Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Last updated on March 13th, 2025

Sweet potato casserole is a favorite dish that takes regular sweet potatoes and makes them extra special. You can top it with fluffy marshmallows or crunchy pecans with brown sugar – both versions taste amazing. While people often make it for holidays, it’s so good that families enjoy it all year round. The smooth, spiced sweet potatoes plus your choice of delicious topping make this a recipe that both kids and adults will want seconds of.

Recipe

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

• 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Choose One Topping

Marshmallow Topping:

• 4 cups mini marshmallows

OR

Pecan Streusel Topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Place peeled sweet potato chunks in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 20-25 minutes until very tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Drain sweet potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot. Mash while still hot.
4. Mix in melted butter, warm milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
5. Allow mixture to cool slightly before stirring in beaten eggs and vanilla extract.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Add your chosen topping:
   • For marshmallows: Wait until the last 10 minutes of baking to add them
   • For pecan streusel: Combine all streusel ingredients and sprinkle evenly over the top before baking
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and topping is golden brown.
9. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free from soft spots or blemishes
• For the smoothest texture, use a potato ricer or food processor to mash the sweet potatoes
• Warm your milk before adding it to the potatoes for better incorporation
• If using marshmallows, watch carefully during the final minutes of baking to prevent burning
• Make ahead tip: Prepare the casserole base up to 2 days in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator. Add topping just before baking
• For extra flavor depth, try roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them

How to Serve

Sweet potato casserole is versatile enough to complement any main dish but pairs especially well with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. Serve it piping hot as a side dish, making sure to scoop deep enough to get both the creamy sweet potato mixture and the topping in each serving. While traditionally served during holiday meals, it’s equally appropriate for Sunday dinners or potluck gatherings. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave, though the marshmallow topping may need to be refreshed.

Family-Favorite Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet potato casserole is a perfect example of good Southern cooking at its best. It’s an easy dish that turns basic ingredients into something everyone will love. You can’t go wrong whether you pick the gooey marshmallow topping or the crunchy pecan mix – both are delicious! With its creamy sweet potatoes and tasty toppings, this casserole is the kind of dish that family and friends will request again and again.

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