Readers agree this Sweet Potato Casserole will steal the show, calling it โAbsolutely delicious,โ โThe most Wonderful recipe!!,โ โThe star of the dinner party,โ and โItโs a hit EVERY TIME.โ
Thisย Sweet Potato Casserole boasts marshmallows AND buttery, brown sugar Pecan Topping, making it our family’s favorite since we first tasted it over a decade ago! With foolproof instructions and plenty of tips, this recipe ensures your casserole turns out flawless every timeโbecause every celebration deserves a standout dish!
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Video

Why you’ll love
As a trusted recipe developer, Iโve combined years of experience with meticulous testing to create the ultimate sweet potato casserole! Here’s why it’s the best:
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Option
This Sweet Potato Casserole is arguably more of a dessert, but I love that we get to eat “dessert” alongside our main meal once/twice a year.ย If you are looking for a savory Sweet Potato Casserole try myย Herb Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Gruyere instead.
What is the difference between sweet potatoes and yams?
The terms “sweet potatoes” and “yams” are often used interchangeably in the U.S., but they are different root vegetables:
Sweet Potatoes:
โขTypically have smooth, thin skin that ranges from light beige to copper.
โขThe flesh can be orange, white, or even purple.
โขThey are sweeter, softer, and creamier when cooked.
โขCommon in U.S. grocery stores, even when labeled “yams.”
Yams:
โขHave rough, scaly, and dark brown skin, resembling tree bark.
โขThe flesh is starchy and dry, typically white or purple.
โขLess sweet and more similar to a regular potato.
โขNative to Africa and Asia and less common in U.S. markets.
Key Takeaway: Most “yams” sold in the U.S. are actually sweet potatoes. True yams are harder to find and are usually sold in international or specialty markets.
How to Choose Sweet Potatoes
When selecting your sweet potatoes for this Sweet Potato Casserole, look for garnet yamsโthese are red sweet potatoes masquerading as yams!ย You may also use Jewel or Beauregard, which are also sweet potatoes.ย
These three varieties are the orange fleshed, reddish-brownish skinned sweet potatoes that are often confused as yams.ย When picking out your sweet potatoes find ones that are firm and have unwrinkled flesh, free of blemishes.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Let’s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
How to Boil Sweet Potatoes
To make our Sweet Potato Casserole, we start by cooking our sweet potatoes.
- Peel and wash your sweet potatoes
- Cut sweet potatoes into 2″ chunks.
- Add potatoes to a Dutch oven and add just enough water to cover potatoes.
- Season with ½ teaspoon salt.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes or until very tender when pierced with a fork; drain VERY WELL.
how to make Sweet Potato Casserole
Let’s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
for the pecan topping:
How long to bake Sweet Potatoes?
Now that our Sweet Potato Casserole is assembled (marshmallows to be added later), we bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until golden.
As the topping bakes the brown sugar caramelizes with the maple cinnamon butter and coats the toasted pecans for a truly magical texture flavor explosion in every bite. But wait, we’re not even done with the delicoiusness…
Next, we add our layer of mini marshmallows and either bake for 5 minutes for golden marshmallows or I prefer to bake closer to 10 minutes for more toasted ooey, goey marshmallows as pictured.
Now we’re done.
With one bite of this Sweet Potato Casserole, even a sweet potato hater will become a lover. The creamy sweet potato layer + the crunchy brown sugar butter Pecan Topping + the toasted, gooey marshmallow layer = texture flavor heaven!
Prep this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe in advance
With all the chaos that can be Thanksgiving, its a life saver to prep as many recipes or parts of recipes ahead of time. To prep in advance:
- Make casserole as directed through spreading sweet potatoes in the dish. Let sweet potatoes cool completely, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Prepare Brown Sugar Pecan Topping as directed and store in a sealed container or plastic bag in the refrigerator.
- When ready to bake, remove potatoes and Topping from the refrigerator at the same time. Uncover potatoes and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Add topping and continue to bake an additional 30 minutes OR until potatoes are completely warmed through. Add marshmallows and bake as directed.
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
What to serve with Sweet Potato Casserole
This sweet potato casserole is the perfect Thanksgiving side to Roast Turkey Breast, Roast Turkey or holiday ham like Glazed Ham, Honey Baked Ham.
How to store Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans
To store Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans:
โขCool First: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature.
โขRefrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
โขReheat: When ready to serve, reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF until warmed through.
HOW TO freeze sweet potato casserole
Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
LOOKING FOR MORE POTATO RECIPES?
Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Potatoes
Twice Baked Potatoes
Smashed Potatoes
Hasselback Potatoes
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Butter Potatoes
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Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Marshmallows and Pecans
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Ingredients
SWEET POTATO FILLING
- 2 pounds yams/sweet potatoes peeled and chopped into 2โ chunks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 stick unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup not imitation
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp EACH ground nutmeg, ground cloves
- Pinch of pepper
Add later
- 2 eggs
BROWN SUGAR PECAN TOPPING
- 1 1/4 cups pecans chopped
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter cubed (1 stick)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp EACH ground nutmeg, ground cloves
MARSHMALLOWS
- 1 10 oz. bag mini marshmallows
Instructions
SWEET POTATO FILLING
- Add potatoes to a Dutch oven and add just enough water to cover potatoes. Season with ½ teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes or until very tender when pierced with a fork; drain VERY WELL.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add potatoes to large bowl (to use with hand held mixer). Add all โCasseroleโ ingredients except eggs and beat until combined.
- Add eggs; beat well, but donโt beat out all the lumps. You donโt want it to be perfectly smooth.
- Pour potato mixture into a 13 x 9โinch baking pan coated with cooking spray.
BROWN SUGAR PECAN TOPPING**
- Add pecans, maple syrup and vanilla extract to food processor. Pulse 3 times to slightly chop up pecans. Add all remaining topping ingredients and pulse until it resembles coarse pebbles. (See notes if you donโt have a food processor.)
- Evenly spread Brown Sugar Pecan Topping over potatoes and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until golden.
MARSHMALLOWS
- Remove casserole and line top with marshmallows (you wonโt use the whole bag). Bake an additional 5-10 minutes (closer to 10 minutes for extra gooey marshmallows that spread together, my personal preference) then broil marshmallows until golden brown, watching carefully so they don’t burn.
MAKE AHEAD
- Make casserole as directed through spreading sweet potatoes in baking pan.ย Let sweet potatoes cool completely, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Meanwhile, prepare Brown Sugar Pecan Topping as directed and store in a sealed container or plastic bag in the refrigerator.
- When ready to bake, remove potatoes and topping from the refrigerator at the same time.ย Uncover potatoes and bake at 350 degrees for 20ย minutes.ย Addย topping and continue to bake an additional 30 minutes OR until potatoes are completely warmed through.ย Add marshmallows and bake as directed, 5-10 minutes.
Video
Notes
prep ahead
- Make casserole as directed through spreading sweet potatoes in the dish.ย Let sweet potatoes cool completely, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Prepare Brown Sugar Pecan Topping as directed and store in a sealed container or plastic bag in the refrigerator.
- When ready to bake, remove potatoes and Topping from the refrigerator at the same time.ย Uncover potatoes and bake at 350 degrees for 20ย minutes.ย Addย topping and continue to bake an additional 30 minutes OR until potatoes are completely warmed through.ย Add marshmallows and bake as directed.
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You might also like these Thanksgiving sides:
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn with Ricotta, Rosemary and Bacon
Herb Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Gruyere and Bacon
Cranberry Apple Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf
Dijon Maple Green Beans with Pecans, Bacon and Feta
judy says
Sure would like to print this recipe, but your site won’t let me……Help ?!?!
Jen says
Hi Judy, can you please describe the problem in more detail as I am not having this issue.
Cathy says
Click on the picture and then it gives you the option to print
Deb says
Can canned sweet potatoes be used instead and if so do I modify the sugar added to dish please? Thanks
Jen says
HI Deb! I have never used canned sweet potatoes for this but I am sure it should work fine. As long as you use unsweetened canned sweet potatoes then you shouldn’t need to adjust the sugar. Enjoy!
Deb says
Thanks! Happt Thanksgiving!
Kelly O'Brien says
Can you bake the sweet potatoes vs boiling them?
Jen says
Absolutely!
Kimberly says
Is there a way I can fix my pecan topping? I used a pastry cutter and must have over done it – the topping is very soft and mushy. I was thinking to add more flour and pecans?
Jen says
Hi Kimberly, the flavor will still be the same so I wouldn’t worry too much about it as it gets covered by the marshmallows. You can certainly add more pecans if you want.
Heather Steffl says
We need to omit the pecans due to severe nut allergies. Are there any substitutes you would recommend?
Jen says
Hi Heather, I would increase the flour to 1 1/2 cups and omit the nuts so it becomes a traditional streusel topping. I hope that helps, enjoy!
Lynnda says
Make part of the flour ~ steel cut oatmeal flakes. Not as doughy and healthier than all flour. It will also be crunchier.
Kim says
Hi Jen we are not much for marshmallows can I leave them off the top of the sweet potato casserole
Jen says
Absolutely! it will still be delicious!
Kris says
Hi! If I wanted to double this recipe, do I just double all the ingredients?
Jen says
Yes, that will be perfect. Enjoy!
Renee Christian says
We’re guests and I’d like to bring this dish to share. However, due to a small kitchen and long travel time, I’m thinking crock pot preparation is the way to go. Any suggestions on how to convert this yummy recipe for crock pot cooking? Thanks Much, Renee
Jen says
Hi Renee, I haven’t personally made them in a slow cooker but after looking at a few other recipes, I would suggest layering the mixed sweet potatoes with the topping and cooking for 2 1/2-4 hours depending on how hot your slow cooker cooks then adding the marshmallows and cooking an addition 20 minutes or until soft. I hope that helps! Happy Thanksgiving!
Carly says
This was absolutely delicious. I felt guilty eating it with dinner and then eating dessert afterwards because it basically is a dessert. I think next year I may try omitting the sugar from the sweet potato filling and just getting the sweetness from the pecan topping and marshmallows. So so amazing though!!
Jen says
Thank you so much Carly for your awesome comment! I’m so pleased it was a winner! And nothing wrong with double dessert on thanksgiving ๐
Samantha says
I’ve made a lot of your recipes and my family has enjoyed them all. However, this one is special. My five year old had a helping of this durung Thanks dinner. Then, he asked for more a few hours later. He woke up this morning and had some with breakfast. This will be a staple during the holidays in our house. We loved the pecan topping paired with tbe marshmallows.
Jen says
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment Samantha! I’m so happy this sweet potato casserole was such a hit and that it will be a new tradition! Happy Thanksgiving!
Amy says
Can you cut this recipe in half in order to make 8 servings? Will it come out the same? What size pan would you use?
Jen says
Yes, you can absolutely cut this recipe in half. I would use an 8×8 pan. Enjoy!
Carol Hash says
The most Wonderful recipe!! Even the sweet potato haters in my family tried it and asked for more! It will be made again and again. Thank you for such a delightful addition to Thanksgiving.
Jen says
YAY! I love hearing this recipe was such a huge hit, thanks Carol!
Madeline says
I made this once before and it was the star of the dinner party. Iโm about to make a triple recipe and intend to freeze a good bit of it. Do you recommend cooking it first? I planned to leave off the toppings until ready to thaw.
Jen says
I’m so pleased it’s a favorite! No, I would not bake before freezing.
Lynzi says
Just wanted to pop in and leave a comment because this is my third year in a row making this recipe for the holidays and itโs a hit EVERY TIME. 99% of all of my dinner and dessert recipes have been from your site for about 4 years now. Thanks for providing us with amazing recipes to help make these seasons even more special. Happy thanksgiving!
Jen says
Yay! Thank you for such a glowing review Lynzi! It warms my heart to hear that this recipe is on repeat at such an important occasion! Thank you for staying with me through the years! Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!
Andrea Hundley says
I LOVE making this every year! It has become a family favorite! I was wondering, though, if you have a ballpark figure on how many calories are in it? A client I take care of has a 2000 calorie daily diet restriction, and she wants to eat it after her “Cheat day!”
Jen says
Hi Andrea! I’m so glad you love this like I do! For any nutritional information, you can plug in ingredients into this calculator: https://www.verywellfit.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer-4157076 That way you can put the brands you will be using to be more accurate with the calories! I hope that helps!