If there’s one comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to holiday tables and family dinners alike, it has to be this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. Imagine creamy, perfectly mashed sweet potatoes blended with just the right mix of warm spices and brown sugar, topped with a golden blanket of toasted mini marshmallows. This casserole embodies everything cozy and delicious in one dish, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to pull together. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will quickly become a treasured favorite you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Using everyday pantry staples, this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe combines a handful of simple ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish’s rich flavor and creamy texture.
- Sweet potatoes: Choose large, firm ones for a naturally sweet and creamy base that’s perfect for mashing.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that blends beautifully with the spices.
- Melted butter: Provides richness and helps create that smooth, luscious consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Delivers a subtle warmth and aromatic lift that takes the flavor up a notch.
- Cinnamon: Brings a classic fall spice note that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Salt: Balances all the flavors and prevents the dish from tasting one-dimensional.
- Nutmeg: Offers a gentle, fragrant hint of spice that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
- Mini marshmallows: The crowning glory that melts and browns to create that irresistible sweet topping.
How to Make Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the sweet potatoes
Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and cutting them into large chunks. Boil them in a big pot of water until they are tender, soft enough to mash easily. This simple step ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and become perfectly creamy for the base.
Step 2: Mash the sweet potatoes
Once drained, return the sweet potatoes to the pot and mash until smooth. This is where you create that luscious, velvety texture that makes the casserole so satisfying every bite.
Step 3: Mix in delicious flavors
To the mashed potatoes, stir in melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Each ingredient adds depth and character—the butter and sugar enrich, the spices warm, and the vanilla adds a hint of fragrant sweetness.
Step 4: Assemble the casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread the sweet potato mixture inside. This sets the stage for the gooey marshmallow topping and ensures easy serving later.
Step 5: Add the marshmallow topping
Scatter mini marshmallows generously over the top. As they bake, they’ll melt and turn golden brown, creating a soft, sweet crust that’s simply irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Bake the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 to 35 minutes. You want to look for bubbling edges and toasted marshmallows on top. This baking time allows the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to develop that perfect golden color.
How to Serve Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a delightful finishing touch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the marshmallows before baking to add a satisfying crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon after baking can also enhance the warm spice aroma.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, glazed ham, or even a juicy turkey breast. Its sweet and spicy profile makes it a versatile side that complements hearty mains effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming personal touch, or layer with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist. For a crowd-pleasing display, garnish the whole casserole with fresh herbs like rosemary to add a pop of color and subtle fragrance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover your leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers just as delicious, if not more so.
Freezing
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Prepare the casserole completely before baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh to enjoy as if it were just made.
Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps the marshmallows fluffy and slightly toasted while heating the sweet potatoes evenly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this casserole?
Absolutely! Frozen sweet potatoes can be a convenient shortcut. Just thaw them completely and drain excess moisture before mashing to keep your casserole from becoming too watery.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use vegan mini marshmallows to enjoy a vegan-friendly version that’s just as tasty and comforting.
Can I add other toppings besides marshmallows?
Definitely! Some people love a crunchy pecan streusel topping or a mixture of brown sugar and oats for extra texture. Feel free to get creative based on your taste preferences.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning?
Keep a close eye during the last 5 minutes of baking; if the marshmallows brown too fast, you can loosely cover the casserole with foil to prevent burning while allowing the dish to fully heat.
Can this casserole be made ahead and refrigerated before baking?
Yes, you can prepare the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the marshmallows just before baking to ensure they toast perfectly in the oven.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe, you’ll see why it’s a beloved classic that never goes out of style. Its comforting flavors, simple preparation, and festive appeal make it a must-have in your recipe collection. Give it a go at your next meal and watch how quickly this sweet, creamy, and buttery casserole becomes everyone’s new favorite.
Print
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and delicious side dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes blended with warm spices and brown sugar, topped with gooey mini marshmallows. Perfect for holiday dinners or any occasion, this recipe combines simple ingredients for a rich, sweet, and warmly spiced casserole that bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Topping
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into large chunks. Place them in a large saucepan and boil until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash the sweet potatoes: Drain the boiled sweet potatoes thoroughly. Return them to the saucepan and mash until smooth and creamy.
- Mix ingredients: To the mashed sweet potatoes, add melted butter, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Stir until all ingredients are well combined, forming a smooth, flavorful mixture.
- Prepare baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish, smoothing the top.
- Add marshmallow topping: Evenly scatter the mini marshmallows over the top of the sweet potato layer.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-35 minutes until the marshmallows are melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Notes
- To save time, sweet potatoes can be cooked in the microwave until soft before mashing.
- For a crunchier topping, add chopped pecans on top of the marshmallows before baking.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Use light brown sugar for a milder sweetness; dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar by 1/4 cup.
