Name: Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecan Topping Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large sweet potatoes (peeled and chopped into large chunks, around 9 cups); ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup brown sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); ⅓ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons all purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ¼ cups finely chopped pecan pieces; 10 oz mini marshmallows

Jump to Recipe·4 from 54 reviews

If there’s one dish that brings warmth, comfort, and nostalgia to your holiday table, it’s this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecan Topping Recipe. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes blend perfectly with warming spices and vanilla, layered beneath a crunchy, buttery pecan topping and crowned with toasted mini marshmallows that add just the right touch of gooey sweetness. Every bite offers a delightfully rich combination of textures and flavors that will make this casserole a beloved classic in your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden round cutting board on a white marbled surface with one peeled sweet potato half lying flat. Next to it are small orange cubed pieces of sweet potato scattered around a large shiny metal knife with a textured handle resting diagonally on the board. To the upper right is a white bowl filled with larger orange sweet potato chunks. Two unpeeled sweet potatoes sit in a dark wire basket at the upper left. A white peeler and curly sweet potato peels are also visible on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to making magic happen in your kitchen. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecan Topping Recipe truly irresistible.

4 large sweet potatoes: The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a creamy base once mashed.
½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps mellow the potatoes’ natural earthiness.
1 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the sweet potatoes perfectly.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Introduces warm spice notes that complement the sweet potatoes beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aromatic sweetness, elevating the entire dish.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Provides a gentle hint of nutty spice, rounding out the flavor profile.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) for topping: Creates that irresistible buttery crunch in the pecan topping.
⅓ cup brown sugar for topping: Sweetens the pecan layer for perfect caramelization.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps bind the pecan topping and keep it crisp.
½ teaspoon salt for topping: Balances the sweetness in the topping.
1 ¼ cups finely chopped pecan pieces: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
10 oz mini marshmallows: The crowning glory, providing a melted, gooey, and toasty finish.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecan Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and chopping them into large chunks—about 9 cups worth will do. Place them in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the sweet potatoes until they’re fork tender and fall apart easily, usually about 15-20 minutes. This soft texture ensures your mash will be smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Mash and Season the Sweet Potatoes

Drain your boiled sweet potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the saucepan. Using a potato masher, mash them until smooth and lump-free. Now it’s time to add the magic: melted butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Mix everything well until you have a rich, fragrant sweet potato filling that’s bursting with cozy flavors.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, salt, and chopped pecans. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined, and the pecans are well coated with the buttery sweet goodness. This topping is what will give your casserole that irresistible crunch and nutty taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread the mashed sweet potato filling evenly across the dish, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Step 5: Add the Pecan Topping and Marshmallows

Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer. Then, cover the entire casserole with a generous layer of mini marshmallows, ensuring every bite will have a toasty, melted topping.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecan Topping Recipe at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-35 minutes. Keep a close eye in the final minutes to get the marshmallows perfectly golden brown and gooey without burning. Once done, the casserole will be bubbling and irresistibly fragrant—time to indulge!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecan Topping Recipe

A white dish holds a layered sweet casserole with two main layers visible. The bottom layer is a thick, orange, soft pumpkin or sweet potato puree with a slightly chunky texture. The top layer is a dense, even spread of small, golden toasted marshmallows that are light brown on top from baking. Some marshmallows near the edge are melting slightly over the orange layer, creating a mix of foam and syrupy texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Just before serving, consider adding a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans for crunch or a light dusting of cinnamon for an aromatic touch. Fresh rosemary sprigs can add a lovely pop of color if you want to get creative and festive.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or your favorite green vegetable like sautéed green beans or asparagus. The sweetness and richness of the casserole complement savory mains, balancing flavors on your plate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets, perfect for family-style meals or dinner parties. Layering a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup on top can add an extra indulgent touch that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making for fantastic next-day indulgence.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it and wrapping it securely in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the marshmallows are again golden and bubbly—about 20 minutes. This will revive the magical textures and flavors perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?

While fresh sweet potatoes are ideal for texture and flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well and mash thoroughly before mixing with the other ingredients.

Is there a way to make this casserole less sweet?

Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly in both the sweet potato filling and the topping to suit your taste. You could also swap mini marshmallows for a smaller amount or a less sweet topping option.

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Yes, walnuts or almonds make great alternatives if you prefer or need to switch up the nutty crunch. Just chop them finely and use in the same quantity as pecans.

How far in advance can I prepare this casserole?

You can prepare the sweet potato filling and topping up to a day before baking. Assemble it just before baking or cover and refrigerate fully assembled, then bake the next day for best freshness.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar if desired. Look for vegan marshmallows to top the casserole as well.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecan Topping Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or just craving a bit of sweet, cozy comfort food any time of year, this casserole is sure to steal the show. Give it a try and watch it become one of your new go-to favorites that everyone will request again and again!