If you are craving a dish that combines comforting sweetness with a delightful crunch, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow and Streusel Topping Recipe is going to become your new favorite. This classic American side dish takes roasted sweet potatoes to a whole new level by layering them with fluffy marshmallows and a buttery, spiced streusel topping, creating a perfect harmony of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures. Easy to prepare yet impressive on the table, this casserole is a heartwarming staple that fits holidays, family dinners, or any time you need a little cozy indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the naturally sweet and velvety sweet potatoes to the aromatic spices and that all-important marshmallow and streusel topping combo. The ingredients come together simply, but each adds layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Here’s what brings this dish to life:
- 3 lbs fresh sweet potatoes: The star of the casserole, providing smooth sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect mashed texture.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings rich sweetness and moisture to the sweet potato base.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Offers a luscious buttery taste to enrich the filling.
- 2 eggs: Bind the casserole filling, giving it structure and a silky finish.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of nutty warmth to deepen the flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances overall sweetness with a fragrant touch.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for creating the crumbly streusel topping.
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar: Sweetens the streusel and helps it caramelize nicely.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds spice to the crunchy topping.
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of warm spice in the streusel.
- Pinch of ground cloves: Gives a subtle depth and festive aroma to the topping.
- 3 tbsp salted butter, melted: Binds the streusel ingredients into perfect crumbs.
- 2-3 cups marshmallows: The pièce de résistance, creating that iconic gooey, golden layer everyone loves.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow and Streusel Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C) to ensure it’s ready when your casserole is assembled. Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot filled with water, and bring it to a boil. Cook them until they become fork-tender, which should take about 8 minutes. This tenderness is crucial so the potatoes mash easily and blend smoothly into the filling.
Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Once cooked, drain your sweet potatoes well, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Mash them until smooth or to whatever consistency you prefer. This step creates the creamy base of your casserole, setting the foundation for all those wonderful flavors to shine.
Step 3: Combine the Filling Ingredients
Add the milk, packed brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to your mashed sweet potatoes. Stir everything together until perfectly combined into a silky, aromatic mixture. This blend is what transforms simple sweet potatoes into a rich, indulgent dish with depth and warmth.
Step 4: Prepare to Bake
Pour the sweet potato mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. If you’re planning ahead, you can refrigerate the casserole at this stage for up to two days, which makes this a convenient recipe for holiday gatherings or busy weeknight dinners.
Step 5: Initial Bake
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, just long enough to heat it through and let the flavors meld. This step brings the filling together before we add the toppings that will make the dish truly spectacular.
Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping
While the casserole is baking, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves in a bowl. Then stir in melted butter until the mixture forms crumbly clusters. This streusel will add a perfectly spiced, crunchy contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes and gooey marshmallows.
Step 7: Add Toppings and Finish Baking
When the casserole is done with the initial baking, remove it from the oven and sprinkle a layer of marshmallows evenly on top. Follow with a generous layer of streusel crumbs, and if you like, scatter a few more marshmallows over the crumbs for extra gooeyness. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until golden and bubbly. For that iconic golden-brown finish, pop it under the broiler at 400°F until the marshmallows turn a perfect toasted caramel shade. Serve warm to enjoy the magical contrast and comforting flavors.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow and Streusel Topping Recipe
Garnishes
To add a delightful pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some chopped pecans or toasted walnuts just before serving. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup can elevate the sweetness and aroma of the casserole beautifully, making each bite even more special.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or herb-roasted chicken. Its rich sweetness balances savory proteins perfectly, while crisp green beans or a fresh cranberry sauce bring brightness and contrast to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual portions in ramekins topped with miniature marshmallows and sprinkles of the streusel topping. You could also layer the casserole in a glass dish for a pretty visual of marshmallow peaks and golden crumbs, turning your side dish into a centerpiece everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow and Streusel Topping Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheated, the casserole maintains its creamy texture and toasted topping, allowing you to enjoy every last bite.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the filling and bake it without the marshmallows, then cool completely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and add marshmallows and streusel topping before baking for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. To revive that glorious toasted marshmallow top, you can briefly broil the casserole for a minute or two—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. This method brings back the fresh-baked charm without losing any of the flavors you love.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes offer the best flavor and texture, you can substitute canned sweet potatoes if you’re short on time. Just be sure to drain and mash them well, and adjust the milk slightly to get the right consistency.
What type of marshmallows work best?
Classic mini marshmallows are ideal because they melt evenly and create that signature gooey topping. You can also experiment with jumbo marshmallows cut into smaller pieces for a more varied texture.
Is this casserole suitable for vegans?
This recipe contains butter, milk, and eggs, which are not vegan. However, you could try plant-based substitutes like vegan butter, almond milk, and a flax egg to create a vegan version with a few experiments.
Can I make the streusel topping gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll still achieve a deliciously crumbly and spiced streusel topping that pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes.
How far in advance can I prepare this casserole?
You can assemble the casserole up to two days ahead of baking and keep it refrigerated. If freezing, assemble and bake the filling without toppings, freeze right away, and add toppings when reheating.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow and Streusel Topping Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures that make it more than just a side dish—it becomes the star of your meal. Trust me, once you try making this at home, whether for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight treat, it will quickly become a beloved tradition. So roll up your sleeves and dive into this delightfully warm recipe that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied appetites around your table.
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow and Streusel Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic comfort food dish perfect for holidays or anytime you crave a sweet, creamy side. Tender sweet potatoes are mashed with warm spices, brown sugar, and butter, then baked with a crunchy, spiced streusel topping and gooey marshmallows for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 3 lbs fresh sweet potatoes (4–5 large), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1 cup (225g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Streusel Topping
- 1/3 cup (44g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (75g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 3 tbsp (42g) salted butter, melted
- 2–3 cups marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook sweet potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 8 minutes. Drain the water and transfer the sweet potatoes to a bowl.
- Mash potatoes: Mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth or to your desired consistency.
- Mix filling: To the mashed sweet potatoes, add milk, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, eggs, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. At this point, you can refrigerate the mixture for up to 2 days or proceed directly to baking.
- Bake initially: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until it is heated through.
- Prepare streusel topping: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Mix in the melted salted butter until the mixture forms crumbly streusel crumbs.
- Finish baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle a layer of marshmallows evenly over the top. Then add a layer of the streusel crumb mixture followed by another layer of marshmallows if desired. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. For a golden-brown finish, broil at 400°F until the marshmallows are toasted to your liking. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking to save time on serving day.
- Using fresh sweet potatoes yields the best texture and flavor, but canned mashed sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch.
- Adjust the amount of marshmallows to your preference; mini marshmallows work best for even coverage and melting.
- For a nuttier twist, add chopped pecans to the streusel topping.
- Be careful when broiling to avoid burning the marshmallows; watch closely for the perfect golden brown.
