4.78 from 54 votes

Sweet Potato Casserole

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Sweet Potato Casserole is an easy and delicious addition to any southern table. This easy-to-bake cubed sweet potato casserole with cinnamon, brown sugar, and golden marshmallow topping is a hallmark of festive gatherings and cozy family meals.

sweet potato casserole recipe in a baking dish.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

With our expertise and top recipe rating, we are confident that this recipe will provide everything you need to make the perfect sweet potato casserole recipe, ensuring each bite is spectacular.

This is a perfect baked casserole recipe covered in melty marshmallows and the sweet taste of brown sugar and crunchy pecans. Let’s get started on this holiday favorite!

Ingredients:

  • 6–8 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2″ cubes
  • butter + brown sugar
  • pecans + mini marshmallows
  • vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg
plate of baked sweet potato casserole with melty marshmallows.

How to make Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

How to cook sweet potatoes: Place the 6–8 cubed sweet potatoes in a stockpot and fill with water to 1″ above the potatoes.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to maintain a rolling boil. Cook for 8–10 minutes or until potatoes are soft when tested with a fork. Drain well.

peeling and cubed sweet potatoes in a stovetop pot.

Creating the Butter Mixture:

In a small bowl, combine four tablespoons of melted butter1/2 cup brown sugar1/4 cup pecansone teaspoon of vanilla extract1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg.

Mix thoroughly.

This will seem thick when you pour it. It melts down more in the oven as it heats.

brown sugar , butter and pecans in a bowl.

Assembling the casserole and marshmallow topping:

Transfer the cooked and cubed sweet potatoes into the greased baking dish, spreading them out evenly.

Pour the butter mixture over the sweet potatoes, ensuring even coverage.

Sprinkle the top of the casserole with 2 cups of mini marshmallows and the remaining 1/4 cup of pecans.

sweet potatoes in a casserole dish.
layer brown sugar on cut and boiled sweet potatoes in a gray baking dish.
marshmallows and pecans in a baking dish ready to melt.

How long to bake sweet potato casserole: 

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the center is hot and the marshmallows have turned golden brown.

spoonful out of sweet potato casserole showing all the melted brown sugar.

Easy Expert Tips for Classic Holiday Casseroles

Make-Ahead Magic

Can sweet potato casserole be made ahead?

Preparing in Advance: Absolutely! Assemble your casserole up to two days in advance, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving, and keep it chilled.

  • Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps take the extra chill from the fridge off the dish.
  • Begin by baking for 20 minutes, then stir, add your chosen topping (in this case marshmallows and pecans), and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes until thoroughly warmed.

Canned vs. Fresh Sweet Potatoes

Can you use canned potatoes in sweet potato casserole?

Convenience Meets Flavor: Fresh sweet potatoes are best for homemade and unmatched taste, but canned sweet potatoes offer a quick alternative.

If you go the canned route, ensure they’re well-drained and bypass the boiling process.

sweet potatoes in a saucepan.

Storing and Reheating Sweet Potato Casserole

How to store leftovers with sweet potato casserole.

Leftovers Done Right: Keep any remaining casserole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For reheating, microwave in 30-second bursts until it reaches the desired temperature, or reheat in an oven set at 350°F.

To rejuvenate the marshmallow topping, sprinkle a fresh layer of marshmallows on top and broil briefly to achieve that perfect golden-brown toast.

By following these expert tips, you’re well on your way to creating a sweet potato casserole (or a sweet potato crunch casserole) that’s bound to impress your friends and family, whether for a holiday feast or a comforting meal at home.

huge plate of sweet potato casserole.

If you loved this recipe and need more amazing, generous recipes for Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays, try one of our favorites: green bean casserole from scratch (no cans), sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole to start the day off right, and homemade cranberry sauce made with orange juice.

Holiday Casserole Recipes

Holidays are the perfect time to load up the table with goodies. Here are a few of our very favorite casseroles that we make EVERY year.

4.78 from 54 votes

Sweet Potato Casserole (Cubed) with Marshmallows


Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Sweet Potato Casserole is an easy and delicious addition to any southern table. Covered in melty marshmallows and the sweet taste of brown sugar and crunchy pecans, this is a perfect baked casserole recipe. Follow this easy recipe to create a holiday side dish that's sure to steal the show!

Equipment

  • 9 x 13 Casserole Dish
  • sauce pan

Ingredients
 

  • 6-8 sweet potatoes peeled and cut into uniform 1/2" cubes
  • water enough to cover the potatoes by 1"
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup pecans divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

  • Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  • Boil Sweet Potatoes: Place the 6-8 cubed sweet potatoes into a large stockpot and fill with water until it's 1" higher than the potatoes. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium, maintaining a rolling boil. Boil for 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are soft when tested with a fork. Drain well.
  • Mix Flavorings: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup of the pecans (save the rest for topping), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg. Stir well to mix.
    brown sugar poured over sweet potatoes.
  • Assemble the diced sweet potato casserole: Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Pour the butter and spice mixture over the sweet potatoes, ensuring they're well-coated. Sprinkle the top with 2 cups of mini marshmallows and the remaining 1/4 cup of pecans.
    layered sweet potato casserole in a casserole dish.
  • Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the center is hot and the marshmallows have turned a delicious golden brown.

Video

Notes

Sweet Potato Substitute

  • Fresh sweet potatoes are best, but canned can be used. Drain canned sweet potatoes well; no need to boil.

Storing & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in the fridge (up to 4 days). Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F. For a fresh marshmallow topping, add new marshmallows and broil briefly.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 101mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 26g

Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.

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4.78 from 54 votes
4.78 from 54 votes (53 ratings without comment)

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5 Comments

  1. Not sure what happened but when I mixed up the melted butter and the brown sugar and the other spices it was real thick. Add a little more butter and heated it up for 20 seconds and still thick drizzled it over the top of the sweet
    Potatoes . We shall see.

    1. If you mean before you cook it? If you watch the video it will show you the consistency but it is a little thick before it melts in the oven. Just make sure you mix it all up with the potatoes – the video will help guide you. Let me know how it is after you cook, should be fine! ~Trisha

  2. Sue Lloyd says:

    My daughter made this for Thanksgiving last year and was delicious!! It is a winner and will be again this year🏆

  3. Can this be made a day before?

    1. Trisha Haas says:

      That should not be a problem!