• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About

Boulder Locavore logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Free Bonus
    • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Holiday ยป Thanksgiving ยป Classic Sweet Potato Casserole recipe

    PUBLISHED: November 10, 2020 โ€ข By Toni Dash 35 Comments

    Classic Sweet Potato Casserole recipe

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE TITLE IMAGE

    Classic Sweet Potato Casserole is an easy Thanksgiving side dish that is well loved. This traditional casserole is full of creamy mashed sweet potatoes mixed with loads of butter, pecans and brown sugar.

    SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE TITLE IMAGE
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading

    The marshmallow and pecan topping is sweet and crunchy. Can be made ahead too!

    SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE TITLE IMAGE

    Just like iconic Green Bean Casserole (though ours has a French twist) or Creamed Corn, Thanksgiving doesn’t seem complete without Sweet Potato Casserole. 

    Every family does it their own way and I’m sharing hour family loved recipe.

    Love it or loathe it, there is always someone at the Thanksgiving dinner wants it!

    Are you a sweet potato renegade?

    Try spicy Instant Pot Mashed Chipotle Sweet Potatoes, Chipotle Scalloped Sweet Potatoes or Green Chile au Gratin Potatoes. 

    They have a wonderful spicy flavor to go along with the sweetness in the potatoes.

    scoop of sweet potato casserole

    Easy Sweet Potato Casserole

    If you can mash sweet potatoes you can make this casserole! It’s an easy dish that has mass appeal. 

    The mix of butter, the natural sweetness of the potatoes, brown sugar and marshmallows on top are a homey comfort food.

    It’s a recipe people either love or they don’t. Those who do can’t imagine Thanksgiving without it. 

    If the sweetness is not to your linking try Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes. It doesn’t include extra sweeteners.

    It’s also an Instant Pot recipe so out of your mainstream oven or stove top cooking.

    The pecans in this casserole add a wonderful texture and nutty flavor in every bite.

    Including them both with the mashed sweet potatoes and on top ensures you’ll get some in every bite!

    Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

    Besides the sweet potatoes, the toasted marshmallows on top are probably the most classic ingredient. 

    They become soft and melty when cooked with a toasted top like S’mores!

    sweet potato casserole ingredients

    Recipe Ingredients + Notes

    Sweet Potatoes. Any type of sweet potatoes can be used. You’ll need three pounds total for the casserole.

    Brown Sugar. This sweetener gives the side dish its well loved sweetness added both the mashed potatoes and topping.

    Unsalted Butter. We prefer unsalted butter to add to the potatoes but if you like salted butter that can be used too.

    Cinnamon. A bit of cinnamon heightens the flavor of the potatoes and gives a homey warming flavor.

    Vanilla Extract. Adds to the homey flavors.

    Pecans. Use chopped pecans. For a time saver buy them already chopped!

    Mini Marshmallows. The classic version of this casserole isn’t complete without the mini marshmallows melted on top!

    sweet potato casserole quarter view

    How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole from Scratch – Step-by-Step

    STEP 1. Preparation.

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch by 13-inch casserole dish with non-stick food spray.

    STEP 2. Mash the Sweet Potatoes.

    Place the cubed peeled sweet potatoes in a large pot with the 2 cups of water (photo 1).

    Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are softened. 

    Drain the water and transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly.

    Once cooled mash with a potato masher or fork

    Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, 3/4 cup of the brown sugar, 1/4 cup of the pecans. Mix to combine well (photo 2).

    sweet potota casserole recipe steps 1-4

    STEP 3. Make the Casserole.

    Spoon the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish (photo 3).

    Toss the remaining sugar and pecans together in a small bowl (photo 4). Sprinkle evenly on top of the potatoes (photo 5).

    Distribute the marshmallows on top (photo 6).

    sweet potato casserole recipe step 5-8

    STEP 4. Bake the Casserole.

    Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Until the casserole is warmed through and the marshmallows are slightly golden in color and toasted on top (photo 7).

    Serve warm (photo 8).

    How to Make it Ahead!

    To make Thanksgiving preparation easier you can make the casserole ahead of time. 

    • Make the casserole as directed but do not add the topping or marshmallows. 
    • Cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight. 
    • Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
    • Cook the casserole for 20 minutes until the potatoes are warm (check the middle of the casserole too).
    • Remove from the oven. Add the topping and the marshmallows.
    • Return to the oven and bake 15 minutes more until the marshmallows are golden and toasted. 

    Storing Leftovers

    Store leftovers sealed in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

    To reheat, use the microwave and reheat in servings for fastest results.

    Sweet Potato Casserole in pan

    What to Serve with It

    • Easy Roast Turkey or Instant Pot Turkey Breast
    • Twice Baked Potato Casserole
    • Fresh Green Beans with Bacon and Sliced Almonds
    • Best Crustless Pumpkin Pie
    • Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce
    • Pumpkin Cheesecake

    Try these Recipes too!

    • Easy Mexican Chicken Casserole
    • Overnight Breakfast Casserole
    • Mexican Breakfast Chicken Tortilla Lasagna Casserole
    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK , TWITTER , INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST !

    Recipe

    SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE TITLE IMAGE

    Classic Sweet Potato Casserole

    This traditional Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is a classic. Full of buttery potatoes, pecans, brown sugar and marshmallows on top!
    5 from 21 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 303kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 3 pounds Sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
    • 2 cups Water
    • 1 cup packed Brown Sugar
    • ⅓ cup Unsalted butter softened and cut into pieces
    • 1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
    • 1 cup chopped Pecans
    • 2 cups Mini Marshmallows

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
    • Place the sweet potato cubes into a large pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
      Simmer potatoes for 20-25 minutes or until softened through. Drain any excess liquid and transfer to a bowl to cool.
    • Once potatoes have cooled, mash with a potato masher or fork until desired consistency is achieved.
    • Stir in butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, 3/4 cup of brown sugar and ¼ cup of the chopped pecans until well combined.
    • Spoon the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
    • Toss the remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar and 3/4 cup pecans together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly on top of the potatoes.
      Top with the mini marshmallows.
    • Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, until marshmallows are slightly golden and toasted on top. Serve warm!

    Notes

    Make it Ahead
    This casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated. Chill, covered, without the topping. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake just the sweet potato mixture for 20 minutes at 375. Add the topping and bake 15 more minutes until the marshmallows are toasted. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 77mg | Potassium: 444mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 16250IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mg
    SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE TITLE IMAGE
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
    « Creamy Cajun Chicken recipe
    Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kevin says

      November 16, 2020 at 11:32 am

      5 stars
      I have this on my Thanksgiving menu! Love all those marshmallows!

      Reply
    2. Lily says

      November 12, 2020 at 10:48 pm

      I never had sweet potato this way! I bet a perfect thanksgiving treat!

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    5 from 21 votes

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Picture of Toni

    Welcome! Iโ€™m Toni Dash. Iโ€™m a Certified Nutrition Coach and the professional writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavoreยฎ. Iโ€™m so glad you are here!

    More about me โ†’

    Featured on....

    BoulderLocavore.com Featured By Press

    Grilling Recipes

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • steak on grill with flames How to Grill Steak Perfectly: Everything You Need to Grill Like a Pro
    • grilled porterhouse steak title Perfect Porterhouse Steak on the Grill
    • Grilled Kabob Recipes on grate (titled image) Grilled Kabob Recipes: 20 Must Make Recipes for Summer
    • bruschetta chicken title image Bruschetta Chicken recipe โ€“ Baked, Grilled or Stove Top
    • Chicken Shish Kabobs title Easy Grilled Chicken Shish Kabobs

    TRENDING RIGHT NOW

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast title How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch Recipe
    • homemade ketchup title image The Best Homemade Ketchup โ€“ Made with Fresh Tomatoes!
    • Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs with lime wedges on a pewter platter Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Accessibility Statement | Cookie Policy


    SIGN ME UP to get FREE recipes directly to my inbox!

    Don't miss our TRAVEL SECTION!


    Copyright ยฉ 2010-2025 All Rights Reserved

    Boulder Locavore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.