How To Make Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows And Pecans
How To Make Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows And Pecans is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Delish on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 15 min | Total: 1 hr 50 min
Cost: $13.65 total, $1.71 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Sweet Potatoes (peeled, cubed, roasted until caramelized)
- 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar (packed; 1/2 cup for mixture, 1/2 cup for topping)
- 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk (cold)
- 8 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes; for wet mixture)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes; for crumble topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (for crumble topping)
- 1 cup Pecans (toasted and roughly chopped)
- 2 cups Mini Marshmallows (covers the top of the casserole)
Instructions
Preheat Oven for Roasting
Set the oven to 400°F and let it preheat fully.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 400°F
Prepare Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1‑inch cubes, toss with a drizzle of oil, salt, and spread on a roasting pan.
Time: PT10M
Roast Sweet Potatoes
Roast the cubed sweet potatoes for 45 minutes, turning once halfway through, until fork‑tender and caramelized.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 400°F
Make Wet Mixture
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, milk, 8 tbsp butter, and salt until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Mash Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Allow the roasted sweet potatoes to cool for 5 minutes, then mash them in the bowl, leaving a slightly chunky texture.
Time: PT5M
Combine Potatoes and Wet Mixture
Add the mashed sweet potatoes to the wet mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
Time: PT5M
Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the 9x13‑inch baking dish.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl combine 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup all‑purpose flour, and 4 tbsp butter. Mix until crumbly, then fold in the toasted pecans.
Time: PT5M
Add Topping and Marshmallows
Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the sweet potato layer, then cover the entire surface with the mini marshmallows.
Time: PT4M
Bake Casserole
Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the marshmallows are golden brown.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains nuts, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Tree nuts, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sweet Potatoes: Butternut squash
- Instead of Dark Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar, Maple syrup
- Instead of Eggs: Egg replacer
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Maple extract
- Instead of Whole Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour
- Instead of Pecans: Walnuts, Almonds
- Instead of Mini Marshmallows: Regular marshmallows, cut into pieces
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish
- Roasting Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Aluminum Foil (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Roasting sweet potatoes until caramelized
- Leaving the mashed potatoes slightly chunky
- Creating a crumbly pecan topping without over‑mixing
- Baking until marshmallows are golden but not burnt
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet for extra crunch and aroma.
- Mini marshmallows melt more evenly than regular sized ones.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble.
Troubleshooting
Topping is soggy after baking.
Make sure the butter in the crumble is cold and the mixture is crumbly before adding; bake uncovered for the full 30 minutes.
Marshmallows burn before the casserole sets.
Cover the dish loosely with foil halfway through baking, or lower the oven temperature to 325°F and extend baking by 5‑10 minutes.
Casserole is too watery.
Drain any excess liquid from the roasted potatoes before mashing, and avoid over‑mixing the wet and dry components.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked assembled casserole (without marshmallows) for up to 2 months; add marshmallows and bake after thawing.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours after baking.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Roast and mash the sweet potatoes a day ahead; store the mash in the fridge.
- Prepare the crumble topping in advance and keep it refrigerated.
- Assemble the casserole without marshmallows, cover, and refrigerate; add marshmallows and bake just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of sweet potato casserole in American Thanksgiving cuisine?
Sweet potato casserole became popular in the United States during the mid‑20th century as a convenient, sweet‑savory side that complements turkey. It reflects the American tradition of turning native ingredients like sweet potatoes into comforting holiday dishes.
What are the traditional regional variations of sweet potato casserole in the United States?
In the South, the casserole often includes a pecan or oat crumble and marshmallows, while in the Midwest you may find a smoother, pumpkin‑spiced version. Some New England families skip the marshmallows and use a brown‑sugar glaze instead.
How is sweet potato casserole traditionally served at Thanksgiving in American households?
It is typically served hot from the oven as a side dish, placed alongside mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and turkey. The dish is usually sliced into squares and eaten with a fork.
What occasions or celebrations is sweet potato casserole traditionally associated with in American culture?
Sweet potato casserole is most closely tied to Thanksgiving, but it also appears at Christmas, holiday potlucks, and fall family gatherings because of its warm flavors and comforting texture.
What makes sweet potato casserole special or unique in American Thanksgiving cuisine?
The combination of caramelized roasted sweet potatoes, a buttery brown‑sugar crumble, toasted pecans, and a fluffy marshmallow topping creates a sweet‑savory contrast that is uniquely American and beloved at holiday tables.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for sweet potato casserole versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include sweet potatoes, dark brown sugar, butter, eggs, milk, all‑purpose flour, pecans, and marshmallows. Acceptable substitutes are butternut squash for the potatoes, maple syrup for brown sugar, and gluten‑free flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
What other American Thanksgiving dishes pair well with sweet potato casserole?
It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, herb‑seasoned stuffing, green bean almondine, cranberry sauce, and classic mashed potatoes, creating a balanced plate of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making sweet potato casserole?
Common errors include over‑mixing the sweet potato mash (which makes it gummy), using light brown sugar instead of dark for depth, not toasting the pecans, and baking the marshmallows too long, which can cause them to burn.
Why does this sweet potato casserole recipe use roasted sweet potatoes instead of boiled?
Roasting concentrates the natural sugars and adds caramelized flavor, giving the casserole a richer, more complex taste than boiled potatoes, which can be watery and bland.
Can I make sweet potato casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Roast and mash the potatoes a day ahead, keep the mash refrigerated, assemble the casserole without marshmallows, cover, and refrigerate. Add marshmallows and bake just before serving, or freeze the assembled uncooked casserole for up to two months.
What does the YouTube channel Delish specialize in?
The YouTube channel Delish specializes in quick, approachable home cooking videos that focus on classic comfort foods, holiday recipes, and modern twists on traditional dishes, often emphasizing easy techniques for busy cooks.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
