What is Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole?
Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole is a classic comfort food that blends the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture of marshmallows. This dish is often seen as a holiday favorite in many households, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its rich flavor profile—combining cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla—creates the perfect balance between savory and sweet, making it an irresistible side dish for festive meals.
Origin of Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole
This casserole dish became a holiday staple in the U.S. during the mid-20th century, thanks in part to a marketing campaign by the Marshmallow Manufacturers Association. In the 1960s, they encouraged people to use marshmallows in their cooking, which led to the creation of this now-beloved dish. The casserole has since evolved, with people adding various toppings and variations to suit different tastes, but the marshmallow topping remains its hallmark.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 medium sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows (or large marshmallows cut in halves)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. Then, cook them by either boiling them for about 15–20 minutes until tender or roasting at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes. Once done, drain and mash them until smooth.
2. Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes with the sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish (or any similar size). Next, sprinkle the mini marshmallows generously over the top. If you’re adding nuts for extra crunch, now is the time to sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the marshmallows.
4. Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted and golden brown on top. If the marshmallows start browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the last 5 minutes.
5. Serve
Once done, remove from the oven and serve the casserole warm. It pairs perfectly with holiday meals like turkey, ham, or roasted chicken, or as a comforting side dish for any occasion.
Tips & Variations
Make-Ahead Option
If you’re looking to save time on the day of your gathering, you can prepare the sweet potato base a day in advance. Simply cover the dish and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add the marshmallow topping and bake as directed.
Healthier Version
For a slightly lighter version, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or swap it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup. You can also opt for coconut milk instead of regular milk to give the casserole a slightly tropical flavor.
Extra Flavor Additions
If you want to experiment with the flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the sweet potato mixture. These spices can add depth and warmth to the dish, making it even more flavorful.
Crunchy Topping
For a twist on the traditional marshmallow topping, mix the marshmallows with brown sugar, oats, and butter to create a streusel-like topping. This adds texture and extra sweetness to the dish.
FAQs About Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole
1. Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can make Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole vegan by using plant-based alternatives for the butter and milk, such as coconut milk or almond milk. Be sure to use vegan marshmallows, as many regular marshmallows contain gelatin, which is not vegan-friendly.
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Canned sweet potatoes can be a convenient alternative to fresh ones. Just be sure to drain them well before mashing to avoid excess moisture. You may also need to adjust the seasoning to taste since canned sweet potatoes can be slightly sweeter than fresh ones.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen. To do so, prepare the casserole up until the point of baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, allow the casserole to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Conclusion: Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole
The Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole is a delightful dish that brings comfort and sweetness to any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast or just to enjoy as a cozy side dish, its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth marshmallow topping will surely make it a favorite among your family and friends. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, with a few simple ingredients that combine to create something truly magical. Try it for your next gathering, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!
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Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole is a classic comfort food that blends the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture of marshmallows. This dish is often seen as a holiday favorite in many households, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its rich flavor profile—combining cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla—creates the perfect balance between savory and sweet, making it an irresistible side dish for festive meals.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 medium sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled)
½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
½ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
1½ cups mini marshmallows (or large marshmallows cut in halves)
Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Instructions
1. Prepare Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cube sweet potatoes.
Boil in water for 15–20 minutes until tender, or roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Drain and mash until smooth.
2. Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, milk, and vanilla.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish (or similar size).
Sprinkle marshmallows evenly over the top.
Optional: sprinkle chopped nuts over marshmallows for extra texture.
4. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until marshmallows are melted and golden brown on top.
If marshmallows brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil in the last 5 minutes.
5. Serve
Serve warm as a comforting side dish.
Pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or roasted chicken.
Notes
Comforting, sweet, and perfectly gooey, this Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole is a classic side dish that shines at holiday dinners or cozy family meals. The combination of tender sweet potatoes and melted marshmallows is pure bliss in every bite!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
Keywords: Sweet potato casserole, marshmallow casserole, holiday side dish, creamy sweet potato dish
