Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Name: Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 6 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 1 cup white sugar; 0.5 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon butter, softened; 1 cup miniature marshmallows, or as needed

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

6 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup white sugar
cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (or to taste)
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 cup miniature marshmallows, or as needed

Directions

Gather all the ingredients and set them aside.
Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, approximately 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes.
Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Grease a deep casserole dish.
Using a potato masher, mash the sweet potatoes in a bowl until smooth, ensuring no large lumps remain.
Stir in the white sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until well combined.
Transfer the mashed sweet potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Cover the top of the sweet potato mixture with a layer of miniature marshmallows.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 of 10 servings):

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	385
Total Fat	1g (2% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	1g (4% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	3mg (1% Daily Value)
Sodium	168mg (7% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	91g (33% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	9g (32% Daily Value)
Protein	4g (9% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	7mg (7% Daily Value)
Calcium	105mg (8% Daily Value)
Iron	2mg (11% Daily Value)
Potassium	939mg (20% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is based on available data for the listed ingredients. Please consult a doctor or registered dietitian if you are on a medically restrictive diet.

Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

The Story Behind Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole has long been a staple of American holiday traditions, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its origins trace back to the early 20th century in the Southern United States, where sweet potatoes were abundant and widely cultivated. The combination of mashed sweet potatoes with sugar and spices was influenced by both African American cooking techniques and European dessert traditions, giving rise to the signature sweet, creamy texture. Marshmallows were added in the 1940s, after a marketing campaign by a major confectionery company, and they became a hallmark of the dish.

Regional Variations

While the classic sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is most associated with the South, different regions of the United States have put their own spin on it. In the South, pecans are often sprinkled on top for added crunch and flavor. In the Midwest, recipes may feature a streusel topping made from brown sugar, flour, and butter instead of marshmallows. Coastal regions sometimes incorporate citrus zest, like orange or lemon, to balance the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Despite these differences, the core ingredientssweet potatoes, sugar, and a rich toppingremain consistent nationwide.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Sweet potato casserole is often confused with candied yams, but the two are distinct. Candied yams are typically sliced or cubed sweet potatoes cooked in a syrup made from sugar and butter, whereas sweet potato casserole involves mashing the potatoes and incorporating spices before baking them with a topping. Another difference lies in the texture: casseroles are creamy and smooth with a toasted surface, while candied yams retain more of the potatos structure. This distinction makes casseroles more suitable as a side dish in a multi-course holiday meal.

Where Its Served

Sweet potato casserole is primarily a festive dish, appearing on tables during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other celebratory gatherings. It is often served alongside turkey, ham, and roasted vegetables. Many families also enjoy it at potlucks or community dinners, where its sweet, comforting flavor makes it a crowd favorite. In restaurants, it is typically offered as a seasonal side dish, especially in Southern cuisine restaurants, bistros, and hotels during the holiday season.

Interesting Facts

The addition of marshmallows to sweet potato casserole was popularized by a 1950s marketing campaign encouraging housewives to use the fluffy confections as a topping.
Sweet potato casserole is rich in beta-carotene and fiber, making it both flavorful and nutritious.
Some chefs experiment with spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to create unique variations.
Traditionally, the dish was a practical way to use leftover sweet potatoes after harvest, turning them into a dessert-like side dish.
In certain Southern households, sweet potato casserole is considered incomplete without a pecan topping, adding a signature crunch.

Overall, this iconic dish combines history, regional flavor, and culinary creativity, making it more than just a sideits a cultural tradition that brings warmth and nostalgia to holiday tables across the United States.

FAQ about Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Leftover sweet potato casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Yes, sweet potato casserole can be frozen. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Yes, you can substitute the white sugar with alternatives such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup might affect the texture, so you may need to adjust the amount of other liquids in the recipe.

Yes, you can skip the marshmallows if you prefer. Some people substitute with chopped pecans or a crunchy topping made from brown sugar and oats. If you want a slightly different texture, try adding a layer of crushed graham crackers before baking.

To adjust for fewer servings, simply scale down the ingredients. For example, you can use 3 large sweet potatoes instead of 6, and reduce the sugars and marshmallows proportionally. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the size of the casserole dish.

Yes, you can make sweet potato casserole ahead of time. Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature, and bake as directed.

If you don't like marshmallows, you can try using pecans, chopped walnuts, or a streusel topping made from butter, brown sugar, and flour. Some people also top it with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or granola for added crunch.

If you find the casserole too sweet, you can reduce the amount of white sugar or brown sugar, or substitute them with a smaller amount of honey or maple syrup. You can also cut down on the cinnamon or omit it altogether for a more subtle flavor.

Yes, you can use frozen sweet potatoes, though the texture might be a little different compared to fresh. Simply thaw them before using, and make sure to drain any excess water to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.

To add a bit of spice, you can mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger along with the cinnamon. Alternatively, adding a dash of hot sauce to the mashed sweet potatoes can give it a subtle kick.

Comments

My Hot Southern Mess

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

If you like your sweet potatoes sugary and cinnamon-y this is recipe for you... my daughter and I do so we liked it but more so without the marshmallows. *I did reduce the serving size to 2 to make the recipe... my boys do not like sweet potatoes and I didn't need 10 servings.*

Lauren Shawnee Snyderburn

10/15/2015 04:45:05 PM

Followed the recipe exact... I could not give this more than three stars. It was way too sweet (and I have a LOVE for all things sweet!), and had an almost inedible amount of cinnamon. Next time I will be cutting the white sugar and cinnamon down by at least half! Other than that the recipe was good.

Sara Minton

01/14/2016 03:22:57 PM

Cinnamon overkill and to sweet. Yikes. I made this recipe the first time exactly as directed. Never again. Even my sweet potato casserole addicted husband didn't like it. The next time I cut the white sugar to 1/2c, the brown sugar to 1/4c, the cinnamon to 1/2T, and added 1t nutmeg. Much better. Oh, and I baked the sweet potatoes instead of boiling. Much easier to peel and give the end result is less dense.

TXLadyBlue

11/23/2022 04:28:44 AM

Just eliminate the white sugar. 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/2 to 1 cup chopped pecans, marshmallows to cover the top of your dish. Sweet potatoes are already naturally sweet, brown sugar will take it to a different flavor level. I've never seen a recipe ever call for more than 1tsp. cinnamon. Not a big marshmallow fan? Take 5 and place in flower shape, insert pecan in the center. Bake as directed. Old lady who knows how to cook. ;)

kathy

11/09/2023 03:01:57 PM

Just bake your sweet potatoes in the oven. So much easier and you can just squeeze them out of their skins. Skip all the sugar and all that cinnamon. I mash mine and put the marshmallows on top, return to the oven until light brown. Deliciously sweet without the added sugars.

Marsy

04/05/2015 09:29:57 AM

I used one cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup sugar because I love brown sugar. Also used regular marshmallows. Came out great!

Petunia

11/23/2022 04:22:36 AM

Love these! I cut the cinnamon and sugar in half the first time I made it. Otherwise it would have been too much of each. I threw these in my mixer to mash them - worked like a charm. 😊

Rosie

11/22/2023 05:06:54 PM

First time making sweet potatoes with marshmallows as a last-minute contribution to Thanksgiving. I had always seen this dish but never tasted it myself. This was a great recipe to use. I adjusted slightly - used frozen potatoes out of necessity (no time) and they worked just great, though consistency was less fibrous than I like for potatoes, and I reduced the sugar by 1/2 and dumped WAY more cinnamon (maybe more like 1/3 cup of cinnamon). Was a huge hit! Can't wait to make this again with freshly boiled potatoes! Only saying 4 stars because I think if I made it exactly, it would be super sweet like the other reviews mentioned. The sweet potatoes are already sweet enough on their own!

UniquePear4542

11/23/2023 05:49:23 PM

Yummy recipe Dont add white sugar tho makes it too sweet i used 2Tbs. Vanilla Extract,Cinnamon & Brown Sugar came out, great take care not to burn the marshmallows on the top added mine 10 min before done great before removing from oven before done done

FlashyBean7769

02/23/2024 10:27:32 PM

I make this every year for Thanksgiving with just 1 minor addition. It is currently February 23, 2024 and my 17 year old niece bought the ingredients and called me and said, “Aunt Rachel can you PLEASE make me your sweet potato casserole”!! I always double this for my large family but the only thing I add is a couple tablespoons of Vanilla Extract! Super simple, super tasty, and the hardest part of the whole recipe is peeling and cutting those sweet potatoes

Katie Godwin

11/28/2022 01:36:45 AM

Following some of the other comments, I took out the white sugar entirely and reduced the cinnamon. With those adjustments, though, it turned out perfectly!

Kate

07/18/2025 09:53:40 PM

Missed with the timing on last step. Marshmallows were burnt. Also, just do 1 cup of brown sugar. A little too sweet, not enough savory.

HandyBeef1274

02/28/2025 11:14:50 PM

I added pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, along with the rest of this casserole ingredients

J MIGLIORE

02/06/2025 10:47:57 AM

Perfect every time. Love Sweet Potatoes prepared like this, all the time not just Thanksgiving.

Betty Sanchez

12/26/2024 08:52:20 PM

Such a WIN! 🙌

Christopher Anderson

12/26/2024 06:32:52 AM

This recipe is now officially legendary.

Jasmina Martinoski

12/01/2024 08:31:16 PM

This recipe RUINED my sweet potatoes.

SadBagel1548

11/30/2024 11:53:05 PM

Was very easy to make and the family liked it. The only thing I could do differently is less cinnamon. I should have done it to taste so it's on me. I will definitely do it again in future years. 👍🏻

Dawn Taylor

11/28/2024 04:06:03 PM

Instead of boiling the potatoes I baked them on 350 for 2 hours. Skin falls off and makes it easy to peel.

Michael Johnson

11/28/2024 05:05:21 AM

Made it last night — still thinking about it.

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Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts

The Story Behind Sweet Potato Casserole

Regional Variations

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Where Its Served

Interesting Facts

FAQ about Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe