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

  1. Preheat Oven for Roasting

    Set the oven to 400°F and let it preheat fully.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 400°F

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Combine Potatoes and Wet Mixture

    Add the mashed sweet potatoes to the wet mixture and stir until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Transfer to Baking Dish

    Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the 9x13‑inch baking dish.

    Time: PT2M

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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How To Make Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows And Pecans

Recipe by Delish

A classic Thanksgiving side dish featuring roasted sweet potatoes, a buttery dark brown sugar mixture, crunchy pecan crumble, and a golden marshmallow topping. This recipe uses roasted sweet potatoes for extra caramel flavor and a simple crumble topping for texture.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
41m
Prep
1h 30m
Cook
16m
Cleanup
2h 27m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.65
Total cost
$1.71
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot baking dish with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Be careful when removing the hot casserole from the oven; steam can cause scalds.
  • Melted butter is hot; avoid splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of sweet potato casserole in American Thanksgiving cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of sweet potato casserole in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is sweet potato casserole traditionally served at Thanksgiving in American households?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is sweet potato casserole traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes sweet potato casserole special or unique in American Thanksgiving cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for sweet potato casserole versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other American Thanksgiving dishes pair well with sweet potato casserole?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making sweet potato casserole?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this sweet potato casserole recipe use roasted sweet potatoes instead of boiled?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make sweet potato casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Delish specialize in?

A

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.

channel

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