There’s nothing quite like the warm, sweet, and cozy flavors of a classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping. For me, it’s a Thanksgiving staple, but honestly, it deserves to shine all autumn long. The creamy, buttery mashed sweet potatoes paired with that gooey, golden marshmallow topping? It’s pure magic on a plate. This recipe brings back childhood memories of sneaking an extra spoonful when no one was looking!
Ready to take your holiday table to the next level? We’re turning nostalgia into perfection—let’s dive in!
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s make-ahead friendly: Perfect for stress-free holiday meal prep.
- Rich and indulgent, with the perfect balance of sweetness to satisfy everyone at the table.
- Kid-approved and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—watch those marshmallows disappear in seconds!
### Ingredients Breakdown
**Essentials**
- Sweet Potatoes: Look for large, firm sweet potatoes with no soft spots. They’ll be the creamy base for this dish.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the amount of salt in the recipe slightly.
- Brown Sugar: Brings that caramel-like sweetness to complement the marshmallows.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla ties the flavors together beautifully.
- Heavy Cream: For an extra-luscious texture. You can substitute milk or half-and-half if you prefer a lighter casserole.
- Marshmallows: Classic mini marshmallows give the perfect gooey topping. Want a toasted twist? Try using large marshmallows or even marshmallow fluff!
- Salt: Just a pinch to highlight the sweetness and add depth.
**Pro Tips**
- Peeling sweet potatoes after boiling can save time! Let them cool slightly, and the skins will slide right off.
- Fresh sweet potatoes are better than canned for this recipe as they provide a naturally vibrant, full flavor.
- Taste the mashed sweet potatoes before adding the topping to ensure the sweetness is just right for your preference.
### Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the sweet potatoes: Peel and chop sweet potatoes into large chunks. Add them to a pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook until fork-tender (about 20 minutes).
- Mash the potatoes: Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash until smooth, then stir in butter, brown sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Adjust sweetness as needed.
- Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add the marshmallow topping: Scatter mini marshmallows evenly on top of the sweet potato layer.
- Bake to perfection: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the filling is warm and the marshmallows are golden and gooey.

### Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- If you love a crunchy contrast, add a layer of toasted pecans or a pecan crumble before the marshmallows.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven rather than the microwave to keep the topping perfectly crispy.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, a mix of milk and melted butter works as a substitute!
### Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan butter, almond milk, and vegan marshmallows for a plant-based twist.
- Add a Spice Kick: Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of ground ginger into the mashed sweet potatoes for extra warmth.
- Pair it with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or a fresh, tangy cranberry salad for the perfect holiday spread.
### FAQs
**Can I make this casserole ahead of time?**
Yes! Prepare the sweet potato base and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 2 days. Add the marshmallows just before baking.
**Can I freeze sweet potato casserole?**
The base freezes well, but the marshmallow topping doesn’t. Assemble and freeze the sweet potato filling, then thaw and add marshmallows before baking.
**What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?**
Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. If the marshmallows look sad, add a fresh layer on top!
### Recipe Card
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Boil and mash sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cream, and salt.
- Spread into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with marshmallows and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
There you have it—a dish that’s sure to delight at any gathering! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Share your pictures and tag me using #TheKitchensAid—let’s see those golden marshmallow beauties!