There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of sweet potato casserole baking in the oven, especially when it’s topped with a golden, crunchy layer of pecans and marshmallows. This warm and cozy dish has been a staple at our holiday table for as long as I can remember. The creamy sweetness of the potatoes paired with a crisp, buttery topping is simply irresistible, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

I still remember helping my grandmother mash sweet potatoes every Thanksgiving, sneaking a taste when she wasn’t looking. Now, this recipe has become a family tradition, shared and cherished through generations. Let me show you how to make this classic dish, perfect for your next holiday gathering.

Why You'll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

Get ready to make a casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds. This sweet potato casserole is more than just a side dish – it’s the ultimate blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors.

First off, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can prepare a dish that tastes like it took hours to perfect. Even if you’re a kitchen novice, this casserole will make you look like a seasoned cook.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize the topping to suit your crowd – whether you prefer a nutty, pecan-studded crunch or a gooey marshmallow finish. Or better yet, split the casserole and make both!

Lastly, sweet potato casserole is perfect for making ahead. This is a huge bonus when you’re juggling multiple holiday dishes. You can prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate, and then bake it right before serving. It’s stress-free and delicious, the ultimate holiday win.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this sweet potato casserole lies in its humble, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component works together to create a flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.

Sweet Potatoes are the star of the show. They provide the creamy base that’s naturally sweet and packed with nutrients. When picking sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm with smooth skin. Roasting them brings out the natural sugars, but if you’re pressed for time, boiling works just as well.

Brown Sugar adds warmth and depth to the potatoes, complementing their natural sweetness. I recommend using light brown sugar for a subtle caramel flavor, but if you want a bolder taste, go with dark brown sugar.

Butter brings richness and helps balance the sweetness. Use real, unsalted butter for the best flavor, and don’t be shy – it makes the casserole luxuriously smooth. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter substitutes will do the trick.

Pecans make the topping irresistible. They add a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft sweet potatoes. If pecans aren’t your favorite, walnuts or even crushed pretzels can be fun alternatives.

For the Marshmallows, mini marshmallows are classic. They melt into a golden, toasty layer that’s a hit with kids and adults alike. If you’d prefer something less sweet, consider skipping them or only covering half of the casserole.

How To Make This Sweet Potato Casserole

Making sweet potato casserole is easier than you might think, and I’m here to walk you through each step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your sweet potatoes. You can either roast them until fork-tender or boil them, which takes about 20-30 minutes. Once they’re cooked, peel the skins off and place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl.

Using a potato masher or a hand mixer, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until creamy and well combined. The key is to taste as you go, adjusting for sweetness or seasoning if needed.

Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes into a greased baking dish and spread them out evenly. Now, let’s prepare the topping. In a separate bowl, mix together chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over half of the sweet potatoes for a nutty crunch.

If you’re using marshmallows, scatter them over the other half of the casserole or cover the entire surface for that classic, gooey layer. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the marshmallows are nicely toasted.

The entire process should take you about an hour from start to finish, but it’s well worth the effort. Your house will smell amazing, and your guests will be delighted!

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Sweet potato casserole stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping.

To refrigerate, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

If you plan to make it ahead, assemble the casserole but hold off on baking. Store it in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this sweet potato casserole is how easy it is to tweak to your liking.

For a healthier twist, you can reduce the brown sugar in the filling or use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener. You can also swap regular butter for a vegan alternative to make this dish dairy-free.

If you’re a fan of savory-sweet combinations, try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mashed sweet potatoes. A sprinkle of chopped bacon over the pecan topping also gives it a salty crunch that’s absolutely divine.

Not into pecans? No problem! Use crushed cornflakes, gingersnap cookies, or even a streusel made with oats and flour. This adds a new texture and flavor dimension.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with spices or mix-ins. A bit of orange zest or a splash of bourbon can elevate the flavor profile, turning a classic side dish into something truly memorable.

Have fun with it, and make this recipe your own!