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There isn’t anything more classic than this easy Sweet Potato Casserole. Layers of sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows and pecans make this more like a dessert than a side dish. Yum!

Sweet Potato Casserole in a baking dish
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This is an amazing recipe that completes your Thanksgiving dinner. At any holiday or special occasion, everyone expects to see this sweet potato casserole. I always sign up to bring it because it really is so easy.

If you are looking for the best sweet potato casserole marshmallow recipe, then this is the one to make. This recipe is perfect for Christmas, Easter and more.

If you love this sweet potato casserole, check out these recipes – Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole, Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole, or Candied Sweet Potato Recipe.

What is the Difference between Sweet Potatoes and Yams?

Sweet potatoes have a lighter skin and canned yams are much darker. The flesh is also different. Yams are dryer and not as sweet.

The flesh of Sweet potatoes have more moisture and also taste sweeter. They are both great Thanksgiving Side dishes.

Ingredients:

Ingredients needed - sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, pecans, cinnamon, salt, pepper, mini marshmallows
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Light Brown Sugar
  • Unsalted Butter
  • Pecans
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Mini Marshmallows

For the full list of ingredients and recipe, scroll to the bottom for the recipe card.

Variations Ideas:

  • Seasoning – For added flavor, feel free to sprinkle a teaspoon of pumpkin spice into the mixture.
  • Marshmallows – If you prefer, you can makes this casserole without the marshmallows.

Step by Step Instructions:

Greased baking dish

Step 1 – First, preheat the oven to 375°F. Next, grease a 9 x 13 Casserole Dish.

cooking sweet potatoes in a large pot

Step 2 – Place sweet potatoes in a pot of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes to 20 minutes or until fork tender. Drain.

Cooked diced sweet potatoes in a bowl with spices and butter

Step 3 – In a large pot, mash the sweet potatoes with brown sugar. Then add in butter, cinnamon, and salt & pepper with a potato masher. You can also use a hand mixer.

Mashed sweet potatoes in a bowl with chopped pecans

Step 4 – Fold in half of the pecans and spread into large bowl with the melted butter.

Spreading the sweet potatoes in a casserole dish

Step 5 – Put the combined ingredients in a baking dish or baking sheet.

Topping the mashed sweet potatoes with pecans and marshmallows

Step 6 – Sprinkle with the marshmallows and the remaining pecans.

  • Step 7 – Bake Casserole – Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until marshmallows and baking are golden brown. Cook potatoes are heated through.
  • Step 8 – Serve and Enjoy – Make sure you keep an eye on the casserole. So that the marshmallows on top do not burn. It doesn’t take long for the cooked sweet potatoes, marshmallows and streusel topping to get golden brown.

Recipe Tips:

  • Stir Ingredients – Combine the ingredients in a medium bowl to create amazing texture.
  • Cooking Sweet Potatoes – You can easily cook the sweet potatoes ahead of time to save time when making this casserole recipe. Peeled and cubed sweet potatoes to cook the sweet potatoes faster.
  • Preparing Baking Dish – We recommend spraying the baking dish with cooking spray. This helps to make for easy cleanup and easy to serve.
  • Vanilla Extract – For a warm flavor, feel free to add in vanilla extract or maple syrup.
  • Marshmallows – If you prefer, you can make this recipe without marshmallows. You can use what you prefer. We recommend using mini marshmallows.
Sweet potatoes casserole in a casserole dish

Can I use Canned Sweet Potatoes?

Yes, you can. You can use canned or frozen sweet potatoes when making this sweet potato casserole.

The canned sweet potato are smaller in size so take that into consideration when you are preparing your sweet potato casserole.

Do you peel sweet potatoes before boiling?

Yes! Go ahead and peel the potatoes prior to boiling. This will make the entire process easier. After you peel the sweet potatoes, cut them into equal size cubes. This will help them to cook evenly when you boil them.

We like to make this recipe as easy as possible. So I usually will have the kids start peeling the sweet potatoes while I am working on the other dishes. I am all about team work when it comes to making our holiday meal.

Sweet potato casserole with a serving on a plate

Is it Better to Boil or Bake Sweet Potatoes for Casserole?

When making these sweet potato casserole you can boil or bake the sweet potatoes. It is all about your preference. The flavor of the casserole is still delicious no matter how you prepare.

We even have used leftover sweet potatoes to make this casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How To Store Leftovers:

You can store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. For your leftovers, cover and put in the refrigerator. This casserole stores so well. Make sure the casserole has come to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. This is the perfect recipe to make ahead of time.

Can you Freeze?

You can freeze this casserole for up to a month. When placing in the freezer be sure to wrap first with a plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Leave the pecan and marshmallow topping off you are planning on freezer.

More Easy Casserole Recipes:

Make sure to leave us a comment if you try this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole. We love hearing from you.

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Easy Sweet Potato Casserole

4.91 from 11 votes
There isn't anything more classic than this easy Sweet potato casserole. Layers of sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows and pecans make this so tasty.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine American
Course Side Dish
Calories 411

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cut into cubes
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • ¾ cup pecans chopped divided
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or to taste
  • 1/4 salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9 x 13 pan.
  • Place sweet potatoes in a pot of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes or until fork tender. Drain.
  • In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and salt & pepper.
  • Fold in half of the pecans and spread into prepared pan.
  • Sprinkle with the marshmallows and the remaining pecans.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until marshmallows are golden brown and potatoes are heated through.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 411kcal, Carbohydrates 59g, Protein 4g, Fat 19g, Saturated Fat 8g, Cholesterol 31mg, Sodium 209mg, Potassium 633mg, Fiber 6g, Sugar 28g, Vitamin A 24486IU, Vitamin C 4mg, Calcium 73mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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  1. 5 stars
    This is an awesome recipe I make often as a dessert that everyone in my family in my family loves.