If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances comfort and festive delight, look no further than the Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe. This classic casserole brings together the natural sweetness of tender, mashed sweet potatoes with the gooey charm of melted marshmallows and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. It’s a soulful, crowd-pleasing side that turns any holiday table or cozy family dinner into a memorable feast filled with warmth, sweetness, and just the right touch of spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe, you’ll lean on some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in a harmony of flavors and textures. Each element plays its own part in making this dish irresistibly rich, creamy, and delightfully crunchy on top.
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and creamy body when mashed perfectly.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the earthy sweet potatoes beautifully.
- Butter: Enriches the mash with a luscious smoothness and slight richness.
- Vanilla extract: Just a hint to elevate the sweetness and provide aromatic warmth.
- Cinnamon: Brings in subtle spice, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance sweetness and add a touch of depth.
- Chopped pecans: Half folded into the sweet potato mix for texture, with the rest sprinkled on top to add a toasty, nutty crunch.
- Miniature marshmallows: The crowning glory that toasts to golden perfection, adding a gooey, sweet finish everyone loves.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and ready for baking. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish thoroughly so your casserole doesn’t stick and will come out effortlessly once baked. This step is crucial for a smooth finish.
Step 2: Cook Sweet Potatoes
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add your peeled, cubed sweet potatoes. Let them simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until they’re fork-tender and easy to mash. Perfectly cooked potatoes are the foundation for a velvety casserole, so make sure they’re soft but not mushy. Drain the water once done and prepare for mashing.
Step 3: Mash Sweet Potatoes
Transfer the tender sweet potatoes into a large bowl or back into the pot for mashing. Add in your brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and black pepper. Mash everything together thoroughly until smooth and creamy with all flavors fully blended. This is where the magic of balancing sweetness and spice begins, so take your time to get a harmonious mix.
Step 4: Add Pecans
Fold in about half of your chopped pecans gently into the mashed sweet potato mixture. This will add delightful texture and a bit of crunch inside the casserole itself. Then spread the entire mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, creating a beautiful, smooth bed for the marshmallows and pecans on top.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Sprinkle the top generously with your miniature marshmallows, followed by the remaining chopped pecans. These marshmallows will melt into a sweet, gooey layer that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy nuts. This step gives the Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe its classic, eye-catching appearance and irresistible texture.
Step 6: Bake
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for the marshmallows to turn golden brown and puff up, signaling that the casserole is heated through and ready to serve. This final bake melds all the flavors together, delivering a warm, comforting masterpiece straight from your oven.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate this dish with a few thoughtful garnishes like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light drizzle of maple syrup to enhance sweetness and add a fresh, subtle contrast. Even a pinch of flaky sea salt on top will intensify flavors beautifully. These little touches make every bite more exciting and visually inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with savory mains like roasted turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken. Its creamy sweetness also balances earthy green vegetables such as sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s a versatile companion that brings holiday nostalgia or daily comfort to any table setting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe in individual ramekins for personalized servings that look elegant and inviting. Alternatively, you can layer it in a trifle dish for a visually stunning presentation that highlights the colorful contrast of marshmallows and pecans. These ideas make it great for entertaining and sharing the love in style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This casserole keeps beautifully for about 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks or holiday leftovers. The flavors deepen over time, so it tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe dish or container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes depending on portion size. This slow reheating helps keep the marshmallows soft and the pecans crunchy. You can also re-toast the marshmallow topping briefly under a broiler for a fresh golden finish if desired.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes yield the best texture and flavor in this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and adjust sugar and seasoning to taste, as canned varieties may be sweeter or softer.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning?
To keep marshmallows from burning, bake the casserole at the recommended temperature and watch closely towards the end of baking. If they brown too quickly or unevenly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil to shield the marshmallows while the casserole finishes heating.
Can I make this casserole vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter for a plant-based alternative and use vegan marshmallows to suit dietary needs. The rest of the recipe stays the same, delivering all the flavors and textures without dairy or animal products.
Is there a way to add more spice or flavor complexity?
Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the sweet potato mash. Some also enjoy stirring in a splash of orange juice or zest to brighten the dish. These little tweaks can bring a unique spin to the classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe.
What’s the best way to chop pecans evenly?
For even pecan pieces, use a sharp knife and steady chopping motion on a cutting board, or pulse lightly in a food processor. Aim for small chunks rather than finely ground nuts to retain delightful texture throughout the casserole.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about gathering around a table and sharing a dish as comforting and festive as this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe. With its velvety sweetness, crunchy pecans, and toasted marshmallows, it never fails to bring smiles and warmth to every occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own, savoring every spoonful of this timeless classic.
Print
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic Sweet Potato Casserole with a rich, creamy mashed sweet potato base, blended with brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and spices, topped with crunchy pecans and toasted miniature marshmallows. Perfect for holiday dinners or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into cubes)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- â…“ cup butter (softened)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- â…“ cup chopped pecans (half of total)
Topping
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- ½ cup chopped pecans (remaining half)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking and set it aside.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes into a pot of boiling water. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and soft enough to mash easily. Drain the potatoes thoroughly once cooked.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes into a large bowl or back into the pot. Mash them well while incorporating brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Add Pecans: Fold in half of the chopped pecans (about â…“ cup) evenly into the mashed sweet potato mixture. Spread the mixture uniformly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the entire top surface of the sweet potato mixture with the miniature marshmallows first, then distribute the remaining chopped pecans evenly over the marshmallows for a crunchy and sweet finish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Bake until the marshmallows are golden brown and puffed, and the casserole is thoroughly heated through.
Notes
- To save time, sweet potatoes can be cooked in advance and refrigerated overnight.
- Pecans can be toasted beforehand to enhance their flavor before adding to the casserole.
- For a less sweet option, reduce the amount of brown sugar or marshmallows.
- Use dairy-free butter and marshmallows to make it vegan-friendly.
- This casserole pairs perfectly with turkey or ham for holiday dinners.
