The Coziest Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Ever

Sweet potato casserole brings warmth to my grandmother’s cherished holiday memories.

Cozy kitchens always buzzed with anticipation when she prepared this classic dish.

Creamy, marshmallow-topped goodness speaks directly to comfort food lovers everywhere.

Generations have savored these rich, buttery layers of deliciousness.

Simple ingredients come together in magical ways that make everyone smile.

Soft potatoes mingle with sweet, caramelized toppings creating pure culinary magic.

Let’s uncover how this delectable recipe can become your new favorite side dish.

What Goes Best With Sweet Potato Casserole

• Elevate Sweet Potato Casserole Pairings
• Complement Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Zinfandel or Pinot Noir with fruity undertones that match the casserole's sweet and warm spices.
• Match Hearty Protein Partner: Serve alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or herb-crusted roast chicken to balance the casserole's rich sweetness.
• Create Crisp Salad Contrast: Prepare a tangy green salad with citrus vinaigrette to cut through the dish's creamy texture and provide refreshing balance.
• Enhance Dessert Companion: Pair with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to amplify the casserole's comforting holiday flavors and smooth consistency.

How To Store Sweet Potato Casserole Easily

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat Oven: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent marshmallows from burning.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes on medium power. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

Sweet Potato Casserole FAQs

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute fresh sweet potatoes with canned sweet potatoes. Drain and pat them dry before mashing to ensure the right consistency.

• How can I make this casserole less sweet?

Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup. You can also cut back on the marshmallow topping.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat products and can be easily adapted with plant-based butter or milk alternatives.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the marshmallow topping just before baking to keep them fresh and crispy.

Why Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole Is Loved

• Comfort Food Champion: This sweet potato casserole delivers pure comfort with its rich, creamy texture and warm spices that instantly transport you to cozy family gatherings.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks wanting to create a delightful side dish that everyone will love.
• Festive Holiday Star: Perfectly suited for thanksgiving, christmas, or any special occasion, this classic casserole brings nostalgic flavors that spark joy and create memorable moments around the dinner table.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: With its irresistible combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and golden marshmallow topping, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed hit at potlucks and family meals.

Everything You Need For Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Creamy and nutritious root vegetables that form the foundation of this comforting casserole.

• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a rich flavor profile.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together with a smooth texture.
• Milk: Enhances the creaminess and helps achieve a soft, spreadable consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet undertone that complements the sweet potatoes.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warming spices that create depth and traditional holiday flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the casserole.

• Mini Marshmallows: Creates a classic sweet, golden-brown layer that adds a delightful contrast to the creamy sweet potato base.

How To Bake Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect baking environment for this delightful dish.

Step 2: Boil Sweet Potato Cubes

Drop sweet potato cubes into boiling water and let them dance and soften for 10-15 minutes until perfectly tender.

Step 3: Transform Potatoes Into Creamy Goodness

Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Mash them into a silky smooth texture using a potato masher or fork.

Step 4: Mix Flavor Companions

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Stir everything until the mixture becomes a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Vessel

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and gently spread the sweet potato mixture evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Crown With Marshmallow Clouds

Generously sprinkle mini marshmallows across the top, creating a fluffy white landscape.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until marshmallows transform into golden, puffy clouds of sweetness.

Tips That Make Sweet Potato Casserole Better

• Select sweet potatoes with deep orange flesh for maximum flavor and vibrant color.
• Allow sweet potatoes to cool slightly before mashing to prevent burning your hands and ensure smooth texture.
• Experiment with spice ratios to personalize the casserole's warmth and depth of flavor.
• Use low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives for a lighter, more dietary-friendly version.
• Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch and nutty richness before baking marshmallow layer.

Fun Ways To Tweak Sweet Potato Casserole

• Nutty Crunch Topping: Replace marshmallows with a mixture of chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter for a crunchy, caramelized layer.
• Maple Pecan Glaze: Drizzle pure maple syrup and sprinkle toasted pecans over the sweet potato mixture before baking for a rich, autumnal flavor.
• Coconut Streusel Edition: Create a crumbly topping using shredded coconut, flour, brown sugar, and cold butter for a tropical-inspired casserole.
• Spiced Praline Version: Mix crushed praline pecans with a hint of bourbon and sprinkle over the casserole for an indulgent, Southern-style dish.

Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet potato casserole blends creamy Southern comfort with irresistible marshmallow topping, creating a nostalgic holiday side dish. Warm spices and buttery pecans elevate this classic recipe, promising a delightful experience you’ll savor with each comforting bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

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

Spices and Seasonings:

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

Liquid and Topping:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F, ensuring rack is positioned in the center.
2. Cut sweet potatoes into uniform cubes and boil in salted water until fork-tender, approximately 12-15 minutes.
3. Drain potatoes thoroughly in a colander, shaking to remove excess moisture.
4. Mash sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl until creamy and smooth, eliminating any lumps.
5. Incorporate melted butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into the mashed potatoes, stirring until ingredients are completely integrated.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
7. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth surface.
8. Generously scatter mini marshmallows over the entire potato layer, covering completely.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-27 minutes, monitoring marshmallows to achieve a golden-brown, slightly puffy texture without burning.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to allow marshmallows to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Select orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the richest, sweetest flavor and vibrant color in your casserole.
• Boil sweet potatoes whole with skin on to preserve more nutrients and prevent excess water absorption.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Consider replacing marshmallows with a crunchy pecan streusel topping for a less sugary, more textured alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 318
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 138 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg