Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe

The Coziest Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe Ever

Crafting a delightful sweet potato marshmallow casserole brings pure comfort to your holiday table.

Cozy memories of family gatherings dance through this classic side dish.

Soft, caramelized marshmallows create a golden crown atop creamy mashed sweet potatoes.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg weave their magic into every bite.

Unexpected hints of orange zest add a bright, unexpected twist to the traditional recipe.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

This dish will become the star of your festive feast that everyone craves.

Storing Your Southern Sweet Casserole for Later

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the sweet potato casserole covered tightly to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in freezer-safe container for maximum 2 months; avoid adding marshmallow topping before freezing.
  • Thaw casserole overnight in refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning; add fresh marshmallows during last 5 minutes of heating.
  • Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming; add fresh marshmallows on top after heating for extra crispness.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes to save time. Just drain and mash them before mixing with other ingredients.

  • How do I know if the sweet potatoes are cooked properly?

The sweet potatoes are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork. They should be soft but not mushy.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding marshmallows, cover, and refrigerate. Add marshmallows and bake just before serving.

  • What can I substitute for orange juice if I don't have any?

You can use pineapple juice or apple juice as an alternative to orange juice in this recipe.

Southern Holiday Sweet Casserole: Warmth in Every Spoonful

  • Celebrate Southern Comfort: A classic holiday side dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your family gathering with its rich, creamy texture and sweet flavors.
  • Simplify Cooking Process: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned kitchen pros.
  • Kid-Friendly Delight: The marshmallow topping turns this sweet potato casserole into a crowd-pleaser that kids will love, transforming a traditional side dish into an exciting treat.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, or family dinners, this dish easily adapts to various occasions and always receives rave reviews from guests.

Southern Holiday Sweet Casserole: Pantry Picks

Sweet Potato Base:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Fresh root vegetables that provide the foundational flavor and texture for this holiday dish.
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps create a smooth potato mixture.
  • Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
  • Orange Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy undertone that complements the sweet potatoes.
Topping and Texture Ingredients:
  • Pineapple: Adds a tropical sweetness and moisture to the casserole.
  • Marshmallows: Creates a classic sweet, golden-brown topping that provides a delightful contrast to the soft potato base.

How to Bake Southern Holiday Sweet Casserole

Step 1: Boil Sweet Potatoes

Place whole unpeeled sweet potatoes in a large pot of water.

Bring to a rolling boil and cook for 30-40 minutes until you can easily pierce them with a fork.

The potatoes should feel soft but not mushy.

Step 2: Cool And Prepare Potatoes

Carefully drain the potatoes in a colander.

Run cool water over them to stop the cooking process and make them comfortable to handle.

Gently remove the skins by peeling or sliding them off.

Step 3: Create Creamy Potato Base

In a large mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.

Add softened butter, a pinch of salt, and fresh orange juice.

Whip the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, creating a creamy texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Fruity Goodness

Drain a can of crushed pineapple, removing excess liquid.

Gently fold the pineapple into the sweet potato mixture, distributing it evenly throughout.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.

Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly across the pan, creating a smooth surface.

Step 6: First Baking Round

Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350F.

Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through completely.

Step 7: Add Marshmallow Topping

Remove the casserole from the oven.

Carefully spread a layer of mini marshmallows across the entire surface, covering the sweet potato mixture completely.

Step 8: Final Golden Bake

Return the pan to the oven.

Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, watching carefully until the marshmallows turn a beautiful golden brown and become slightly puffy.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.

Serve the casserole warm, allowing the creamy sweet potatoes and toasted marshmallows to create a delightful holiday treat.

Southern Casserole Know-How: Handy Hints

  • Use medium-sized sweet potatoes of similar size for even cooking, ensuring consistent tenderness throughout.
  • Run cold water over potatoes immediately after boiling to stop cooking process and make peeling easier.
  • Use a hand mixer or potato masher to create creamy, lump-free texture without overworking the potatoes.
  • Swap orange juice with fresh-squeezed juice for brighter, more vibrant taste that complements sweet potatoes.
  • Watch marshmallows closely during final baking to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown color.

New Casserole Spins to Explore

  • Vegan Sweet Potato Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use alternative toppings like chopped nuts instead of marshmallows.
  • Citrus-Spiced Variation: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and swap orange juice with fresh lemon juice for a zesty flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free marshmallows and substitute orange juice with sugar-free orange extract to reduce overall sugar content.

Southern Holiday Casserole: Ways to Serve Up Comfort

  • Festive Family Feast: Complement this sweet potato casserole with classic Southern sides that elevate your meal's deliciousness.
  • Holiday Harmony Plate: Pair with glazed ham or roasted turkey to create a traditional Southern holiday spread that brings everyone together.
  • Nutty Crunch Topper: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over marshmallow layer for added texture and rich, toasted flavor that makes the dish pop.
  • Tangy Sidekick: Serve alongside cranberry sauce or a light green salad to balance the casserole's sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.
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Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe

Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Creamy sweet potato marshmallow casserole brings Southern comfort to holiday tables with its luscious blend of mashed potatoes, warm spices, and golden toasted marshmallow topping. Rich flavors and nostalgic textures invite you to savor each comforting spoonful of this classic side dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes
  • 9 ounces (255 grams) crushed pineapple, drained

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter
  • 2.5 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Submerge whole sweet potatoes in a generously sized pot, allowing them to simmer vigorously for 35-40 minutes until they yield effortlessly when pierced with a fork.
  2. Carefully drain potatoes and immediately rinse under cool running water to halt cooking process and facilitate comfortable handling.
  3. Peel sweet potatoes completely, discarding tough outer skin and slicing into manageable chunks.
  4. Pulverize potato pieces using a robust masher or electric mixer, transforming them into a silky, luxurious texture.
  5. Incorporate citrusy orange juice, melted butter, and a delicate sprinkle of salt, blending until mixture achieves a cloudlike consistency.
  6. Gently fold drained pineapple fragments throughout the creamy potato base, distributing evenly.
  7. Preheat oven to a precise 350°F, preparing a spacious 9×13 inch baking vessel with a light butter coating.
  8. Transfer potato mixture into prepared pan, smoothing surface with a spatula for uniform distribution.
  9. Slide pan into preheated oven, allowing casserole to warm through for approximately 20 minutes.
  10. Delicately arrange miniature marshmallows across the potato landscape in an elegant, overlapping pattern.
  11. Return casserole to oven, monitoring closely for an additional 5-7 minutes until marshmallows transform into golden, puffy clouds.
  12. Remove from oven and allow brief cooling before presenting this decadent southern delicacy to eager diners.

Notes

  • Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth, firm skin for consistent cooking and best flavor.
  • Use wooden spoon or electric mixer on low speed to achieve fluffy texture without over-mashing potatoes.
  • Drain pineapple completely to prevent extra moisture that could make casserole soggy.
  • For dietary modifications, substitute marshmallows with chopped pecans or coconut flakes for gluten-free and lower-sugar version.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 277 kcal
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 138 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 63 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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