Ultimate Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows & Pecan Streusel (Make Ahead!)
There’s a reason certain dishes earn their “classic” status, and this Sweet Potato Casserole is undoubtedly one of them. A beloved staple on holiday tables, particularly Thanksgiving, this recipe delivers the perfect harmony of savory-sweet flavors, creamy texture, and delightful crunch. Imagine tender, spiced mashed sweet potatoes crowned with a golden, gooey layer of melted marshmallows and a rich, buttery pecan streusel topping. It’s a culinary masterpiece that promises to be the star of your festive spread, leaving everyone craving a second helping. What makes it even better? You can prepare much of it in advance, freeing up precious kitchen space and time on the big day!
Why This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a Holiday Must-Have
For many families, Thanksgiving just isn’t complete without a generous serving of sweet potato casserole. It’s a dish that evokes warmth, comfort, and tradition, making it a cherished part of holiday memories. This particular recipe stands out for several compelling reasons, making it a reliable choice for your most important gatherings, year after year:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Our sweet potato casserole masterfully blends the natural, earthy sweetness of yams with warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon and a hint of brown sugar. The addition of pure vanilla extract deepens the overall richness, creating a complex yet approachable taste that appeals to both adults and children. It’s a harmonious balance that avoids being overly sweet, allowing the inherent flavor of the sweet potatoes to shine.
- Perfect Balance of Textures: The foundation is a smooth, velvety bed of perfectly mashed sweet potatoes, whipped to an ideal consistency. This creamy base is beautifully contrasted by two incredible toppings: the irresistibly soft and caramelized mini marshmallows that melt into a golden, gooey crust, and the crunchy, buttery pecan streusel that provides a satisfying bite. Each spoonful offers a delightful interplay of creamy, chewy, and crispy textures.
- Customizable to Your Liking: While we adore the classic pecan streusel and marshmallow combination – a true crowd-pleaser – this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Not a fan of pecans or dealing with a nut allergy? Simply omit them from the streusel, or swap them for toasted oats or crushed cornflakes for a similar crunch. Prefer your casserole less sweet? You can easily adjust the amount of brown sugar in the sweet potato base or even skip the marshmallows entirely for a more savory presentation. The possibilities for customization are vast, allowing you to tailor this festive side to your unique preferences. You could even explore variations with a topping reminiscent of an oatmeal cookie crumble, highlighting the versatility of sweet potato casserole.
- An Ideal Make-Ahead Dish: Holiday cooking can often feel overwhelming, but this sweet potato casserole helps lighten the load significantly. It can be assembled entirely in advance and baked on the day of your celebration, saving you valuable time and precious oven space when it matters most. This make-ahead capability is a true lifesaver for busy hosts who want to enjoy their guests and the festivities without being stuck in the kitchen all day.
The magic truly happens in the oven, where the marshmallows puff up and turn a glorious golden-brown, and the streusel crisps to perfection, creating that tantalizing caramelized topping that’s utterly mouth-watering. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a centerpiece that brings joy, comfort, and incredible flavor to any festive table.
Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet Potato Casserole
Crafting the perfect sweet potato casserole starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the dish’s signature flavor and texture. Gathering your ingredients before you begin ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking process. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need, ensuring a delicious and memorable dish. For exact measurements and comprehensive instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Information & Smart Substitution Suggestions
Understanding the role of each ingredient and knowing potential substitutions can elevate your cooking and help you adapt this recipe to dietary needs or personal preferences:
- SWEET POTATOES: You will need approximately 3 pounds of fresh, raw sweet potatoes for this recipe. We strongly recommend sticking to raw sweet potatoes as opposed to canned for a significant difference in taste and texture. Fresh sweet potatoes offer a deeper, more natural sweetness and a far superior creamy consistency when mashed. Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best results.
- DAIRY & BINDERS:
- Whole Milk: Contributes to the creamy consistency and overall richness of the sweet potato base. For an even more indulgent casserole, you could substitute some of the whole milk with heavy cream or half-and-half. Dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or oat milk can also be used, though they might slightly alter the richness.
- Large Eggs: Act as a crucial binder, helping the casserole set beautifully and preventing it from becoming too watery. They also add a subtle richness to the base.
- SWEETENERS & SPICES:
- Light Brown Sugar: Provides a molasses-rich sweetness that perfectly complements the natural flavor of sweet potatoes. You can adjust the amount to your taste; some prefer a less sweet base, especially with the marshmallow topping.
- Salt, Black Pepper, Ground Cinnamon: This trio creates a warm, inviting, and balanced spice profile. The salt enhances all flavors, the pepper adds a subtle kick, and cinnamon provides classic warmth.
- Optional Spices: Feel free to enhance these flavors with a dash of freshly grated nutmeg, a pinch of ground ginger, or even a touch of allspice for an extra layer of complexity and warmth, perfect for the holiday season.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Essential for its aromatic depth, vanilla elevates and rounds out all the other flavors in the casserole, adding a luxurious hint.
- BUTTER: Unsalted butter is used generously in both the sweet potato base and the streusel topping. It adds incredible richness, moisture, and helps create that desirable crumbly texture for the streusel. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mashing into the sweet potatoes and for achieving the perfect streusel consistency.
- TOPPING VARIATIONS:
- Pecan Streusel: Our classic streusel topping is a delightful mixture of light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, room temperature unsalted butter, and roughly chopped pecans. The flour and butter combine to form a crumbly, golden base, while the brown sugar caramelizes beautifully during baking. Pecans add a wonderful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sweet potatoes. If desired, you can certainly leave the pecans out for a nut-free streusel, or substitute them with other chopped nuts like walnuts, or even a sprinkle of toasted oats for texture.
- Mini Marshmallows: These soft, pillowy delights are, for many, the quintessential finishing touch that brings the entire dish together. When baked, they melt into a gooey, golden-brown topping, offering an irresistible sweetness and a slightly toasted, caramelized flavor. If you or your guests have an aversion to marshmallows, you are absolutely welcome to omit them entirely. In such a case, you might consider doubling the streusel topping for an extra layer of rich, buttery crunch, or adding a dusting of powdered sugar after baking for a different aesthetic and sweetness. Mini marshmallows are preferred over large ones as they melt more evenly and provide better coverage.
By selecting fresh ingredients and confidently exploring these substitution suggestions, you can create a truly customized sweet potato casserole that will be remembered and requested for holidays to come.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Sweet Potato Casserole
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to guide you visually through the process of making this delightful sweet potato casserole. For a printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and detailed instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by carefully peeling and cubing your 3 pounds of sweet potatoes. Place these uniformly cut cubes into a large stockpot and cover them generously with cold water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat and allow the sweet potatoes to cook until they are incredibly soft and easily pierced with a fork. This crucial step ensures a smooth, lump-free, and creamy base for your casserole. Once cooked, thoroughly drain the potatoes using a colander.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: While the potatoes are cooking or draining, take a moment to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Having this prepared and set aside now means you’re ready to seamlessly transfer the sweet potato mixture once it’s ready.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl (or, to save on dishes, you can use the same pot you cooked the potatoes in after draining), combine the drained, soft sweet potatoes with the whole milk, large eggs, light brown sugar, room temperature unsalted butter, salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon, and pure vanilla extract. Using a potato masher, electric mixer, or even a large fork, mash everything together until you reach your desired consistency. Some culinary enthusiasts prefer a perfectly smooth puree for a refined texture, while others enjoy leaving a few small chunks for added rustic appeal.
- Assemble the Casserole Base: Once mashed to perfection, gently fold in ¾ cup of the roughly chopped pecans into the sweet potato mixture. This integrates the nutty flavor and a subtle crunch throughout the casserole base. Carefully spread this flavorful mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish, creating a smooth, level surface. Then, sprinkle half of the mini marshmallows evenly over the sweet potato layer. This initial layer of marshmallows will melt down beautifully during baking.
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup light brown sugar and ¼ cup all-purpose flour until well combined. Add the 6 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter to this dry mixture. Using forks, a pastry blender, or even your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour and sugar mixture until coarse, pea-sized crumbs form. This is the foundation of your delectable streusel.
- Add Pecans to Streusel: Now, add the remaining ¾ cup of roughly chopped pecans to the prepared streusel mixture and mix gently until the pecans are evenly distributed. This ensures every bite of the streusel has that satisfying, buttery pecan crunch.
- Layer the Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the prepared pecan streusel mixture over the initial marshmallow layer and sweet potato base in the casserole dish. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover everything perfectly; it will spread as it bakes. Finally, scatter the remaining mini marshmallows generously over the streusel layer. This thoughtful layering creates distinct textures and flavors in every glorious bite.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the marshmallows are beautifully golden brown and toasted on top, and the entire casserole is heated through and bubbling invitingly around the edges.
PRO TIP: For an extra crispy, deeply caramelized marshmallow topping with a slightly charred finish, carefully place the finished casserole under a preheated broiler for just 1 to 2 minutes at the very end of baking. It’s crucial to watch it continuously, as marshmallows can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole
Absolutely! This casserole is an excellent candidate for make-ahead preparation, a true lifesaver during busy holiday cooking. You can assemble the entire casserole, including the sweet potato base and the initial layer of marshmallows, and spread it into the baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats (especially if using a glass dish, to prevent thermal shock). Add the streusel topping and the remaining marshmallows just before baking. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is going into the oven cold. The streusel topping can also be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature until needed, keeping its crumbly texture.
To properly store any leftover sweet potato casserole, first ensure it has cooled completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation and keeps it fresh. Then, transfer it to an airtight container, or cover the original baking dish tightly with several layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Stored correctly, it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For reheating, cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. For convenience, individual servings can also be quickly warmed in the microwave, though the topping might lose some of its crispness.
Yes, sweet potato casserole freezes wonderfully, making it ideal for future meals or larger batch cooking! For best results, prepare and freeze the casserole unbaked. Assemble the sweet potato filling in a freezer-safe dish, preferably a disposable foil pan for easy freezer-to-oven transfer. Wrap the casserole tightly with several layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Just before baking, add the streusel and marshmallow toppings as directed in the recipe, and then bake. Adjust baking time as needed, usually an extra 10-15 minutes, as it will be going into the oven cold.
The consistency of your mashed sweet potatoes is entirely a matter of personal preference, and there’s no single right answer! Some culinary enthusiasts prefer a very smooth, silky puree, achieving this by using an electric mixer, food processor, or a fine-mesh ricer after boiling. This results in a very elegant, uniform base. Others enjoy a slightly chunkier texture, which can be easily obtained with a traditional potato masher, leaving small bits of sweet potato for added textural interest. Experiment to find what you like best! The most important thing is to ensure they are cooked until fork-tender before mashing, as this makes the process much easier and guarantees a creamy result regardless of your preferred consistency.
Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. If you or your guests have a nut allergy, or simply prefer a pecan-free casserole, you can easily omit the pecans from both the sweet potato filling and the streusel topping. The casserole will still be incredibly delicious and satisfying, focusing more on the creamy sweet potatoes and gooey marshmallows. Alternatively, you can substitute pecans with other chopped nuts like walnuts or even toasted slivered almonds for a slightly different flavor and crunch. For a completely nut-free streusel, you can simply increase the amount of flour and butter slightly to maintain the desired crumbly texture.
Marshmallows, with their high sugar content, can brown very quickly, and sometimes even burn, in the oven. To prevent this, keep a close eye on your casserole during the last few minutes of baking. If you notice them browning too rapidly before the casserole is thoroughly heated through, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil. If you desire a deeply golden or slightly charred marshmallow topping, use the broiler for just 1 to 2 minutes at the very end of the baking process. However, *never* walk away from the oven during this step – marshmallows can go from perfectly golden to completely burnt in a flash!
For this classic sweet potato casserole, varieties of sweet potatoes with orange flesh, such as Beauregard, Jewel, or Garnet, are ideal. These types are naturally very sweet, incredibly moist, and have a rich, vibrant color that makes for a visually appealing dish. Their texture also mashes beautifully into the smooth, creamy consistency desired for a perfect sweet potato casserole. Avoid dryer, paler varieties for this recipe.
Serving Your Delicious Sweet Potato Casserole
While sweet potato casserole is often synonymous with Thanksgiving and other fall and winter holidays, its comforting and versatile flavor profile means it can be enjoyed year-round! Serve it warm, straight from the oven, as an unforgettable side dish that effortlessly complements any meal. It pairs beautifully with a wide array of holiday favorites, creating a harmonious and indulgent spread that will impress your guests. Think about complementing it with classic dishes such as:
- Creamy Homemade Green Bean Casserole with crispy fried onions
- Savory Herb Stuffing or Dressing, packed with aromatic flavors
- Perfectly Roasted Turkey, a succulent Spiral Ham, or a tender Pork Loin
- Fluffy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes or buttery Homemade Pull Apart Dinner Rolls
- Tart and sweet Cranberry Sauce, either homemade or store-bought
Beyond the holidays, this sweet potato casserole makes a fantastic addition to any family dinner, potluck, or Sunday feast. Its sweet and savory notes make it versatile enough to accompany roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a hearty vegetarian main course. Don’t limit its enjoyment to just one season – this dish is too good to save only for special occasions!
More Irresistible Thanksgiving Recipes to Complete Your Feast
Looking for more inspiration to round out your holiday menu with delicious and dependable dishes? We’ve got you covered with these other festive and highly-rated recipes that are perfect for Thanksgiving or any gathering where good food is a must:
- Classic Candied Yams: A syrupy, sweet, and comforting side dish.
- Elegant Sweet Potato Souffle: A lighter, airy take on sweet potatoes, perfect for a sophisticated meal.
- Easy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Free up stovetop space with this convenient and creamy recipe.
- Fluffy Homemade Pull Apart Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls that are always a hit.
- Flavorful Roasted Turkey: The centerpiece for any traditional holiday meal.
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Sweet Potato Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cups pecans roughly chopped
- 3 cups mini marshmallows divided
Streusel
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- ¾ cups pecans roughly chopped
Things You’ll Need
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Stockpot or large saucepan
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Potato Masher
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13×9 baking dish
Before You Begin
- I would suggest sticking to raw sweet potatoes as opposed to canned for this recipe. Using fresh sweet potatoes will yield a superior flavor and texture.
- You can certainly leave the pecans out if desired for a nut-free version. Mini marshmallows are what give this dish its classic gooey, golden topping! However, if you prefer your sweet potato casserole without marshmallows, you’re welcome to omit them or substitute with a full streusel topping.
Instructions
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Add cubed sweet potatoes to a large pot of boiling water and allow them to cook until soft. The potatoes should be fork tender, this will make them easier to mash. Once finished cooking, drain the potatoes.
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Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13” casserole dish. Set aside.
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In a large bowl (or in the pot the potatoes were cooked in), mash the sweet potatoes with everything except for the pecans and marshmallows.
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Then, fold in the pecans and spread everything evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the marshmallows, then make your streusel.
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Prepare the streusel by whisking together the brown sugar and flour in a small bowl.
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Cut in the butter with forks or by hand, then add in the pecans.
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Sprinkle all over the top of the casserole dish, then add the remaining marshmallows.
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Bake for 20 minutes or until marshmallows are golden brown and potatoes are heated through.
TIP – if you prefer the topping to be a little crispier and caramelized, simply pop the finished casserole under the broiler quickly, around 1 to 2 minutes.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store fully cooled leftover sweet potato casserole in an air-tight container, or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes at 350F or until heated through. You can also pop a serving or two in the microwave.
- Make Ahead – prepare the casserole all the way through adding the filling to the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to bake, add the toppings and bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes since it’s going in cold. Feel free to make the streusel ahead of time as well and store it in an air-tight container kept at room temperature.
- Freezing – You can prepare and freeze the unbaked casserole, preferably in a foil pan. Wrap the casserole with foil a few times and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding the toppings just before going into the oven.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.