Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows: A Southern Classic

Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of sweet potatoes baking would fill the air during holiday gatherings. This classic southern sweet potato casserole combines creamy, cinnamon-spiced sweet potatoes topped with a golden brown marshmallow layer that creates the perfect balance of textures. Whether you prefer a mashed sweet potato casserole with marshmallows or are curious about non-mashed variations, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite. As my grandmother would say, “The food tells you what it needs,” and these sweet potatoes call for that perfect marshmallow topping that transforms them into something truly special.

Quick Recipe

This southern sweet potato casserole with marshmallows combines tender sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, and warm spices, topped with a golden marshmallow layer. Simply bake sweet potatoes until soft, mix with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, transfer to a baking dish, top with marshmallows, and bake until golden. The result is a creamy, sweet side dish perfect for holidays or Sunday dinners a true taste of southern comfort that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love It

Perfect Holiday Companion

This mashed sweet potato recipe with marshmallows has earned its place on holiday tables across America for good reason. The combination of sweet, creamy potatoes with that gooey, toasted marshmallow topping creates a dish that’s both comforting and celebratory. Unlike ordinary side dishes, this sweet potato casserole walks the line between side and dessert, making it uniquely versatile for your holiday spread. The bright orange color and golden marshmallow top also bring visual appeal to your table, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.

Customizable Comfort

What makes this southern sweet potato casserole with marshmallows truly special is how easily you can adapt it to your preferences. If you’re torn between mashed and non-mashed sweet potato casserole, you can adjust the texture to your liking. Some southern families prefer a chunkier texture that showcases the sweet potatoes, while others love the silky smoothness of thoroughly mashed potatoes. You can also experiment with toppings some variations include sweet potato casserole with graham crackers crumbled between the potato layer and marshmallows for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds)
½ cup butter, melted (1 stick)
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
¼ cup milk (optional, for creamier texture)
2 cups mini marshmallows (or enough to cover the top)
Optional: ½ cup crushed graham crackers for a sweet potato casserole with graham crackers variation

How to Make

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pierce them several times with a fork.
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 45-60 minutes until they’re completely soft when pierced.
Once done, let them cool slightly, then remove the skins and place the flesh in a large mixing bowl.

Creating the Casserole

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
Mash the sweet potatoes to your desired consistency completely smooth for a traditional mashed sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, or slightly chunky for a non-mashed sweet potato casserole texture.
Add the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, salt, and beaten eggs to the sweet potatoes and mix well.
Stir in milk if you prefer a creamier texture.
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
For the classic southern sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, sprinkle the marshmallows evenly over the top. (If using the graham cracker variation, sprinkle crushed graham crackers first, then add marshmallows.)
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted.
Watch carefully during the last few minutes to prevent marshmallows from burning.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Keeping It Fresh

This mashed yams with marshmallows casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for preparing ahead of holiday meals. Without the marshmallow topping, you can refrigerate the sweet potato base for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you’ve already added the marshmallows, it’s best consumed within 2 days as the marshmallows will begin to dissolve into the sweet potatoes—which isn’t necessarily bad, just a different texture!

For longer storage, you can freeze the sweet potato base (without marshmallows) for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding fresh marshmallows.

Perfect Reheating Methods

To reheat your southern candied yams with marshmallows, you have a few options:

Oven method (best for maintaining texture): Cover with foil and heat at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If you’re adding fresh marshmallows, remove the foil and add them during the last 5 minutes of heating.
Microwave method (quickest): While not ideal for the marshmallow topping, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. The marshmallows will melt rather than toast, but the flavor remains delicious.

Reheating Method	Time	Temperature	Best For
Oven	15-20 minutes	325°F	Whole casserole, preserving texture
Microwave	1-2 minutes	High	Individual servings, quick reheating

Variations to Try

Regional Sweet Potato Inspirations

The southern sweet potato casserole with marshmallows has many regional variations worth exploring. In some parts of the South, you’ll find this dish made with yams rather than sweet potatoes, creating a yams casserole with marshmallows that tends to be slightly sweeter and deeper orange in color. Other regional variations include:

Louisiana-style: Adds a splash of bourbon and a hint of orange zest
Tennessee version: Incorporates a layer of crushed pineapple beneath the marshmallows
Georgia twist: Includes chopped pecans mixed into the sweet potatoes for added texture

These variations show how versatile this beloved dish can be while maintaining its comforting essence.

Modern Twists on Tradition

While the classic southern sweet potato casserole with marshmallows remains a favorite, modern interpretations bring exciting new flavors:

Savory-sweet balance: Add a teaspoon of chipotle powder to the sweet potato mixture for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness
Healthier option: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar and top with a smaller layer of marshmallows
Dairy-free version: Substitute coconut oil for butter and coconut milk for regular milk
Graham cracker innovation: Create a sweet potato casserole with graham crackers as both a middle layer and topping for extra crunch

FAQs

Can I make sweet potato casserole with marshmallows ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sweet potato mixture up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Before serving, bring to room temperature, then add marshmallows and bake until golden.

What’s the difference between sweet potatoes and yams in this recipe?
While often used interchangeably in American cooking, yams and sweet potatoes are different. True yams are starchier and less sweet. What many Americans call “yams” are actually sweet potatoes. Either can work in this mashed yams with marshmallows recipe, but true sweet potatoes typically provide the best flavor and texture.

Can I make this without marshmallows?
Yes! A popular alternative is a pecan streusel topping made with brown sugar, flour, butter, and chopped pecans. This creates a different but equally delicious southern sweet potato casserole.

Why did my marshmallows burn?
Marshmallows can burn quickly. Keep a close eye during the final baking stage, and consider adding them during just the last 5-10 minutes of baking time.

Is sweet potato casserole a side dish or dessert?
In the South, it’s traditionally served as a side dish, particularly with holiday meals. However, its sweet nature means some families enjoy it as a dessert as well!

Conclusion

This sweet potato casserole with marshmallows recipe is more than just a dish it’s a celebration of southern comfort and tradition. Whether you prefer the classic mashed sweet potato casserole with marshmallows or want to experiment with a sweet potato casserole with graham crackers variation, this versatile recipe adapts to your taste while keeping its soulful character intact. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to connect us to cherished memories while creating new ones around the table.

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