As the crisp autumn air fills my home with the promise of cozy gatherings, I can't help but think of my favorite Thanksgiving tradition: a luscious Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows. Picture this: the velvety smoothness of whipped sweet potatoes, gently blended with warm spices, and topped with a golden, crunchy crumb that gives way to those delightful, melting mini marshmallows. It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table, and it’s so easy to make that it often becomes the star of the show.
Just last Thanksgiving, as I whisked together the vibrant orange mash, the familiar aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar wafted through my kitchen, transporting me back to childhood feasts surrounded by loved ones. This creamy casserole is not just a side dish; it’s a heartwarming experience that whispers of home and celebration. Whether you’re preparing a grand feast or a simple family dinner, this Sweet Potato Casserole is bound to steal hearts and elevate your meal without adding stress to your day. Join me in creating this classic dish, and watch how it becomes an essential part of your holiday traditions!
Why is Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows a must-try?
Comforting, creamy goodness: The Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows hits all the right notes, achieving a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Quick & easy: This recipe can be whipped up with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on creating beautiful holiday memories.
Flexible preparation: You can assemble it in advance, making it a smart choice for busy holiday schedules.
Crowd-pleaser: Its universal appeal means everyone at the table will be reaching for seconds!
Delightfully nostalgic: Topped with mini marshmallows, this dish evokes the warmth of family gatherings and childhood memories of special occasions.
Make this casserole the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving meal and check out my storage or make-ahead tips to keep it fresh and delicious!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Ingredients
For the Casserole
- Sweet Potatoes – Jewel yams work best for their fluffy texture, making your casserole wonderfully creamy.
- Brown Sugar – This adds a delightful sweetness and caramel flavor to both the sweet potato base and the topping.
- Butter – Richness is key; it moistens both the mash and the crumb topping for a luscious texture.
- Shamrock Farms Heavy Whipping Cream – For that extra creaminess; feel free to substitute with regular cream or milk if needed.
- Salt – A pinch balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of your Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows.
- Vanilla Extract – This adds a warm depth that complements the sweet and savory notes of the dish.
- Cinnamon & Pumpkin Pie Spice – These spices bring warmth and aroma; you can use nutmeg as a substitute if preferred.
For the Topping
- All-Purpose Flour – This helps bind the crumb mixture for a delightful topping.
- Rolled Oats – They add a lovely texture; you can omit them or substitute with gluten-free oats if desired.
- Mini Marshmallows – Sweet and nostalgic, they create that gooey topping that everyone loves; omit for a less sweet dish.
With this blend of ingredients, you'll create a Sweet Potato Casserole that's sure to wow your guests and become a cherished part of your holiday traditions!
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
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Prep Sweet Potatoes: Begin by washing, peeling, and cubing your sweet potatoes. Boil them in a large pot of water for about 15-20 minutes, or until they're tender enough to easily mash. Alternatively, for a deeper flavor, preheat your oven to 425°F and bake your whole sweet potatoes for 50-70 minutes, piercing each with a knife to ensure even cooking.
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Make Sweet Potato Mixture: Once cooked, mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Mix in brown sugar, butter, Shamrock Farms Heavy Whipping Cream, a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency, ensuring all the ingredients are well blended.
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Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Pour in melted butter and mix until you achieve a crumbly texture. This topping is what will give your casserole that delicious crunch!
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Assemble: Spoon the luscious sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the sweet potatoes, ensuring every bit is covered. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until the topping is golden.
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Add Marshmallows: After the initial bake, carefully remove your casserole from the oven and sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are beautifully golden and bubbling.
Optional: Top with chopped pecans for an extra crunchy layer!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
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Prep Ahead: Consider baking sweet potatoes the day before. This not only saves time but enhances the flavors when you're ready to prepare the casserole.
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Texture Control: Ensure sweet potatoes are fully cooked before mashing. Undercooking can lead to a lumpy casserole, which is less appealing.
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Sugar Sensitivity: If you're concerned about sweetness, adjust the brown sugar to your taste. Remember, mini marshmallows will add extra sweetness once baked.
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Oven Accuracy: Double-check your oven temperature since slight discrepancies can affect baking time. Use an oven thermometer for best results.
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Serving Suggestion: Serve your Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows warm. Reheat leftovers gently to maintain that delightful creamy texture.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows?
As the sweet and savory aroma of this dish fills your kitchen, you'll want to complement it with equally delightful accompaniments.
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Roasted Turkey: The savory flavors of a beautifully roasted turkey enhance the sweetness of the casserole, making for a perfect balance on your plate.
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Honey Glazed Ham: The sweetness from the ham pairs wonderfully with the rich sweetness of the sweet potato casserole, creating a delightful duet of flavors.
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Green Bean Almondine: A fresh, crunchy side with almonds provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy texture of the casserole, adding a touch of brightness.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add an indulgent aspect to your meal, while the garlic notes harmonize beautifully with the sweet notes of the casserole.
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Cranberry Sauce: A scoop of tart cranberry sauce can elevate the overall flavor profile, balancing the sweetness and adding a festive touch to your meal.
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Glazed Carrots: Their natural sweetness pairs delightfully with the casserole, bringing extra color and texture to your Thanksgiving table.
Elevate your meal by considering these perfect pairings that will have your guests raving long after the last bite!
Make Ahead Options
These Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply mash the cooked sweet potatoes and mix in the other ingredients before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The topping can also be made and stored in a separate container for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, transfer the sweet potato mixture into your greased baking dish, add the topping, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. For the final touch, sprinkle the mini marshmallows on top and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, ensuring a warm, gooey delight that’s just as delicious as if made fresh!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this recipe to fit your tastes perfectly!
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Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for an added crunchy texture.
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Coconut Sugar: Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar to create a unique flavor profile that is slightly less sweet yet equally delicious.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream, and replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free delight.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this dish.
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Spice It Up: For a kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the sweet potato mixture to elevate the flavor.
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Fruit Addition: Mix in dried cranberries or chopped apples with the sweet potatoes for a delightful burst of tartness.
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Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce over the sweet potato mixture before adding the topping for an indulgent twist.
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Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh sage or rosemary to the sweet potato mash brings an unexpected herbal note that pairs delightfully with the sweetness.
How to Store and Freeze Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Fridge: Store your assembled Sweet Potato Casserole tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh while the flavors meld beautifully.
Freezer: If you want to freeze, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months; pull it out to thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheating: To reheat leftovers, warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If the topping is too dark, cover it with foil during reheating.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate without the topping and marshmallows, and add them just before baking for best texture and flavor.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe FAQs
What type of sweet potatoes should I use?
I highly recommend using Jewel yams for your Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows as they offer the fluffiest texture, making the dish wonderfully creamy. Look for sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free of dark spots or blemishes for the best results.
How should I store my casserole after baking?
You can store your assembled Sweet Potato Casserole tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed will help preserve its flavors and freshness. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven, and it’ll be just as delightful!
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze your Sweet Potato Casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and then follow the baking instructions as usual.
How can I troubleshoot a lumpy sweet potato mixture?
If your mixture turns out lumpy, it may be due to undercooked sweet potatoes. To fix this, you can re-mash the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, if it’s too lumpy, place it in a food processor for a few pulses until you achieve a creamy consistency. Always ensure your sweet potatoes are fully cooked before mashing for a velvety texture!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! While this Sweet Potato Casserole is generally safe, if you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. If anyone has nut allergies, be sure to omit any added nuts you may want to include in the topping.
How can I make this casserole in advance?
You can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Assemble everything except for the crumb topping and mini marshmallows, cover, and refrigerate. Just before baking, top with the crumb mixture and marshmallows to maintain that delightful texture during baking. This way, you can still enjoy a warm, fresh casserole on the big day without the stress!
Indulgent Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash, peel, and cube sweet potatoes. Boil them for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Alternatively, bake whole sweet potatoes at 425°F for 50-70 minutes.
- Mash cooked sweet potatoes in a bowl and mix with brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, salt, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and mix to a crumbly texture.
- Spoon sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle crumb topping over it.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until topping is golden.
- Add mini marshmallows on top and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
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