half it to make a small batch sweet potato casserole for a couple or a small family. When I make this for my extended family, I easily double or even triple it. It bakes easily in different-sized casserole dishes, too. This is a pretty easy and forgiving recipe.
FAQ
Storage & Leftovers
Store any leftover sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This stores and reheats well.
Freezing
This dish also reheats and freezes well. To freeze the sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, make it up until the point you are going to add the marshmallows. Cover, freeze, and store until you need it. It should keep for 4-6 months.
Make Ahead
You can easily make this ahead of time for a holiday meal. Make the mashed sweet potatoes and put them in a casserole dish. It can stay in the fridge up to 48 hours before your event. Let it warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. When you are ready to bake the sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, ADD the marshmallow on top and bake according to the instructions.
When to add marshmallows to sweet potato casserole?
I add them right before baking so they can get golden brown.
Is it better to boil or bake sweet potatoes for a casserole?
The traditional way to cook them for a sweet potato casserole is to boil them, which is what I do. Boil them for about 20 minutes until fork-tender.
The Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
This is truly the best Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows. I just love how rich and delicious this tastes. If you are looking for that classic, family recipe for sweet potato casserole, you are in the right spot. I hope you end up loving this as much as the generations of my family have.
If you are looking for a healthier sweet potato recipe, you can also try my Creamy Honey Mashed Sweet Potatoes or my 4 Ingredient Roasted Sweet Potatoes.
This one is truly from my heart, guys. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! If you need more Thanksgiving recipes? Also, try my 50 Delicious and Mainly Healthy Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dishes. It includes some great side dishes to round out your holiday meal.
More Thanksgiving Side Dishes:
- Stuffed Butternut Squash
- Mushroom, Cranberry, and Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Crock Pot No Boil Mac & Cheese
- Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
- Vegetarian Stuffing
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
- Cranberry Orange Relish
If you make this The Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!
The Best Sweet Potato Casserole with marshmallows
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and roughly cubed into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk **
- 1 cup mini marshmallows*
Instructions
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork tender (about 20 minutes.)
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
- Mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher until smooth.
- Add the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and mix until well combined. Add the milk a small amount at a time to reach desired consistency. Taste to decide if you want to add even more brown sugar like my Mom did.
- Put sweet potatoes in a casserole dish and top with a layer of the marshmallows.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until marshmallows are golden brown.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin for later...
sylvia says
Planning to make this for Thanksgiving day but will be traveling so will need to prepare it the Monday before. Would it be okay to refrigerate from Monday until Thursday or should I freeze it?
Christine @ myblissfulmess.com says
My son LOVES sweet potato casserole, and this recipe is so simple to make. I used ½ the brown sugar called for in this recipe (because honestly, sweet potatoes are quite sweet on their own), and I used 1% milk to cut back on some calories. This worked out very well and it came out with the perfect flavor (just the right sweetness) and it looked so pretty with the toasted marshmallows on top. Another bonus for my family is that this recipe does not call for any nuts of any kind. Big bonus for my daughter who has a peanut and tree nut allergy! Thank you for this wonderful recipe!
Tatiana says
This such a classic old fashioned casserole recipe that our family only makes for Thanksgiving. Its so delicious with that extra brown sugar in top.
Melanie says
A classic that never goes out of style! This looks easy and delicious! Can't wait to try it!
Dana says
This casserole is a classic at our Thanksgiving table. You can't argue with food that has great memories attached! As far as I'm concerned, sweet potato casserole is a staple at southern Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts.
Natalie says
Oh yum! These marshmallows on top are winners. I'm making this for Thanksgiving. Looks delicious and super buttery!
Gloria says
I don't think there is a holiday dinner table that this does not make!! Always a delicious hit with everyone.
Claudia Lamascolo says
Mom sure knows how to prepare the best casserole, her recipe is spot on perfect and we loved it!
Monique says
What is the serving size?
JulieWunder says
6-8 people! Enjoy!
Savanna says
Can you make the day before and refrigerator bake the day you serve it?
JulieWunder says
YES!
Kristel says
What size casserole dish did you use?
JulieWunder says
A 9x12 baking dish
Kristel says
What if you double the recipe? Would the baking times change?
Melissa says
I made this for Thanksgiving and now my son asks me every holiday to please make it. Love this recipe. Thanks for sharing it.
Miz Helen says
Your recipe is awesome, I have pinned it. We really enjoy you sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope to see you again soon!
Miz Helen
JulieWunder says
THanks so much Miz Helen! I always appreciate your support.
Chistine says
This. looks. AMAZING! Thanksgiving is the one day where I would allow myself to have something like this and enjoy every bite!
JulieWunder says
Totally! Thanksgiving is the perfect day for some indulgences!
Farrah says
Yummy! 😀 I love both this + the roasted slices one--they both look amazing, and I like to think they balance each other out! ;P
Michelle at A Dish of Daily Life says
I've never had anything like this before! It looks so yummy!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Michelle! It is very southern and very good! I only eat it at Thanksgiving though 🙂
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
Wow, this sounds sinful! I've never had a traditional sweet potato casserole like this. I feel like it would be a bit too sweet for me...is it served as dessert?
JulieWunder says
Nope! Totally a side dish. It is sweet, but balanced very well. It's very southern 🙂
Jess @hellotofit says
Okay, now I really can't wait for Thanksgiving!!
My mom makes Martha Stewart's mashed potatoes every year. So good. And yes, there's heavy cream and butter involved.
JulieWunder says
Oh! I bet that is delicious! I put just milk in mine!
Mandi Korn says
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I think my daughter and your mother had a lot in common. When I ask her what she wants to eat, she always answers, "Something sweet, please". I love this kind of dish, their are so many variations out there, so something this simple is probably the best. I will let you know if I make it and how it turns out.
JulieWunder says
Please do! It's funny how some people are programmed sweet and some savory! I just love ALL food!
Heather@hungryforbalance says
Sweet potato casserole is my favorite! This one looks totally sinful and indulgent! Perfect for the holidays!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Heather! It is like sweet holiday perfection!
Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com says
Oh my goodness - this sounds so amazing! And the roasted slices look delicious too!! Adding both to my "must try" list! Thank you!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Rachel! Something for everyone 🙂 The slices are my day to day favorite!
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
Thank you so much for sharing a recipe so dear to you! It looks absolutely delicious. I have only started liking sweet potato casseroles in the last year. My favorite family recipe was my grandpa's cinnamon rolls. I haven't shared the recipe quite yet! haha
JulieWunder says
I'm glad you started liking sweet potatoes! There is so much to like in this one!
Robin says
Looks awesome and yummy.. Thanks for sharing
JulieWunder says
Thanks Robin!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Hi Julie, Although I'm all for healthy eating, I'm also all for good recipes with that are totally decadent and authentic, so I'm all over your Mom's sweet potato casserole here. It sounds amazing!! Passing it along to my own Mom to make for Thanksgiving when I visit this year! 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Ashley! That means so much to me!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
looks yum! WE are both on the sweet potato page this week. Yours is much more decadent 🙂
JulieWunder says
We are! We took it in polar opposite directions 🙂 Something for everyone now!
April Puglisi says
Thank you for sharing this. I will fix this for Thanksgiving yummy !!!!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks April! I know you will enjoy it.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I don't really think that sweet potato needs all the extra stuff, but I totally agree with you that indulgent food totally has its place in a healthy diet and life. And, even more important, I'm glad that you are helping to bring your mom to the Thanksgiving table. She would be so proud of you, Julie. I know she would.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Susie! That means a lot to me.
Blane Sherer says
I'm glad you shared your mom's recipe.
I know it's close to your heart and it's a nice reminder for you.
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much!
Jenny says
Yum! Your mom had the right idea as far as I'm concerned. I like my sweet potatoes cinnamon-spice-y and basically like pie in a casserole dish. Don't mess with a southern Thanksgiving, give me allthebutterandbrownsugar on Thursday, and we'll have a green juice and salads on Friday. Worth it. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
JulieWunder says
EXACTLY! I could not agree more 🙂