Easy Sweet Potato Casserole: A Comforting Holiday Side Dish

Easy Sweet Potato Casserole: A Holiday Favorite

This sweet potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy mashed sweet potatoes with warm spices and a golden marshmallow topping.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

• Classic holiday side dish: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering.
• Simple ingredients: Pantry staples come together in under an hour.
• Sweet and savory balance: Brown sugar and cinnamon complement the natural sweetness of the yams.
• Textural delight: Creamy filling topped with toasted marshmallows (and optional pecans) adds a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

• 6 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Place the sweet potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
3. In a mixing bowl, mash the hot sweet potatoes with butter until smooth. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg (if using), vanilla extract, and beaten eggs until creamy and well combined.
4. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5. Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over the surface. If desired, add chopped pecans for extra texture.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until marshmallows are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Make ahead: Prepare the mashed potato base a day early; cover and refrigerate. Add toppings just before baking.
• Dairy-free option: Swap butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free marshmallows.
• Flavor twist: Stir in a splash of orange juice or a teaspoon of grated orange zest for brightness.
• Crunch factor: Swap pecans for walnuts or add a cinnamon-oat streusel topping.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 385 kcal | Carbs: 91 g | Fiber: 9 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 168 mg | Cholesterol: 3 mg

Gather round and enjoy every bite of this sweet potato casserole.

Recipe credit