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Cozy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Toasted Marshmallows

cozy sweet potato casserole - featured image

A warm and nostalgic sweet potato casserole topped with golden toasted marshmallows, perfect for holidays and cozy family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 3 pounds or 1.4 kg)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (57 grams)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (100 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup milk (60 ml), whole or 2%, or dairy-free alternative
  • 2 cups large marshmallows (about 50 mini marshmallows or 30 large marshmallows cut in half)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  3. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
  4. Cook the sweet potatoes until tender when pierced with a fork, about 20-25 minutes.
  5. Drain the sweet potatoes well and return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl.
  6. Mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or hand mixer until mostly smooth but still a bit textured.
  7. Stir in the softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and milk until creamy and well combined. Add a splash more milk if needed, but keep the mash thick enough to hold its shape.
  8. Transfer the sweet potato mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Generously sprinkle the marshmallows over the top, covering the surface.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and puffed. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  11. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the marshmallows to set.
  12. Optional: For extra toasty marshmallows, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

Notes

Do not overcook the sweet potatoes to avoid watery mash. Use softened butter, not melted, for creamy texture. Stir spices into sugar before mixing for even flavor. Watch marshmallows closely while baking or broiling to prevent burning. Use glass or ceramic baking dishes for even cooking and better presentation. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and milk with almond or oat milk. Add chopped nuts for a crunchy topping or a dash of orange zest for a citrus note.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, toasted marshmallows, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving, comfort food, easy casserole, sweet potatoes