Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole is the iconic side dish we all know and love! Your Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete without a scoop of the best sweet potato casserole recipe!

Making classic sweet potato casserole is a labor of love but worth every loving step. 

This creamy sweet potato mixture is just what you’re craving on your holiday menus, and the mini marshmallows on top are sensational.

Along with your green bean casserole, this sweet potato recipe is a family favorite! 

How to Make Classic Sweet Potato Casserole

First, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this casserole dish.

You’ll need fresh sweet potatoes! Of course! Peel and dice them, then boil in salted water until fork tender.

While you could use canned yams, which is what my grandmother did, you’ll need four cups of cooked sweet potatoes. 

Brown sugar, butter, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg are all featured in the sweet potato filling. 

This traditional sweet potato casserole gets a delicious streusel topping AND mini marshmallows. In the recipe card, I’ve included notes on creating a pecan streusel topping if that’s what you prefer. 

You can get out a large pot to boil your potatoes in and a large bowl to mix everything together. 

I personally like to use a hand mixer (specifically THIS hand mixer that’s cordless!), instead of a potato masher. But, use whatever you have in your kitchen! 

You’ll need a baking dish for this easy sweet potato casserole recipe! I’ve also included freezing instructions to make this Thanksgiving side dish ahead of time. 

I know everyone loves to do as much as they can ahead of time, and mixing the sweet potato part a few weeks ahead of Thanksgiving Day is the head start we all need! 

Once you have the perfect combination of mashed sweet potatoes and the streusel topping, you’ll bake the southern sweet potato casserole. 

With a few minutes left in the baking time, add the marshmallows on top and let them roast until golden brown.

Marshmallow Topping vs. Crunchy Pecan

I love a marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole AND a crunchy pecan streusel topping.

Growing up, my grandmother was in charge of the sweet potato casserole. For years, she made this one with the marshmallows.

Then, we had a friend’s sister’s recipe with a pecan topping and a creamy filling of orange zest spiced sweet potatoes. It is heavenly! 

Your Holiday table will be well-cared for with either of these toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.

How do I heat up leftovers?

The easiest way to heat up leftovers is in the microwave in 15-30 second intervals until thoroughly warm. You could also reheat in the oven until warm, or even the air fryer.

Do I have to broil the marshmallows?

This is completely up to you; there will be a taste difference if you don’t. But if you’re unsure about using your broiler on your oven because it can take seconds for something to go from perfectly golden to burnt, then feel free to skip this step or use a kitchen torch to brown the marshmallows.

Can I make this vegan-friendly for guests?

Absolutely! Simply use a non-dairy milk, such as oat milk, plant-based butter, and vegan friendly marshmallows (such as Dandies, which are available on Amazon).

Do I have to boil the sweet potatoes, or can I bake them instead?

You can certainly bake the sweet potatoes rather than boiling them. It’s preferred to boil them as it’s much quicker. You also may end up with less filling if you bake, rather than boil, the sweet potatoes.

Can I make this sweet potato casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Sort of! You’ll make the filling portion, then freeze in an airtight container (my preferred method is freezing in a ziptop bag, laying flat to save freezer space!). You’ll thaw the filling, add it to a casserole dish, and bake according to the instructions in the printable recipe card. 

Other Classic Casserole Recipes to Serve 

If you’re hosting a turkey dinner, this classic sweet potato casserole recipe is on your menu!

Here are a few more casseroles you might want to add to your holiday meals:

Southern Cornbread Dressing! This one has sausage in it for a scrumptious addition to your holiday dinners!

Green Bean Casserole is one of my favorite recipes to eat around the holiday season. Last year, I updated the original Campbell’s recipe with the addition of tangy sour cream, and instead of mushroom soup, you use cream of onion soup. It’s sensational!

The recipe that is hands down my absolute favorite dish at Thanksgiving?! My Grandma’s Dressing recipe. I’ve been making it since I could walk, and my Thanksgiving menu isn’t complete without it. 

Pineapple Cheese Casserole is straight out of the Southern Junior League and church cookbooks, and it’s just so good. Salty, sweet, and something everyone loves to hate.

Main Dish Recipes to Serve

Classic sweet potato casserole is synonymous with Thanksgiving and the holiday season.

Serving it with Grandma’s Roasted Turkey is essential. It’s just not Thanksgiving without sweet potatoes! 

However, I love serving it with a simple roast chicken on a weeknight! This is where properly stored leftovers come in handy. I love plopping my leftovers into the Souper Cubes system, then pulling out what I need when I have a rotisserie chicken, a can of green beans, and this classic recipe.

Grilled Champagne Vinaigrette Pork Chops are sensational with sweet potato casserole. While I usually serve roasted sweet potatoes with pork chops, you can’t go wrong with the marshmallow topping! 

Whenever you make this Classic Sweet Potato Casserole, enjoy it with lots of friends and family gathered nearby!

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