This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping is a quintessential dish for family gatherings, especially during the holidays. Its combination of creamy, spiced sweet potatoes and gooey, toasted marshmallows makes it an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
Sweet potatoes are the heart of the dish, offering natural sweetness and a creamy texture when mashed. Unsalted butter adds richness and helps to carry the flavors. Light brown sugar enhances the sweetness and adds a hint of molasses. Heavy cream contributes to the casserole's creamy consistency, while vanilla extract brings warmth and depth. The ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warm spice notes that complement the sweet potatoes beautifully. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. Finally, mini marshmallows create a sweet, melty topping that caramelizes to perfection in the oven.
This sweet potato casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or ham, making it a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness of the casserole.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's hot and ready when you need it. Next, take your sweet potatoes, peel them, and cut them into cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Boil the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of water; they should be tender in about 20 minutes—just enough time to get things ready for the next steps.
After boiling, drain the sweet potatoes well and transfer them to a large bowl for mashing. You want a smooth consistency, so feel free to use a potato masher or a fork. Stir in the melted butter first—it blends best with the heat. Then, mix in the brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.
Now, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly to prevent sticking. Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes into the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Then, spread the mini marshmallows evenly over the top. They should cover the surface nicely, ready to melt and toast.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven. It will need about 25 minutes to bake. You'll know it's ready when the marshmallows are golden brown and slightly puffed. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving—this will make it easier to cut and serve.