Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – Creamy, Easy & Delicious

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

The Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a quintessential comfort dish that combines the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with rich, buttery flavors and a golden, crunchy topping. This casserole is a staple for family gatherings, holiday dinners, and festive occasions, earning love for its creamy texture, warm aroma, and satisfying balance of flavors. Sweet potatoes, when cooked to perfection, are smooth and luscious, while the topping whether marshmallows, pecans, or brown sugar adds a delightful contrast of texture.

Home cooks adore this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe because it bridges simplicity and elegance. It is both a side dish and a dessert-worthy treat, versatile enough to serve alongside roasted meats, stuffing, or as a standalone indulgence. The Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe can be customized according to taste, making it adaptable to classic family traditions or modern twists. Its appeal lies in the combination of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors harmonized in a creamy, baked sweet potato base.

Every scoop of this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe offers a comforting bite of sweet potato richness, enhanced by the nutty, caramelized topping or a cloud of lightly toasted marshmallows. The aroma filling the kitchen while baking is nostalgic and inviting, making it a dish that draws everyone to the table. Whether it’s a sweet potato casserole with marshmallows easy or a more decadent version with pecans and brown sugar, this recipe delivers consistency, flavor, and presentation worth sharing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe combines professional techniques with approachable steps, making it perfect for home cooks:

  • Perfectly Creamy Sweet Potatoes
    The sweet potatoes are cooked to tender perfection, mashed with butter and sugar for a creamy, smooth texture that melts in the mouth.
  • Golden, Flavorful Topping
    Whether you prefer marshmallows, brown sugar with pecans, or a combination, the topping adds crunch and sweetness that complements the soft base.
  • Customizable and Adaptable
    Use fresh sweet potatoes, canned yams, or adjust toppings based on dietary preferences. This recipe works with sweet potato casserole with marshmallows canned yams recipes or brown sugar pecan sweet potatoes.
  • All Occasion Friendly
    Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or family dinners, this casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats and other holiday sides.
  • Easy to Make Ahead
    This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe can be prepared in advance, refrigerated, and baked just before serving, making it convenient for busy home cooks seeking make-ahead sweet potato casserole ideas.

Preparation and Cooking Time, Also Serving

  • Preparation Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Cooking/Baking Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50–60 minutes
  • Yield: 8–10 servings

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base

  • 4 cups cooked sweet potatoes (about 3–4 medium sweet potatoes), peeled and cubed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping Options

Marshmallow Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows

Brown Sugar Pecan Topping:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Substitution Notes:

  • Butter can be substituted with margarine or vegan butter for dairy-free options.
  • Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
  • Milk can be substituted with almond, oat, or soy milk.
  • Marshmallows can be replaced with coconut marshmallows or omitted for a nutty topping.
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. Boil or steam them until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Mash thoroughly until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. The smoothness of the sweet potatoes creates the creamy base essential for a luxurious casserole.

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Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture

Add melted butter, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix well until fully incorporated and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. This mixture is the heart of the sweet potato casserole with brown sugar and pecan topping or marshmallow-topped variations.

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Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish. Smooth the surface using a spatula to create an even layer. This forms the base ready for your chosen topping.

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Step 4: Add the Topping

For a marshmallow version, evenly scatter mini marshmallows over the surface. For a brown sugar pecan topping, combine flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Ensure the topping covers the surface uniformly for even browning.

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Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the marshmallows are lightly toasted. If using pecan topping, bake until the topping is crisp and caramelized. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

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Step 6: Serve the Sweet Potato Casserole

Use a large spoon or spatula to scoop portions onto individual plates. The creamy sweet potatoes and golden topping create an appealing contrast of texture and flavor. Pair with roasted meats, holiday sides, or serve as a standalone comfort dish. Garnish with additional pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

How to Serve

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is best served warm, allowing the creamy interior and topping to shine. For a classic presentation, scoop generous portions onto dessert plates or side plates for family meals. The combination of a golden, slightly crisp topping with soft, sweet potato base makes it appealing for both casual dinners and festive occasions. Adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a few mini marshmallows on top just before serving enhances the visual appeal and provides an inviting texture contrast.

For holiday or special occasions, arrange the Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe on a serving platter or casserole dish in the center of the table, letting guests serve themselves. Pairing with roasted meats, roasted vegetables, or other traditional holiday dishes creates a complete, colorful, and flavorful meal. Offering a small dish of extra topping, like toasted pecans or caramel drizzle, adds a gourmet touch and allows diners to customize their portions. This approach makes the sweet potato casserole with marshmallows easy or brown sugar pecan sweet potatoes not only delicious but visually impressive.

Additional Tips

  • Use firm, sweet potatoes like Jewel or Garnet for the best texture.
  • Mash sweet potatoes thoroughly for a creamy, uniform base.
  • Chill the sweet potato mixture slightly before adding marshmallows to prevent early browning.
  • Toast pecans lightly to enhance their nutty flavor before sprinkling on the casserole.
  • For extra richness, add a small amount of cream cheese to the sweet potato mixture.
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Recipe Variations

  • Marshmallow Topping Casserole: Top with mini marshmallows for a traditional, sweet finish.
  • Brown Sugar Pecan Casserole: A crisp topping made of brown sugar, flour, butter, and pecans for crunch.
  • Combination Casserole: Use a thin layer of brown sugar pecans under marshmallows for a dual-texture dessert.
  • Make-Ahead Version: Prepare the sweet potato base in advance, refrigerate, and add the topping before baking.

Freezing and Storage

  • To Store: Refrigerate in a covered dish for up to 3 days.
  • To Freeze: Assemble the sweet potato base without topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add topping before baking.
  • To Reheat: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain topping texture.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 180mg

Final Words

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe brings the perfect balance of creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy, flavorful topping to your table. Its versatility allows you to choose between marshmallow toppings, pecan and brown sugar crusts, or a combination of both. The rich, comforting flavors make it an ideal dish for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or anytime you want a touch of warmth and sweetness.

Preparing this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe at home allows you to adjust sweetness, spice, and toppings according to your preference, ensuring each bite is exactly as you enjoy it. From simple sweet potatoes with marshmallows easy to more indulgent brown sugar pecan sweet potatoes, this dish consistently delivers. It combines comfort, taste, and presentation in one satisfying recipe.

By following this guide, you will create a Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe that looks as delightful as it tastes, making your sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and no pecans or pecan variations a centerpiece worthy of family and friends. It’s a dish that showcases both your cooking skill and attention to detail while remaining approachable for home cooks of all levels. Enjoy the process, savor the aromas, and share a classic dessert that embodies warmth, sweetness, and festive spirit.

FAQ’s

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work well. Drain and mash thoroughly before combining with other ingredients.

Absolutely, prepare the sweet potato base in advance, refrigerate, and add the topping before baking.

Add them in the last 10–15 minutes of baking or watch closely and tent with foil if needed.

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used for a different nutty flavor.

Yes, freeze the base without topping for up to 2 months. Add topping before baking.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – Creamy, Easy & Delicious

Recipe by Bella SkyeCourse: Dinner
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

280

kcal

Ingredients

  • For the Sweet Potato Base
  • 4 cups cooked sweet potatoes (about 3–4 medium sweet potatoes), peeled and cubed

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • ¼ cup milk or heavy cream

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Marshmallow Topping:
  • 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows

  • Brown Sugar Pecan Topping:
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup packed brown sugar

  • ½ cup chopped pecans

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

  • Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. Boil or steam them until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Mash thoroughly until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. The smoothness of the sweet potatoes creates the creamy base essential for a luxurious casserole.
  • Add melted butter, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix well until fully incorporated and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. This mixture is the heart of the sweet potato casserole with brown sugar and pecan topping or marshmallow-topped variations.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish. Smooth the surface using a spatula to create an even layer. This forms the base ready for your chosen topping.
  • For a marshmallow version, evenly scatter mini marshmallows over the surface. For a brown sugar pecan topping, combine flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Ensure the topping covers the surface uniformly for even browning.
  • Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the marshmallows are lightly toasted. If using pecan topping, bake until the topping is crisp and caramelized. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
  • Use a large spoon or spatula to scoop portions onto individual plates. The creamy sweet potatoes and golden topping create an appealing contrast of texture and flavor. Pair with roasted meats, holiday sides, or serve as a standalone comfort dish. Garnish with additional pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

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