Ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows & Crunchy Pecan Topping: Your Holiday Table Must-Have

Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is an undeniable highlight of any holiday gathering, a dish that effortlessly marries sweet and savory flavors into a truly memorable experience. This cherished family favorite boasts a delightful combination: a rich, creamy sweet potato base, a wonderfully crunchy brown sugar pecan topping, and a crown of golden, toasted marshmallows, all contributing to an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why This is the Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe You’ll Ever Make

For many years, like some of you, I struggled to truly appreciate sweet potato casserole. I often found it to be either too bland, lacking character, or excessively sweet without any balancing elements. It was a dish that always appeared on holiday tables but never quite captured my heart or taste buds.

Determined to transform this classic into something truly special, I embarked on a culinary quest as an adult. My goal was simple: to create a sweet potato casserole recipe that my family would not only love but cherish for generations, a recipe that would become a staple at every holiday gathering.

The result of that dedication is this very recipe, and I’m thrilled to say it has far exceeded my expectations! Not only has my own family fallen head over heels for it, but it has also gone viral on Pinterest, captivating the palates of thousands of readers just like you. This is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary triumph that will elevate your holiday spread.

What makes this sweet potato casserole so undeniably divine? It’s all about the layers of flavor and texture. A lusciously mashed sweet potato filling, perfectly spiced and sweetened, forms the comforting base. This is then generously topped with a crunchy brown sugar pecan layer, providing a delightful textural contrast and a hint of nutty, buttery goodness. Finally, a blanket of mini marshmallows bakes to golden brown perfection, offering a sweet, gooey finish that’s simply irresistible. This exquisite combination of salty-sweet pecans and wonderfully caramelized marshmallows is the secret behind its universal appeal and what truly sets this casserole apart.

This Sweet Potato Casserole stands proudly alongside other holiday essentials such as savory stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, rich gravy, tangy cranberry sauce, sweet glazed carrots, and the ever-popular green bean casserole. It’s a dish that perfectly balances your holiday meal, offering a touch of sweetness that complements every savory bite.

“This was absolutely the best Sweet Potato Casserole I’ve ever made/had! That layer of pecans was amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!” -Reader Nicole

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Marshmallow Sweet Potato Casserole

Follow these detailed steps to create a flawless sweet potato casserole that will become an instant classic in your home.

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes. Begin by peeling your fresh sweet potatoes thoroughly. Once peeled, cut them into uniform large chunks. This seemingly small step is crucial, as cutting them into smaller, consistent pieces ensures they cook much faster and more evenly when boiled, compared to trying to boil whole sweet potatoes. This also makes them easier to mash later.

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes. Place the prepared sweet potato chunks into a large pot. Cover them completely with cold water, ensuring they are fully submerged. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Continue to cook the sweet potatoes until they become exceptionally fork-tender, easily pierced, and fall apart with minimal effort. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your chunks. Properly cooked sweet potatoes are essential for a smooth, creamy filling.

Step 3: Mash and Mix the Filling. Carefully drain all the water from the cooked sweet potatoes and return them to the sauce pan. Using a sturdy potato masher, mash them until they are smooth and free of large lumps. Next, incorporate the rest of the sweet potato filling ingredients: the rich melted butter, fragrant brown sugar, a pinch of salt, warm cinnamon, a splash of vanilla extract, and a hint of nutmeg. Stir vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a velvety, aromatic sweet potato mixture ready for baking.

Add the rest of the casserole filling ingredients: butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg and mix until well combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Topping. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, prepare the irresistible pecan topping. Combine the melted butter, rich brown sugar, all-purpose flour (which helps create that perfect crumbly texture), a touch of salt to balance the sweetness, and the finely chopped pecan pieces. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined and form a thick, crumbly mixture. This topping is where the delightful crunch comes from!

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole Base. Take a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the prepared sweet potato filling into the dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom. Next, evenly sprinkle the pecan crumble mixture over the sweet potato layer. Make sure to distribute it well for a consistent crunch in every bite.

Step 6: Add the Marshmallow Layer. Finally, generously scatter the mini marshmallows over the pecan topping. Ensure an even layer, completely covering the entire top surface of the casserole. This layer will transform into a beautifully toasted, gooey, and sweet cap during baking, a classic feature of this beloved holiday dish.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Place the assembled sweet potato casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is bubbly around the edges and, most importantly, the mini marshmallows on top have turned a beautiful, inviting golden brown. This toasty color signifies optimal flavor and texture. We are aiming for those perfectly toasted, slightly caramelized marshmallows that create the most delicious and visually appealing bite!

While I used to exclusively prefer a sweet potato casserole with only a pecan topping, this particular recipe irrevocably changed my mind! The harmonious blend of flavors and textures is truly extraordinary. The delightful salty crunch of the pecan topping, paired with the irresistible sweetness of the golden-brown, melted marshmallows, creates a taste experience that is simply out of this world. It’s a revelation that transforms a traditional side dish into a star.

My kids adore this recipe, finding it incredibly fun to enjoy marshmallows as part of their meal! It’s a wonderful way to introduce vegetables to picky eaters during the holidays and create joyful memories around the dinner table. This casserole isn’t just delicious; it’s a conversation starter and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brightens any festive occasion.

If you’re ever asked to bring sweet potato casserole to your family’s Thanksgiving table, or any holiday potluck, this is the recipe you need. You will undoubtedly wow everyone with your incredible cooking skills and delightful presentation. This casserole isn’t just a side dish; it’s a statement piece!

You truly can’t go wrong with this classic holiday side dish! It’s more than just food; it’s an experience that will evoke all the cherished nostalgia of childhood holidays, creating new, fond memories for everyone around your table. Prepare to delight your friends and family and become the star of every potluck with this ultimate sweet potato casserole recipe!