Looking for the perfect dish to grace your holiday table? This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a Southern holiday classic that brings together the sweet earthiness of sweet potatoes with the gooey, toasted sweetness of marshmallows. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering!
What is Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows ?
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a beloved Southern comfort food, traditionally served as a side dish during holiday feasts. It features a smooth, creamy base of mashed sweet potatoes, often enhanced with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. What truly sets it apart is its signature topping: a blanket of fluffy marshmallows that are toasted to golden-brown perfection in the oven.
This creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors – the creamy sweetness of the sweet potatoes beautifully balanced by the caramelized, chewy marshmallows. It’s a dish that evokes memories of cozy gatherings and cherished family traditions. This festive dish is easy to customize and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Ready to create this holiday staple? Give this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows recipe a try!
Key Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows:
- Sweet Potatoes: 3 pounds, peeled and cubed. Choose firm sweet potatoes without any blemishes.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted. Use unsalted to control the overall saltiness of the casserole.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup. Adds sweetness and enhances the caramelization of the marshmallows.
- Milk: 1/4 cup. Adds moisture and helps create a creamy consistency. Whole milk is recommended for richness, but you can use 2% or even a plant-based milk alternative.
- Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten. Act as a binder and add richness to the casserole.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors and adds a touch of warmth.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon. Provides a warm, comforting spice note.
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon. Adds a subtle, nutty flavor that complements the sweet potatoes.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Miniature Marshmallows: 10 ounces (about 6 cups). These will melt and create that signature toasted marshmallow topping.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows:
This Sweet Potato Casserole is not only a showstopper on the holiday table, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make! The process involves boiling and mashing sweet potatoes, blending them with butter, sugar, milk, and spices, spreading the mixture in a baking dish, and topping it with a generous layer of marshmallows.
The casserole then bakes until the marshmallows are golden brown and bubbly. With just 1 hour of preparation and bake time, you’ll have a side that is sure to be a highlight of your dinner presentation.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and cube 3 pounds of sweet potatoes. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Return the drained sweet potatoes to the pot. Add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the sweet potatoes gummy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Add the Marshmallow Topping: Sprinkle 10 ounces (about 6 cups) of miniature marshmallows evenly over the sweet potato mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and slightly puffed. Watch carefully to prevent the marshmallows from burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the marshmallows to set a bit. Serve warm and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole:
This Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a holiday tradition in every bite! The main highlight is undeniably the perfect combination of creamy sweet potatoes and gooey, toasted marshmallows — a sweet and savory symphony that tantalizes the taste buds. Making it at home is also a huge cost-saver compared to buying pre-made versions from the store, and allows you to control the ingredients and sweetness levels.
Finally, the addition of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg elevates the flavor profile, making it a truly special dish but don’t let them distract you from the main stars, fluffy sweet potatoes and toasted marshmallows! If you prefer a more nutty topping, consider trying a pecan-streusel topping instead of marshmallows. Ready to bring this beloved classic to your table? Try making this sweet potato casserole at home and experience the magic yourself!
What to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole With:
This Sweet Potato Casserole is a natural complement to many classic holiday dishes. Consider serving it alongside:
- Roasted Turkey or Ham: The sweetness of the casserole pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of roasted meats.
- Green Bean Casserole: A classic holiday side that provides a contrast in flavor and texture.
- Cornbread Dressing or Stuffing: Another comforting side dish that complements the sweet potatoes.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce balances the sweetness of the casserole.
- Sparkling Cider or Wine: A festive beverage that adds to the holiday spirit.
Top Tips for Perfecting Sweet Potato Casserole:
- Don’t Overcook the Sweet Potatoes: Overcooked sweet potatoes can become waterlogged and affect the texture of the casserole. Cook them until they are just tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.
- Use Good Quality Marshmallows: Choose fresh, fluffy marshmallows for the best results. Stale marshmallows won’t melt as well and can become hard.
- Control the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. You can also use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey in place of granulated sugar.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: For added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the marshmallows before baking.
- Prevent Marshmallow Burning: To prevent the marshmallows from burning, tent the casserole with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves along with the cinnamon and nutmeg for a more complex flavor profile.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potato Casserole:
While Sweet Potato Casserole is often considered a decadent holiday treat, sweet potatoes themselves are packed with nutritional benefits. They’re an excellent source of Vitamin A, which is important for vision, immune function, and skin health. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full. Additionally, they are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body against cell damage.
Of course, the added sugar and marshmallows in the casserole do increase the calorie and sugar content, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Feel free to reduce the amount of sugar and marshmallows to create a slightly healthier version.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the Sweet Potato Casserole to cool completely before storing. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Instructions: While the texture might change slightly, you can freeze Sweet Potato Casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating from Refrigerated: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Reheat the casserole in the oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. If the marshmallows start to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a minute or two.
- Reheating from Frozen: Thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat as directed above.
Final Thoughts:
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home and a celebration of the holiday season. The creamy sweet potatoes, the warm spices, and the gooey, toasted marshmallows create a symphony of flavors that will delight your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a cherished holiday memory.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Sweet Potato Casserole Faqs:
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole (without the marshmallows) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add the marshmallows just before baking.
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes? While fresh sweet potatoes are preferred, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well and reduce the amount of milk in the recipe.
- Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar? Yes, brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- What if I don’t like marshmallows? You can omit the marshmallows altogether or substitute with a pecan-streusel topping. Simply mix together chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, and butter, and sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture before baking.
- How do I prevent the marshmallows from sticking to the baking dish? Greasing the baking dish well helps prevent the marshmallows from sticking.