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Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Marshmallows and Pecans

sweet potato casserole - featured image

This easy sweet potato casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish featuring creamy sweet potatoes, a crunchy pecan topping, and gooey marshmallows. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and comes together in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Place peeled and cut sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well and let cool slightly.
  2. Transfer sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl. Mash with a potato masher or beat with an electric mixer until smooth (leave some small pieces for texture if desired).
  3. Add melted butter, eggs, granulated sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the mashed potatoes. Stir until combined and smooth.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Pour sweet potato mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and nutmeg (if using). Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes until the topping is bubbling.
  8. Remove casserole from oven. Scatter mini marshmallows over the top. Return to oven for another 10 minutes, or until marshmallows are golden and puffed.
  9. Let casserole cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, roast sweet potatoes instead of boiling. Toast pecans for more crunch. Add marshmallows at the end to prevent melting into the casserole. Make ahead by preparing the base and topping, refrigerate, and add marshmallows before baking. For nut-free, omit pecans or use seeds. For vegan, use dairy-free butter/milk and egg substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, Thanksgiving side, marshmallows, pecans, holiday recipe, comfort food, easy casserole