Introduction:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is the quintessential side dish for holiday gatherings, Sunday suppers, or any time you crave a taste of Southern comfort. Imagine a creamy, dreamy, and subtly spiced sweet potato base, perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, and then generously topped with a blanket of gooey, golden-brown marshmallows. This recipe is a beloved classic for a reason – it’s incredibly easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that everyone at the table will adore.
What makes this sweet potato casserole so irresistible? It’s the delightful contrast of textures and flavors – the smooth, velvety sweet potato base, the warm spices, and the melt-in-your-mouth marshmallow topping. This recipe perfectly captures the essence of Southern cuisine: sweet, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish that simplifies holiday meal prep, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends.
Get ready to experience a taste of Southern tradition with this Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows – a guaranteed hit that’s as comforting as it is delicious!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create this classic Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows, you’ll need a selection of pantry staples and fresh (or canned) sweet potatoes. These components combine to create a casserole that is both flavorful and comforting. Having everything measured and ready before you start assembling will make the process smooth and efficient.
For the Sweet Potato Casserole Base:
- 3 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 2-3 large sweet potatoes or 2 (15-ounce) cans, drained) – Freshly cooked and mashed sweet potatoes offer the best flavor and texture, but canned sweet potatoes are a convenient shortcut. If using canned, make sure they are not in syrup and drain them well.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the casserole base.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps to create a tender texture in the casserole.
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten – Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness and structure to the casserole.
- ½ cup milk or half-and-half – Milk or half-and-half adds moisture and creaminess to the casserole base. Half-and-half will create a richer casserole.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a touch of warmth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Cinnamon provides a classic warm spice note that complements sweet potatoes beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the spice blend.
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for extra spice) – Ground ginger adds a hint of warmth and spice complexity if desired.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the casserole.
For the Marshmallow Topping:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows (or large marshmallows, halved or quartered) – Mini marshmallows are ideal for even melting and coverage. Large marshmallows can also be used, just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces.
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for added texture and flavor) – Chopped nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweet potatoes and marshmallows.
HOW TO MAKE “Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows”:
Making Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a straightforward process, perfect for holiday baking or a comforting side dish anytime. The recipe is broken down into simple stages: preparing the sweet potato base, assembling the casserole, adding the marshmallow topping, and baking until golden and bubbly. Each step is designed for ease of preparation and maximum flavor payoff.
The process begins by cooking and mashing the sweet potatoes, either by baking, boiling, or using canned sweet potatoes for convenience.
Next, the sweet potato casserole base is made by combining the mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk or half-and-half, vanilla extract, and spices. This mixture creates the flavorful and creamy foundation of the casserole.
Then, the sweet potato mixture is poured into a greased baking dish and baked in the oven until it is mostly set. Baking the base first ensures it is cooked through before adding the marshmallow topping.
Finally, the casserole is topped generously with mini marshmallows (and optional nuts if desired) and baked again for a short time until the marshmallows are puffed up and golden brown. Let’s explore the step-by-step instructions to guide you through each stage of this comforting and easy recipe.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes (if using fresh).
If using fresh sweet potatoes: Wash, peel (optional, skin can be left on for more fiber and rustic texture), and cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
Boil, bake, or microwave sweet potatoes until tender.
- Boiling: Place cubed sweet potatoes in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well.
- Baking: Wrap whole sweet potatoes in foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until very soft. Let cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh.
- Microwaving: Pierce sweet potatoes several times with a fork and microwave on high for 5-8 minutes per potato, or until very soft.
Once cooked, mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or fork until smooth. You can leave them slightly chunky if you prefer a more rustic texture. Measure out 3 cups of mashed sweet potatoes for the recipe.
(If using canned sweet potatoes, skip this step and proceed directly to Step 3, ensuring canned sweet potatoes are well drained and mashed if needed).
Step 3: Make Sweet Potato Casserole Base.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined.
Add the lightly beaten eggs, mashed cooked sweet potatoes, milk or half-and-half, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger (if using), and salt to the bowl.
Mix with a spoon or spatula until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and well blended. Ensure sweet potatoes are evenly incorporated and batter is smooth.
Step 4: Pour into Baking Dish and Bake (First Bake).
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes. Baking the base first ensures it is mostly set before adding marshmallows. Casserole base is ready for marshmallow topping when it is mostly set and slightly firm around edges.
Step 5: Add Marshmallow Topping and Bake (Second Bake).
Remove the casserole from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the mini marshmallows (or halved/quartered large marshmallows) over the top of the partially baked sweet potato casserole.
Optional: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the marshmallows, if desired.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed up, melted, and lightly golden brown on top. Baking time for marshmallows is short, watch carefully to prevent burning. Marshmallows are done when puffed, melted, and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve.
Remove the Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Cooling slightly makes it easier to serve and allows marshmallows to set slightly.
Serve warm and enjoy this classic sweet potato casserole as a side dish. Serve warm for the best creamy texture and gooey marshmallow topping.
USEFUL TIPS:
To make your Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows truly exceptional and a family favorite, consider these helpful tips. These suggestions can enhance both the flavor and the overall experience of preparing and enjoying this classic Southern side dish. Let’s explore some valuable insights to refine your recipe.
Roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling or microwaving them can enhance their natural sweetness and flavor. Roasting caramelizes the sugars in sweet potatoes, resulting in a richer flavor. Roast whole sweet potatoes until very soft, then scoop out the flesh for mashing.
Don’t overmix the sweet potato casserole base batter. Overmixing can make the casserole tougher. Mix just until all ingredients are combined and smooth.
For a richer and creamier casserole base, use half-and-half or light cream instead of milk. Half-and-half or light cream adds extra richness and a smoother texture. You can also use a combination of milk and heavy cream for an even more decadent base, using about ¼ cup milk and ¼ cup heavy cream.
For a deeper spice flavor, you can use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Pumpkin pie spice blend offers a pre-mixed combination of warm spices that works well in sweet potato casserole.
If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly, or use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a slightly less sweet but more molasses-rich flavor. Adjust sugar to your sweetness preference.
For extra flavor depth, you can add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the spice blend along with cinnamon and nutmeg. Cloves or allspice add warmth and complexity to the spice profile. Use sparingly as they are strong spices.
Watch the marshmallows carefully during the second bake to prevent burning. Marshmallows brown quickly under oven heat. Keep a close eye on the casserole during the marshmallow bake and remove from oven as soon as they are puffed and golden brown.
For extra crispy marshmallows, broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of baking time instead of baking for the full marshmallow bake time. Broiling creates quick browning and crisping on marshmallows, but watch very closely to prevent burning, as broiling marshmallows can burn very quickly.
If you are making the casserole ahead of time, it is best to add the marshmallows just before baking to serve. Marshmallows are best added right before serving for optimal texture and appearance. If making ahead, bake the casserole base completely, let cool, then add marshmallows and bake again just before serving.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 25 minutes (if using fresh sweet potatoes) or 15 minutes (if using canned)
The preparation time for Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is approximately 25 minutes if using fresh sweet potatoes (including cooking and mashing time), or about 15 minutes if using canned sweet potatoes. Efficient prep work makes the baking process smoother and quicker.
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes (total, including both bakes)
The total cooking time for this recipe is between 30 to 35 minutes, including both the first bake for the casserole base and the second bake for the marshmallow topping. Baking time is relatively straightforward and mostly hands-off while in the oven.
Total Time: 55-60 minutes (if using fresh sweet potatoes) or 45-50 minutes (if using canned)
The total time from start to finish for Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is approximately 55 to 60 minutes when using fresh sweet potatoes, or 45 to 50 minutes when using canned sweet potatoes. This includes both the prep time and the total cook time, making it a reasonably quick casserole option, especially when using canned sweet potatoes.
Yield: 8-10 servings
This recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings, depending on portion sizes. It is ideally suited for a family holiday gathering or for a potluck. The yield can be easily scaled up or down if you need to serve more or fewer people; simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally and use a larger or smaller baking dish. Leftovers are also excellent for reheating.
Category: Side Dish, Casserole
This dish is categorized as a side dish and a casserole. It is typically served as a vegetable side, often as part of a holiday meal or alongside main courses. Casseroles are popular side dish options for their ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing nature.
Method: Baking
The primary cooking method used in this recipe is baking. Baking in the oven at a moderate temperature (350°F/175°C) allows the casserole base to cook through evenly and for the marshmallows to melt and brown to perfection. Baking is essential for achieving the signature texture and flavor of sweet potato casserole.
Cuisine: American (Southern)
The cuisine of this recipe is best described as American Southern. Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is a classic Southern side dish, often associated with Thanksgiving and holiday meals in the Southern United States. Southern cuisine is known for its comforting, sweet, and rich dishes.
Diet: Vegetarian
The diet classification for this recipe is vegetarian. It does not contain any meat, poultry, or fish products, making it suitable for individuals following a vegetarian diet. It can be modified to be vegan by using vegan butter, plant-based milk, and vegan marshmallows, although finding vegan marshmallows can sometimes be more challenging.
NOTES:
Serving Suggestions: Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is traditionally served as a warm side dish, especially popular at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and other holiday meals. It pairs beautifully with savory main courses like roasted turkey, ham, chicken, or pork. It’s also a wonderful side for Sunday dinners or potlucks. Serve warm for the best creamy texture and gooey marshmallow topping. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or nutmeg, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Make it Ahead: Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is an excellent make-ahead dish, perfect for simplifying holiday meal preparation.
* Assemble ahead (recommended, without marshmallows): You can prepare the entire casserole base up to step 4 (before adding marshmallows), cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. On the day of serving, bake it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes to warm through, then add the marshmallow topping in Step 5 and bake as directed. Assembling ahead without marshmallows is the best make-ahead method for this casserole to prevent marshmallow melting and sticking during storage.
* Cook sweet potatoes ahead: You can cook and mash the sweet potatoes up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This saves time on the day of assembly.
Reheating Leftovers: Leftovers of Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows can be reheated, although the marshmallow topping may soften slightly upon reheating and might not be as perfectly puffed as freshly baked. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the marshmallow texture may be less ideal. Reheating in the oven helps to crisp up the marshmallow topping again slightly compared to microwave.
Nut Topping Variations: Customize your marshmallow topping with different nuts or nut combinations for added flavor and texture to your Sweet Potato Casserole!
* Pecan Praline Topping (classic Southern): Combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans for a crunchy praline topping. Sprinkle this mixture over the sweet potato base before the first bake or over the marshmallows during the second bake. A pecan praline topping adds a sweet and buttery crunch.
* Walnut Streusel Topping: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and chopped walnuts for a streusel-like topping. Sprinkle this mixture over the sweet potato base before the first bake or over the marshmallows during the second bake. A walnut streusel adds a different texture and nutty flavor.
* Toasted Pecans or Walnuts Only: Simply sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the marshmallows for a simple nutty crunch without the added sweetness of a praline or streusel. Toasting nuts enhances their flavor.
* No Nuts (Classic Marshmallow Only): For a classic and simple version, stick to the marshmallow topping only without nuts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows, or a combination of both, to customize the sweetness and flavor profile. Using brown sugar will add a richer, molasses-like flavor and slightly less sweetness compared to granulated sugar. You can use light or dark brown sugar. For a balanced flavor, you can use ½ cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup brown sugar, or ¾ cup light brown sugar for a richer flavor. Adjust sugar types and amounts to your sweetness preference.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free or vegan?
Making Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows dairy-free or vegan requires substitutions for butter, eggs, and milk/half-and-half, and using vegan marshmallows. To make it dairy-free or vegan:
* Dairy-Free Butter Substitute: Use a good quality dairy-free butter alternative (like vegan butter sticks or Miyoko’s Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter) for melting.
* Vegan Egg Substitute: Use a vegan egg replacer such as flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken, use 2 flax eggs for this recipe), or commercial egg replacer powder according to package directions.
* Plant-Based Milk Substitute: Use plant-based milk like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk or half-and-half. For a richer texture, use full-fat coconut milk (canned, refrigerated overnight, and use only the thick cream on top).
* Vegan Marshmallows: Use vegan marshmallows (brands like Dandies are widely available). Ensure marshmallows are certified vegan.
* Check all Ingredients: Ensure all other ingredients (vanilla extract, spices, etc.) are vegan if needed for strict vegan diets. Be aware that vegan substitutions may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the dish compared to the original recipe.
How do I prevent the marshmallow topping from burning?
To prevent the marshmallow topping from burning on Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows:
* Watch Carefully During Second Bake: Marshmallows brown very quickly in the oven. Keep a close eye on the casserole during the second bake (when marshmallows are added) and watch them closely as they bake.
* Bake for a Shorter Time (Second Bake): Bake the casserole for the marshmallow topping for only 8-10 minutes, or until they are puffed and lightly golden brown. Do not overbake the marshmallow topping.
* Lower Oven Rack Position: Position the oven rack lower in the oven for the second bake to move the marshmallows slightly further away from the top heating element, reducing direct heat on the marshmallows.
* Cover Loosely with Foil (if needed): If the marshmallows start to brown too quickly but the casserole is not yet heated through, you can loosely tent the casserole dish with aluminum foil to shield the marshmallows from direct heat and prevent further browning while the casserole finishes baking.
* Broil for a Very Short Time (Optional, with extreme caution): If you want extra crispy and browned marshmallows, you can broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, but watch extremely carefully as marshmallows can burn in seconds under a broiler. Stand right by the oven and monitor constantly if broiling marshmallows.
Can I add a crumb topping instead of marshmallows?
Yes, you can definitely add a crumb topping instead of or in addition to marshmallows for a different texture and flavor dimension to your Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows. A crumb topping provides a buttery, crunchy, and often nutty contrast to the creamy sweet potato base. Crumb Topping Variations include:
* Classic Crumb Topping: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for a simple streusel-like crumb topping.
* Pecan Praline Crumb Topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped pecans for a sweet and buttery praline-style crumb topping.
* Oatmeal Crumble Topping: Use oats as a primary component in the crumb topping for a heartier and chewier texture. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
* Ginger Snap Crumble Topping: Crush ginger snap cookies and combine with melted butter for a spiced and crunchy cookie crumb topping.
Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the sweet potato casserole base before the first bake (in Step 4), and bake the casserole with the crumb topping for the entire baking time (30-35 minutes total, without a separate marshmallow bake). You can also add marshmallows on top of the crumb topping during the last few minutes of baking for a combination of crumb and marshmallow toppings.
How do I make sweet potato casserole less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows, there are several ways to reduce the sweetness:
* Reduce Sugar: Reduce the amount of granulated sugar (or brown sugar if using) in the casserole base. Start by reducing by ¼ cup and adjust to taste in future batches if needed.
* Use Unsweetened Sweet Potatoes: If using canned sweet potatoes, ensure they are not in syrup and are unsweetened or packed in water.
* Use Spices to Balance Sweetness: Increase the amount of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Spices help to balance the sweetness and add complexity. You can also add a pinch of cloves or allspice.
* Add a Pinch of Salt: Ensure you are using salt in the recipe as salt balances sweetness and enhances other flavors. A proper balance of salt is key in sweet dishes.
* Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the sweet potato base. Citrus zest provides a touch of acidity and brightness that can cut through some of the sweetness.
* Omit Marshmallow Topping or Reduce Marshmallows: Reduce the amount of marshmallows used for the topping, or consider using a different topping altogether like a nutty crumb topping (as discussed in a previous FAQ) which will be less sweet than marshmallows.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
To store leftover Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows properly and maintain its quality, follow these guidelines:
Cool Completely: Allow the sweet potato casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Storing warm casserole can create condensation inside the container, potentially affecting the texture, especially of the marshmallow topping, and food safety. Do not leave cooked casserole at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled sweet potato casserole to an airtight container. For best results in maintaining marshmallow topping texture, try to store in a container where the marshmallows are not compressed or touching the lid if possible. A well-sealed container is essential to prevent the casserole from drying out, absorbing odors from the refrigerator, and maintaining the marshmallow topping for as long as possible (though marshmallows will soften upon storage). Use a container with a tight-fitting lid.
Refrigerate Promptly: Refrigerate the airtight container of leftover sweet potato casserole promptly after cooling. Refrigerate at or below 40°F (4°C) to maintain food safety and prevent spoilage. Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.
Storage Duration (Refrigerator): Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For best quality and flavor, consume leftovers within the first 2-3 days. Casseroles with marshmallows are generally best enjoyed sooner rather than later, as marshmallows will soften and lose their texture over time in the refrigerator.
Reheating Instructions:
For reheating leftover sweet potato casserole, oven or microwave reheating are both suitable, with oven generally recommended for better marshmallow texture:
- Oven Reheating (Recommended for Best Texture): Reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning of the marshmallow topping and to retain moisture in the casserole base. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Oven reheating helps to crisp up the marshmallow topping again slightly compared to microwave.
- Microwave Reheating (Convenient for Single Servings): Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely with microwave-safe lid or paper towel, and microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, checking and stirring in between, until heated through. Microwave reheating is quicker and convenient, especially for single servings, but the marshmallows will become softer and will not regain their original puff and crispness. Reheat in short intervals and check frequently to avoid overheating and drying out.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed this classic Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows, you will surely love these other comforting and flavorful sweet potato and holiday side dish recipes:
Classic Sweet Potato Pie (Southern Dessert Staple): A creamy and spiced sweet potato pie in a flaky pie crust. Offers a sweet potato dessert in pie form with similar flavors.
Candied Sweet Potatoes (Southern Holiday Side): Sweet potatoes cooked in a buttery, sugary glaze, often with spices and sometimes pecans. Another sweet and glazed sweet potato side dish option.
Sweet Potato Soufflé (Light and Elegant): A lighter and airier sweet potato casserole with a soufflé-like texture, often topped with a pecan streusel. Offers a more elegant and lighter sweet potato side dish option.
Butternut Squash Casserole with Pecan Streusel (Fall Flavors): A casserole with butternut squash, warm spices, and a pecan streusel topping. If you enjoy casseroles and fall flavors, this is a good alternative using butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes.
Green Bean Casserole (Classic Holiday Side Dish): A traditional green bean casserole with cream of mushroom soup, green beans, and crispy fried
