A Brief History of Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is a uniquely American dish that dates back to the early 1900s. The first widely known recipe appeared in a booklet by the Angelus Marshmallow company in 1917, which promoted marshmallows as a modern cooking ingredient. Since then, the dish has become a beloved Thanksgiving staple, especially in the Southern United States, where sweet potatoes are a regional favorite. This comfort food beautifully combines earthy sweetness with gooey marshmallows, creating a nostalgic holiday classic.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This sweet potato casserole is creamy, cozy, and delightfully sweet—perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Topped with golden, gooey marshmallows, it’s a festive side dish that doubles as dessert. Whether you’re serving a crowd or making a smaller holiday meal, this recipe brings warmth and tradition to the table. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that adds comfort and holiday magic to your seasonal spread.
Ingredients
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4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
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1/4 tsp salt
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2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain.
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Mash sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
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Spread mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Top with mini marshmallows.
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Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until marshmallows are golden brown.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a nuttier flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans under the marshmallow layer
Substitute almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version
You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and bake just before serving
FAQ
1. Can I make sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then add marshmallows and bake before serving.
2. How do I keep the marshmallows from burning?
Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, checking during the last 5 minutes. If marshmallows brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
3. Can I freeze sweet potato casserole?
Yes, but freeze only the sweet potato base without marshmallows. Add fresh marshmallows before baking after thawing to maintain texture.
