YT Recipe

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 390 calories per serving. Recipe by Spend With Pennies on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $12.12 total, $1.52 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds Sweet Potatoes (peeled and cut into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 0.5 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Pecans (chopped)
  • 2 cups Mini Marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Prepare Sweet Potatoes

    Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1‑inch cubes.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Boil Until Tender

    Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until a fork easily pierces the pieces.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 212°F

  3. Drain and Mash

    Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Incorporate Pecans

    Stir the chopped pecans into the mashed sweet potato mixture.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Transfer to Baking Dish

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

    Time: PT3M

  6. Add Marshmallow Topping

    Cover the surface with an even layer of mini marshmallows.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Bake to Golden Perfection

    Place the dish in a pre‑heated oven and bake until the marshmallows are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 375°F

Nutrition Facts

Calories
390
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
60g
Fat
12g
Fiber
5g

Dietary info: Vegetarian (contains gelatin), Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Dairy, Tree nuts, Gelatin

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Sweet Potato Casserole

Recipe by Spend With Pennies

A classic holiday side dish that’s sweet, buttery, and topped with golden marshmallows. This sweet potato casserole can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering.

EasyAmericanServes 8

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

Source Video
17m
Prep
35m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 2m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.12
Total cost
$1.52
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Boiling sweet potatoes until fork‑tender.
  • • Mashing the potatoes while hot for a smooth texture.
  • • Baking until the marshmallows turn golden brown.

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle the boiling pot with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • • Use a mitt or towel when removing the hot baking dish from the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows in American holiday cuisine?

A

Sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows became popular in the United States during the mid‑20th century as a convenient, sweet side for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It blends Southern comfort food traditions with the post‑war love of processed convenience foods like canned marshmallows.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows in the United States?

A

In the South, the casserole often includes pecans and a buttery brown‑sugar base, while in the Midwest some recipes add a crumble topping of flour, butter, and brown sugar instead of marshmallows. Some New England versions omit the nuts for a simpler sweet‑only profile.

cultural
Q

How is Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows traditionally served during Thanksgiving in American households?

A

It is typically served hot from the oven as a side dish alongside turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. The casserole is placed on a warming tray or covered with foil to keep it soft and melty until guests are ready to eat.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

The dish is a staple of Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, and it also appears at holiday potlucks, family reunions, and New Year’s gatherings across the United States.

cultural
Q

What other American side dishes pair well with Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows?

A

It pairs nicely with savory sides such as green bean casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and classic turkey gravy, creating a balanced holiday plate.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, pecans, and mini marshmallows. Acceptable substitutes are maple syrup for brown sugar, walnuts for pecans, and marshmallow fluff or toasted meringue for the marshmallow topping.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows?

A

Common errors include under‑cooking the potatoes (resulting in a grainy texture), over‑mixing which can make the casserole gummy, and burning the marshmallows by leaving them in the oven too long. Follow the timing cues and watch the marshmallows closely during the final bake.

technical
Q

Why does this Sweet Potato Casserole recipe use butter and brown sugar instead of a cream cheese base?

A

Butter and brown sugar create a smooth, glossy mash that stays moist and highlights the natural sweetness of the potatoes, while a cream cheese base would add tang and a denser texture that changes the classic holiday flavor profile.

technical
Q

Can I make Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the mashed sweet potato mixture, spread it in the baking dish, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before adding the marshmallows. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Add marshmallows and bake when ready to serve.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is done cooking?

A

The casserole should be hot throughout, the marshmallow topping golden‑brown and slightly puffed, and the edges of the sweet potato layer should be bubbling. The interior should be creamy and smooth.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Spend With Pennies specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Spend With Pennies focuses on budget‑friendly cooking, meal planning, and frugal lifestyle tips, offering easy‑to‑follow recipes that help viewers save money while enjoying tasty meals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Spend With Pennies' approach to American holiday cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Spend With Pennies emphasizes cost‑effective ingredient choices, makes‑ahead strategies, and minimal‑equipment methods, whereas many other channels may prioritize gourmet techniques or premium ingredients. This channel aims to keep holiday dishes affordable and accessible.

channel
More like this:American RecipesSide Dish RecipesMore by Spend With Pennies

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