This easy Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is an absolute stunner! It’s topped with both marshmallows and with a crumbly brown sugar pecan streusel, making this the best Thanksgiving side dish ever!
The side dishes are the real deal of the entire sit-down dinner on Thanksgiving, right? I could eat Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash, Mashed Potatoes or Crockpot Glazed Carrots and nothing else, and I’d be perfectly happy.
What I used to be weirded out by though, is the classic sweet potato casserole. But honestly? It’s now my favorite. And I eat the leftovers on my oatmeal the morning after Thanksgiving, thanks for asking.
Since I can never decide if I prefer gooey marshmallows or crunchy streusel as the topping on a sweet potato casserole, I decided to add both… It’s just the best! You can thank me later.
Ingredients you’ll need
Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!
Ingredient notes
- Sweet potatoes: You may use canned sweet potatoes to cut down on the prep time if you’re very short on time – only use 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar if you’re using yams in syrup!
- Nuts: You can leave out the pecans if you’re not a fan, add another 4 tablespoons of flour to the topping in place of the nuts
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to your family’s taste. You can add anywhere from ⅓ cup to 1 cup of brown sugar!
How to make a sweet potato casserole
Read on for the detailed steps, or scroll down for more tips and the printable recipe card.
1 – Cook the sweet potatoes: First, you need to cook the sweet potatoes.
You need to peel and cube about 3 large sweet potatoes. You can either boil them, microwave them or roast them in the oven.
2 – Assemble the filling: Next, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the butter, spices and brown sugar.
Then, blend in the eggs until smooth. I always add the eggs last, in case the potatoes are still very warm. Blending in the sugar will help them to cool down a little more, making it less likely to have the eggs scramble.
3 – Make the topping: Just add pecans, flour and brown sugar into a bowl and mix well.
Then stir in melted butter, until no more dry ingredients remain. Done!
4 – Assemble the casserole: Heat the oven to 325°F.
Spread the sweet potato mixture in a greased 7×11 inch casserole dish and smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
Evenly sprinkle the prepared pecan topping over the sweet potatoes.
Bake the casserole for around 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden.
5 – Add the marshmallows: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and dot with marshmallows.
Return to the oven and bake just until the marshmallows are gooey and lightly toasted.
You can quickly broil the casserole for 30 seconds for extra-caramelized marshmallows, it’s my kids’ favorite thing ever!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can.
Prepare the sweet potato mixture according to the recipe. Spread in the casserole dish, then cool completely.
Wrap the casserole dish in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days.
Make the streusel topping and store it separately in the fridge for up to 2 days, too.
When ready to bake, remove from the fridge. Add the toppings, then bake the casserole as directed in the recipe. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Prepare the sweet potato mixture according to the recipe. Spread in the casserole dish, then cool completely.
Wrap the casserole tightly first in cling film, then in aluminum foil. Label with the name and use-by date (freeze for up to 3 months) and freeze.
To reheat, remove from the freezer and thaw in the fridge overnight. Remove both foils, add the toppings and bake as directed in the recipe. You might need to add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
When freezing a recipe, always remember:
- make sure to use containers or bags suitable for freezing
- label with the name and use-by date (freeze for up to 3 months)
- reheat until piping hot all the way through before serving
More sweet potato recipes
PS If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram.
Printable recipe
Perfect Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
Recipe details
Ingredients
Filling
- 5 cups peeled, cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large)
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- ½ cup evaporated milk OR cream OR half-and-half
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 large eggs
Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup flour
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Heat oven to 325°F and lightly grease a 7×11-inch casserole dish.
- Combine mashed sweet potatoes, butter, evaporated milk, brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add eggs and blend well until smooth. Spread in prepared casserole dish.
- Combine chopped pecans, brown sugar and flour in a clean bowl. Add melted butter and stir until no dry ingredients remain. Evenly scatter over sweet potato filling.
- Bake casserole at 325°F for 45 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Carefully remove casserole from oven, dot with marshmallows and return to the oven to finish baking: 5 minutes for puffed up marshmallows, 10 minutes for gooey and sticky marshmallows and 15 minutes for golden-candied marshmallows.
Notes
- You can boil, steam or microwave your sweet potatoes – your choice. I mostly microwave because it’s so easy. Just make sure they’re absolutely fork-tender and mash without any issues.
- Watch the casserole closely after adding the marshmallows – they tend to burn quickly.
- To make the casserole for a crowd, double the recipe and bake it in a deep 9×13 inch dish. Add 5-15 minutes to the baking time, depending on the exact measurements of your baking dish.
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
This looks awesome!! Sweet potato casserole is by far my fave Thanksgiving side… and your marshmallows look SO perfectly toasted! Love!
Nora says
Thank you so much Jess!
Isadora @ she likes food says
Awww, your baby girl is so adorable, Nora!! I bet her little baby giggles are amazing! For someone who hasn’t had a Thanksgiving you sure do know how to make an awesome Thanksgiving side dish! This sweet potato casserole looks so good and your photos are so gorgeous 🙂
Nora says
Thank you so much Isadora! I was so hesitant about posting a Thanksgiving dish but I’m so glad I did because it tasted amazing, haha! I just had the last bit on my morning oats – whoops 🙂
Kathryn says
I love baby giggles when I shower. The best! Nora, I’m so glad we connected via the Pinterest class. Your recipes are amazing. I think I need to try this one. Looks awesome!
Nora says
So true! I’m so glad about that too, I probably would have never found your wonderful blog! I can’t stop reading! Thank you Kathryn!
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
This casserole is stunning! I’m not sure that I’m ready to get used to all the nighttime feedings and giggles that come with having a newborn again, but I won’t have a choice much longer!
Nora says
Thank you Ashley! Haha, no, better get ready soon! It’s such an exhausting and demanding time, but it’s so nice at the same time!
Cyndi @ My Kitchen Craze says
You and I posted the same (well not the exact same) recipe today! Love sweet potato casserole. And that baby of yours is to cute for words! I’m like you also. I make a huge mess in my kitchen every time I cook. I wish I had someone come do the dishes for me everyday. I think I would cook and bake so much more if I did. 🙂 Loving the week in my life too.
Nora says
Ha, that’s so funny 🙂 Yours looks so delicious! Oh I’m so glad you’re making a mess in the kitchen too. I mean, not about the mess but about me not being alone in this 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Cyndi!
Sarah | Broma Bakery says
Things that are about perfect
-Your baby. Definition of cuteness
-This sweet potato casserole. Easy peasy is the name of the game (so is maple syrup)
-Your writing. Absolutely hilarious. Loving it!
Nora says
Thank you so much Sarah! I ask myself every day how I managed to have such a cute baby 😀
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
I don’t know what to comment on first – the food or your adorable daughter!! This casserole looks amazing and I LOVE you can prep it in the blender. I’m all for easy cleanup!
Nora says
Thank you Liz! Yes – I hate preparing a nice meal and then realizing I have about three hours of cleaning to do 🙂
Rita says
Yummy! I may have to try that recipe! And your baby girl is such a cutie!
Nora says
Thank you Rita! 🙂