Description

A comforting and classic Sweet Potato Casserole featuring tender mashed sweet potatoes blended with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla, topped with crunchy pecans and golden mini marshmallows baked to perfection. This dish perfectly balances sweetness and texture, making it a beloved side for holiday meals or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potato Mixture

3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
½ cup brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup butter, softened
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¾ cup chopped pecans, divided

Topping

2 cups miniature marshmallows
Remaining chopped pecans (from the ¾ cup total)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot of boiling water. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily mashable. Drain well to remove excess water.
Mash and Mix: Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large bowl or back into the pot. Add the brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and black pepper. Mash the mixture thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
Add Pecans: Fold in half of the chopped pecans into the mashed sweet potato mixture, then spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Top with Marshmallows and Pecans: Evenly sprinkle the miniature marshmallows over the sweet potato layer. Then, scatter the remaining chopped pecans on top of the marshmallows for added crunch.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the sweet potatoes are heated through.

Notes

To speed up sweet potato cooking, you can microwave the cubed potatoes for 5-8 minutes until tender instead of boiling.
Adjust the cinnamon and sugar to taste for sweeter or spicier variations.
For a nut-free option, omit the pecans and consider using crushed graham crackers for a crunchy topping.
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set.
This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, holiday side dish, mashed sweet potatoes, pecan topping, marshmallow topping, Thanksgiving side