Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Marshmallows and Pecans

Introduction: A Holiday Favorite With Heart

There’s something nostalgic and soul-warming about a sweet potato casserole—its silky mashed base layered with either crunchy pecans or gooey marshmallows (or both!). It’s a dish that straddles the line between side and dessert, balancing sweet, savory, and buttery comfort.

This dish has become a Thanksgiving staple across the United States, found on tables from coast to coast. But its appeal isn’t just limited to one holiday. Whether you’re preparing a big family feast or just need a taste of comfort food, sweet potato casserole is always the right choice.

This guide offers a complete, from-scratch recipe and also digs into:

• The history of sweet potato casseroles
• Ingredient tips
• Step-by-step instructions
• Variations for every dietary need
• Make-ahead and storage tips
• Plus: an FAQ section and pro tips for perfect results

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The Origins of Sweet Potato Casserole

The roots of sweet potato casserole run deep in Southern cooking. Sweet potatoes—native to the Americas—have long been featured in Southern and African-American cuisines. As refined sugar became more available in the early 1900s, cooks began enhancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes with brown sugar, molasses, and marshmallows.

Yes—marshmallows in casseroles started in the early 20th century when candy companies promoted their use in savory dishes. The result was wildly popular, especially in festive settings.

Today, sweet potato casserole is a beloved part of American holiday tradition, and the perfect balance of texture and flavor makes it unforgettable.

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Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

Sweet Potato Base:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

Pecan Topping:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Optional Marshmallow Topping:

• 1 to 2 cups mini marshmallows

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

• Peel and cube 4 large sweet potatoes.
• Boil in salted water for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender.
• Drain and mash until smooth. Let cool slightly before mixing with eggs.

2. Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Milk
• Vanilla
• Salt and cinnamon

Mix until creamy and smooth.

3. Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Spread sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish.

4. Add the Toppings

In a medium bowl, stir together:

• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Melted butter
• Pecans

Sprinkle topping evenly over sweet potato mixture.

Optional: Add a layer of mini marshmallows now or halfway through baking for a golden-brown finish.

5. Bake

• Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30–35 minutes until topping is golden and bubbly.
• If using marshmallows only, bake for 25 minutes, then add marshmallows and bake 8–10 more minutes until browned.

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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: ~360 per serving
Servings: 10

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Expert Tips for Best Results

• Use roasted sweet potatoes for deeper flavor: bake them at 400°F for 45 minutes instead of boiling.
• Don’t overmix the filling—keep it smooth, not gummy.
• Let the eggs cool slightly before adding to the hot mash to avoid scrambling.
• Add a touch of orange zest or maple syrup for flavor complexity.

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Variations and Substitutions

• 🥥 Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
• 🍯 Refined Sugar-Free: Sub maple syrup or honey for white sugar.
• 🌰 Nut-Free: Replace pecans with crushed graham crackers or oat crumble.
• 🌾 Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or GF oat flour in the topping.

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Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

Make Ahead:

• Prepare and assemble the casserole (without marshmallows) up to 2 days in advance.
• Store covered in the fridge and bake fresh before serving.

Freezer:

• Fully bake, cool, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 1 month.
• Reheat covered at 350°F for 30 minutes.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair your sweet potato casserole with:

• Roast turkey or chicken
• Cranberry sauce
• Green beans or Brussels sprouts
• Cornbread or dinner rolls
• A crisp green salad for balance

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Sweet Potato Nutrition Benefits

Sweet potatoes are:

• Rich in beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A
• High in fiber for digestion
• Full of antioxidants and low in fat
• Naturally sweet, reducing the need for excess sugar

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Troubleshooting: Fixing Common Issues

Too watery?
Mash sweet potatoes well and avoid over-boiling. Let them steam dry before mashing.

Not sweet enough?
Taste the mash before baking. Adjust sugar or add a bit of maple syrup.

Topping sinks?
Cool the filling slightly before adding topping. Use less butter for crunchier results.

Marshmallows burning?
Add them later in baking and keep an eye on them during broiling.

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FAQs: All About Sweet Potato Casserole

Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
A: Yes! Drain well and reduce sugar slightly, as canned versions are sweeter.

Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Easily—use plant-based butter, milk, and flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg).

Q: Can I bake it in smaller pans?
A: Yes—divide the mixture and reduce baking time by 5–10 minutes.

Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Up to 4 days. Cover tightly and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I skip the marshmallows?
A: Absolutely. Just use the pecan topping—or both for a best-of-both-worlds version!

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Conclusion: A Recipe That Brings Everyone Together

This sweet potato casserole isn’t just food—it’s a memory in the making. With its smooth, buttery texture, sweet aroma, and crunchy topping, it has the power to draw a crowd around the table and bring smiles to every bite.

Whether you’re making it for the first time or it’s your family’s 20th year with this dish, one thing is certain—it’s more than a side. It’s comfort, celebration, and love on a plate.

Let this be the version that becomes a new tradition in your home—easy to make, hard to forget, and always requested.

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