As the holidays approach, the familiar scent of sweet potatoes bubbling with sugar and spice transports me back to childhood dinners filled with laughter and warmth. This Classic Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, rich flavors with the nostalgic crunch of toasted pecans and the sweetness of golden marshmallows. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any family gathering, this dish not only elevates your meal but is also a breeze to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with your loved ones. With its family-friendly appeal and make-ahead convenience, this sweet potato casserole is destined to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire. Are you ready to rekindle those cherished memories with a warm, homemade treat? Why is Sweet Potato Casserole a Must-Try? Comforting and nostalgic, this sweet potato casserole encapsulates the essence of family gatherings. Rich flavors from the brown sugar and butter marry perfectly with the creamy texture of sweet potatoes, delivering blissful bites. Make-ahead ease allows you to enjoy more time with your guests, as it can be whipped up in advance. Plus, customizable variations like using walnuts or maple syrup let you tailor it to your taste. Serve this alongside dishes like Garlic Parmesan Potato or Chicken Broccoli Casserole for a comforting feast that everyone will love! Potato Casserole Ingredients • This classic dish brings together rich flavors and creamy sweetness for a perfect holiday treat. For the Casserole Sweet Potatoes – The main ingredient, offering a naturally sweet and velvety base; select firm, orange-fleshed ones for best results. Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and depth; for outstanding flavor, try using Kerrygold. Brown Sugar – Provides essential sweetness and moisture; pack it firmly for optimal flavor. Pecans – Introduces a lovely crunch and nutty taste; to enhance their flavor, consider toasting them lightly. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the dish’s aroma and sweetness; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste. Salt – Balances the flavors beautifully; don’t skip this key ingredient. For the Topping Mini Marshmallows – Creates that nostalgic topping and adds delightful sweetness; add them just before baking for that perfect gooey texture. This potato casserole is not just food; it’s a cherished memory waiting to be made! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Classic Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your sweet potato casserole doesn’t stick. This preparation sets the foundation for the perfect bake. Step 2: Boil the Sweet Potatoes Peel and cut your sweet potatoes into uniform chunks, then place them in a large pot. Fill the pot with cold water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender; this ensures a smooth mash for your casserole. Step 3: Drain and Cool the Potatoes Once the sweet potatoes are tender, carefully drain them in a colander and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps to make them easier to handle and ensures they won’t be too hot to mash, which is crucial for avoiding a greasy texture in your classic old fashioned sweet potato casserole. Step 4: Mash the Sweet Potatoes In a large mixing bowl, transfer the drained sweet potatoes. Using a potato masher or a hand mixer, mash the sweet potatoes until they reach your desired consistency, then incorporate the brown sugar, unsalted butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Blend these ingredients together until creamy and smooth, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully. Step 5: Fold in the Pecans Gently fold in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans into your sweet potato mixture, blending well to combine. This step adds a delightful crunch to your casserole. Once thoroughly mixed, spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to create a uniform layer. Step 6: Prepare the Topping To finish your classic sweet potato casserole, evenly sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top of your sweet potato mixture. Then, generously add mini marshmallows to create that signature topping. This layer will melt and create a gooey, caramelized texture during baking. Step 7: Bake Until Golden Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes—you’re looking for the marshmallows to puff up and turn a lovely golden brown. This visual cue signals that your sweet potato casserole is coming together perfectly. Step 8: Let It Rest Before Serving Once removed from the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and the dish to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve. Now you’re all set to enjoy this comforting and nostalgic classic at your family gathering! Make Ahead Options Preparing this Classic Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time is a game changer for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings! You can prep the sweet potato mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply mash the sweet potatoes and mix in the other ingredients before transferring the mixture to your baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to bake, just sprinkle the mini marshmallows and remaining pecans on top, then pop it in the oven for about 20 minutes until golden. This way, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors of your potato casserole with minimal last-minute effort! Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole Perfectly Tender Potatoes: Ensure your sweet potatoes are fork-tender before mashing to avoid a lumpy potato casserole; this creates a creamy texture that everyone loves. Timing the Topping: Add mini marshmallows during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent burning; this way, they stay perfectly golden and gooey. Cool Before Mixing: Allow your sweet potato mixture to cool slightly before adding butter to prevent greasy separation, ensuring a rich but smooth casserole. Drain Thoroughly: Make sure to drain excess liquid from the mashed sweet potatoes to keep your casserole from becoming watery; a well-formed casserole is key! Customize with Care: Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free potato casserole, but remember to toast them if you include nuts to enhance their flavor. What to Serve with Classic Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole? Enhance your meal experience by pairing these delightful accompaniments with a dish that fills the air with warm, nostalgic aromas. Roasted Turkey: This traditional holiday main dish provides savory balance to the sweet flavors of the casserole, making your feast complete. Green Bean Casserole: The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the rich sweetness of sweet potatoes, creating a comforting contrast in every bite. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: An irresistible duo, the creamy garlic potatoes complement the casserole’s sweetness, delivering a comforting mix of flavors. A true comfort food pairing loved by all! Dinner Rolls: Soft and buttery rolls are perfect for scooping up the casserole, adding a delightful, fluffy texture to your meal experience. Pork Tenderloin: The juicy, savory qualities of grilled or roasted pork perfectly balance the sweetness, creating a sensational flavor harmony on your plate. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberries cuts through the richness of the casserole, adding a refreshing twist that elevates your overall meal. Spiced Apple Cider: This fragrant drink pairs beautifully, echoing the cozy fall flavors of your sweet potato casserole while keeping everyone warm and merry. Pumpkin Pie: End your meal on a sweet note—a slice of pumpkin pie echoes the flavors of the casserole while satisfying good old-fashioned dessert cravings. Cornbread: The slight sweetness and crumbly texture of cornbread create a wonderful contrast to the creamy casserole, making for a classic Southern touch. Potato Casserole Variations & Substitutions Feel free to unleash your creativity and personalize this casserole to suit your taste and dietary needs! Nut-Free: Omit the pecans entirely or replace with crispy breadcrumbs for texture without the nuts. Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully. Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter for a creamy texture without dairy. Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical twist that pairs surprisingly well with sweet potatoes! Maple Sweetness: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a delightful twist on sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. This variation brings the flavors of fall right to your dinner table! Savory Twist: Add sautéed onions or garlic for an unexpected savory element that cuts through the sweetness. A pinch of thyme or sage can also elevate the flavor profile, bringing a gentle earthiness to your dish. Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a fun heat that contrasts with the sweetness. A little spice can create a wonderfully balanced experience that surprises your taste buds! Fruity Addition: Toss in chopped apples or cranberries to lend a refreshing burst of natural sweetness and tartness. These fruits not only add flavor but also a beautiful pop of color to the casserole. Creamy Variation: Mix in a dollop of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for an extra layer of creaminess in the filling. This twist adds a delightful tang that enhances the overall flavor while keeping it rich and satisfying. For even more comforting sides to pair with your sweet potato casserole, consider serving it alongside classic dishes like Garlic Parmesan Potato or a hearty Chicken Broccoli Casserole! How to Store and Freeze Potato Casserole Fridge: Keep your sweet potato casserole stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It gets even tastier as the flavors meld overnight! Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole before adding marshmallows. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge before baking. Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Covering: Always cover your casserole with aluminum foil while reheating to keep it moist and prevent over-browning of the marshmallows. Classic Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe FAQs How do I choose the perfect sweet potatoes? When selecting sweet potatoes for your casserole, look for firm, heavy, and blemish-free specimens. Orange-fleshed varieties are best, as they provide the desired sweetness and creamy texture. Avoid potatoes that have dark spots or any signs of softness, which might indicate they are past their prime. How long can I store the sweet potato casserole in the fridge? You can keep your sweet potato casserole stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together! Just make sure to let it cool completely before covering and refrigerating for maximum freshness. Can I freeze sweet potato casserole, and how? Absolutely! To freeze your sweet potato casserole, prepare it up to the point of adding marshmallows. After spreading the mixture in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding the marshmallows during the last 10-15 minutes to achieve that perfect golden topping. What are some common issues I might encounter, and how do I fix them? One common issue is ending up with a watery casserole, which can happen if the sweet potatoes retain too much liquid. To avoid this, make sure to drain the mashed sweet potatoes thoroughly. If the mixture seems too lumpy after mashing, you can use a hand mixer or food processor to make it smoother. Another tip is to cool your sweet potato mixture slightly before adding butter—this prevents the butter from separating and turning greasy. Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of? Yes! If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, it’s important to note that pecans can be a common allergen. If you’re creating a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute them with sunflower seeds for a good crunch. Additionally, always check whether your vanilla extract is alcohol-free if you’re catering to those avoiding alcohol for dietary reasons. Irresistible Sweet Potato Casserole: Comfort Food Bliss This Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious blend of creamy sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and marshmallows, making it a perfect comfort food for family gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 8 servingsCourse: CasseroleCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole4 cups Sweet Potatoes select firm, orange-fleshed ones1/2 cup Unsalted Butter try using Kerrygold for outstanding flavor1 cup Brown Sugar pack it firmly for optimal flavor1/2 cup Pecans consider toasting them lightly for enhanced flavor1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract opt for pure vanilla for the best taste1/2 teaspoon Salt this key ingredient balances the flavorsFor the Topping2 cups Mini Marshmallows add them just before baking for gooey texture Equipment 9x13-inch baking dishpotato masherLarge Pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.Peel and cut your sweet potatoes into uniform chunks, place them in a large pot, fill with cold water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.Drain the sweet potatoes in a colander and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes.In a large mixing bowl, mash the drained sweet potatoes, then mix in brown sugar, unsalted butter, salt, and vanilla extract until creamy.Gently fold in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans and spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top and generously add mini marshmallows.Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown.Allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 10000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg NotesThis casserole is a cherished memory waiting to be made! It gets even tastier as the flavors meld overnight in the fridge. 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