The Ultimate Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe

Southern sweet potato casserole brings warmth to any gathering with its creamy, comforting embrace.

Soft orange roots meld perfectly with sugary marshmallow clouds dancing across the top.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back with each delectable bite.

Smooth, whipped potatoes create a luxurious base that melts in you.

Buttery notes and gentle spices weave through the dish like a gentle Southern melody.

Crisp marshmallow topping adds a playful crunch that contrasts the silky texture below.

Trust me, you won’t be able to resist seconds of this classic Southern comfort dish.

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Essentials

• Combines simple ingredients and minimal prep time, creating a crowd-winning recipe that brings everyone to the table with excitement.
• Marshmallow topping transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into a decadent treat that bridges traditional flavor with playful sweetness.
• Equally stunning as a holiday showstopper or weeknight family dinner companion, this casserole adapts to any gathering with ease.

Ingredients for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Soft, orange root vegetables that form the core of this classic Southern comfort dish.
• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps bind the casserole ingredients together.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the natural sugars in sweet potatoes.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm, aromatic spices that add depth and traditional holiday flavor to the casserole.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a subtle, sweet complexity to the overall taste profile.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy texture in the mashed sweet potato mixture.

• Marshmallows: Fluffy white topping that caramelizes to a golden brown, adding a sweet, crispy layer to the casserole.

How to Prepare Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prep Pillowy Sweet Potato Base

Wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly.

Slice them into chunky cubes.

Toss them into a pot of salted boiling water.

Cook until they’re fork-tender and practically melting, around 15 minutes.

Drain completely and mash until super smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Craft Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• Pure vanilla extract
• Whole milk

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes velvety and well-blended.

Step 3: Layer and Prepare for Baking

Grease a casserole dish generously.

Pour the sweet potato mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle a generous layer of fluffy marshmallows across the top, creating a beautiful cloud-like surface.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Warm your oven to 350°F.

Slide the casserole inside and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for marshmallows to transform into a gorgeous golden-brown blanket with delightful caramelized edges.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool slightly.

This helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the sweet, comforting Southern classic.

Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole Success

• Add a splash of oil to the boiling water to reduce potato sticking and prevent messy boil-overs.
• Use a potato masher or hand mixer for ultra-creamy, lump-free sweet potato texture.
• Place casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes for perfectly caramelized, golden-brown marshmallow topping.
• Prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance and refrigerate, then add marshmallows just before baking to save time.
• Replace dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, creamy flavor.

Storage and Reheating Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing dryness in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring no freezer burn occurs.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and maintain marshmallow texture.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover casserole with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to restore marshmallow crispness.

Pairing Ideas for Sweet Potato Casserole

• Pair Creamy Bourbon to Complement: Smooth bourbon whiskey enhances the sweet potato's rich caramel notes, creating a luxurious flavor harmony that highlights the dessert's warmth and complexity.
• Serve with Spiced Pecans on Side: Toasted pecans with cinnamon and brown sugar add delightful crunch and nutty depth, perfectly matching the casserole's sweet and comforting profile.
• Match with Crisp Apple Cider: Chilled, slightly tart apple cider cuts through the marshmallow's sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast and balancing the dish's rich texture.
• Offer Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool, creamy vanilla ice cream melts gently over the warm casserole, creating a decadent contrast between hot and cold that elevates the dessert's indulgent character.

Variations on Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

• Vegan Sweet Potato Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil, use almond milk, and swap marshmallows with toasted coconut flakes or vegan marshmallows for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and use gluten-free vanilla extract to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
• Pecan Crunch Topping: Replace marshmallows with a crunchy mixture of chopped pecans, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon for a nutty, textural alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar content, using spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance natural sweetness without adding calories.

FAQs

• Are sweet potatoes and yams the same thing?

No, they’re different. Sweet potatoes are orange or yellow and have a sweeter flavor, while yams are starchier and typically have a darker, rougher skin. This recipe works best with sweet potatoes.

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can. Just drain and mash the canned sweet potatoes. However, fresh sweet potatoes will give a better texture and more authentic flavor to the casserole.

• How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?

Pierce them with a fork. If the fork slides in easily without resistance, they’re done. Typically, this takes about 15 minutes of boiling.

• What can I do if my marshmallows burn too quickly?

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil if the marshmallows are browning too fast. This will prevent burning while allowing the dish to continue cooking evenly.

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet potato casserole invites comfort and Southern charm to your holiday table. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with golden marshmallows promise a delightful blend of warmth and nostalgia you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Spices and Flavoring:

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Simmer cubed sweet potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until fork-tender, then thoroughly drain and mash into a smooth consistency.
2. Blend mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, brown sugar, warm spices, fragrant vanilla, and creamy milk until perfectly homogeneous.
3. Grease a casserole dish and carefully spread the sweet potato mixture evenly across the bottom, creating a uniform layer.
4. Artfully arrange miniature marshmallows across the entire surface of the sweet potato base, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and position rack in the middle position for even heating.
6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching closely as marshmallows transform into golden, caramelized peaks.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the casserole to set and cool slightly before serving.
8. Serve warm, showcasing the beautifully toasted marshmallow topping that adds a delightful contrast to the creamy sweet potato base.

Notes

• Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar for a less sugary version, perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
• Swap marshmallows with a crunchy pecan or walnut streusel topping for a more nutty, textural experience.
• Use coconut milk instead of regular milk to create a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle tropical twist.
• Roast sweet potatoes instead of boiling to intensify their natural caramelized flavor and create a deeper, richer taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg