Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel complete without the comforting sweetness of a Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole. I still remember my grandmother’s version—it was creamy, spiced with cinnamon, and topped with a golden layer of pecans and marshmallows. This dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet, making it a side that feels almost like dessert. It’s a holiday favorite that brings warmth, tradition, and joy to every table.
Ingredients
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
Topping:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup chopped pecans
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth. Stir in butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until creamy. Spread mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. For the topping, mix brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and pecans. Sprinkle over sweet potato mixture. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Add marshmallows on top and bake 10 minutes more, until golden and melted. Rest a few minutes before serving.
Substitutions
Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a richer sweetness. Replace pecans with walnuts or oats for crunch. Swap milk with almond milk for a dairy-free option. Omit marshmallows for a less sweet version.
Equipment
Large pot
Mixing bowls
Potato masher
9×13-inch baking dish
Spatula
Storage
Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze casserole (without marshmallows) for up to 2 months. Add topping before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in oven at 325°F until heated through.
Top Tips
Mash sweet potatoes until silky smooth for the best texture. Add marshmallows at the end to prevent burning. Use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned for richer flavor. Let casserole rest before slicing for clean servings.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble without marshmallows, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.
Can I make it less sweet? Reduce sugar and skip marshmallows for a savory version.
What’s the best potato to use? Fresh orange-fleshed sweet potatoes give the best flavor.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Yes, just drain and mash before mixing.