Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows & Pecan Streusel

A perfect harmony of creamy sweetness and buttery crunch in every forkful.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 17, 2025

A perfect harmony of creamy sweetness and buttery crunch in every forkful.

The Ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole Experience

Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows stands as one of the most cherished Thanksgiving recipes, gracing tables across America with its perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. This particular version elevates the traditional dish by combining not just one, but two spectacular toppings: pillowy mini marshmallows and a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel. The result is a side dish that walks the delicate line between savory and sweet without crossing into dessert territory.

What makes this recipe truly special is its sophisticated flavor profile. While many sweet potato casseroles can taste overly candy-like, this version maintains balance through subtle additions of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. These unexpected spices complement the warm cinnamon, creating layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more. The dual topping approach means no family arguments about preferences – everyone gets both the gooey marshmallow goodness and the satisfying crunch of pecans.

The Art of Preparing Perfect Sweet Potatoes

The foundation of any exceptional sweet potato casserole lies in properly preparing the sweet potatoes themselves. Roasting is the preferred method for this recipe, as it concentrates the natural sugars and develops a deeper, more complex flavor than boiling or microwaving. The process begins by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

When selecting sweet potatoes, choose ones that are firm, smooth-skinned, and free from soft spots or blemishes. You’ll need approximately 3½ pounds, which typically translates to 4-5 large sweet potatoes. Before roasting, pierce each potato 2 to 3 times with a sharp knife to prevent them from bursting in the oven. This simple step allows steam to escape during the cooking process.

Place the pierced sweet potatoes on your foil-lined baking sheet and loosely cover them with another piece of foil. This creates a gentle steaming environment that helps cook the potatoes evenly while preventing the skins from becoming too tough. Roast for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the potatoes feel very soft when gently squeezed. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes, so it’s best to check for doneness rather than rely solely on timing.

Creating the Luxurious Filling

Once your sweet potatoes have cooled enough to handle safely, the magic of transformation begins. Carefully peel away the skins, which should slip off easily from properly roasted potatoes. The flesh should be tender, slightly caramelized, and bursting with natural sweetness.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm sweet potato flesh with ½ cup of melted butter, creating an instantly creamy base. The warmth of the potatoes helps the butter incorporate smoothly, preventing any lumpy texture. Next, add ½ cup of heavy cream, which contributes to the casserole’s signature velvety consistency. The cream not only adds richness but also helps bind all the ingredients together.

The sweetening elements come next: ⅓ cup of light brown sugar provides sweetness with subtle molasses notes that complement the sweet potatoes’ natural earthiness. Three large eggs serve as both a binding agent and contribute to the casserole’s custardy texture when baked. The salt – 1¼ teaspoons – might seem generous, but it’s crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors.

The spice blend is where this recipe truly shines. Traditional cinnamon (1½ teaspoons) provides warmth and familiarity, but the addition of ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika introduces an unexpected depth and subtle smokiness. The optional ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adds just enough heat to create complexity without overwhelming the dish. These spices work together to create a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates the casserole beyond typical holiday fare.

Mastering the Dual Topping Technique

The crowning glory of this sweet potato casserole is its innovative dual topping approach. Rather than choosing between marshmallows or a crumb topping, this recipe boldly incorporates both, creating textural interest and satisfying different preferences at the same table.

The streusel topping begins with combining ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a small bowl. This dry mixture forms the base for your crumb topping. Add 1 cup of chopped pecans for crunch and nutty flavor – the pecans should be roughly chopped to provide varied textures in each bite. Finally, incorporate ¼ cup melted butter, mixing until the mixture becomes clumpy and resembles coarse crumbs.

The assembly process requires strategic layering for optimal results. After spreading your smooth sweet potato filling in a buttered 13×9-inch casserole dish, sprinkle 1 cup of mini marshmallows evenly across the surface. These marshmallows will partially melt during baking, creating pockets of gooey sweetness throughout the casserole. Top the marshmallows with all of the streusel mixture, ensuring even coverage for consistent browning and texture.

Baking Techniques for Perfect Results

Successful baking of this layered casserole requires attention to timing and temperature. After reducing your oven temperature to 375°F, bake the assembled casserole for 25 minutes. This initial baking period allows the filling to set and the streusel to begin browning while the mini marshmallows underneath start to soften and melt.

The final step involves adding the remaining 1 cup of mini marshmallows to the top of the partially baked casserole. These marshmallows will toast and turn golden brown during the final 10-15 minutes of baking, creating an appealing contrast of colors and textures. The casserole is ready when it’s bubbly around the edges, hot throughout the center, and the top marshmallows are beautifully golden.

Allow the finished casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps the filling set up slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions while still maintaining the desired creamy texture.

Make-Ahead Strategies for Stress-Free Holidays

One of the greatest advantages of this sweet potato casserole is its make-ahead friendly nature. The filling can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. For even longer storage, the unbaked casserole can be frozen for up to three months, making it an excellent option for meal planning during busy holiday seasons.

When preparing ahead, complete all steps through spreading the filling in your casserole dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. On serving day, remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off. Add the toppings and bake as directed, potentially adding 5-10 extra minutes to account for the cold filling.

For frozen casseroles, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This gradual thawing prevents temperature shock and ensures even cooking throughout.

Nutritional Considerations and Dietary Modifications

Sweet potatoes naturally provide excellent nutritional value, being rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. While this casserole version is certainly more indulgent than plain sweet potatoes, it can be modified to accommodate various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

For those watching sugar intake, the brown sugar can be reduced by half, allowing the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to shine through. The heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version, though this will result in a less rich texture.

Those following gluten-free diets can easily substitute the all-purpose flour in the streusel with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. The marshmallows should be checked for gluten-free certification if this is a concern.

Serving Suggestions and Flavor Pairings

This sweet potato casserole pairs beautifully with traditional Thanksgiving fare, complementing rather than competing with other dishes on the holiday table. Its sweet and savory elements make it an excellent bridge between the meal’s savory dishes and dessert course.

Consider serving alongside roasted turkey, green bean casserole, stuffing, and cranberry sauce for a complete traditional feast. The casserole’s richness balances well with lighter vegetable sides like roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh salad.

For wine pairings, consider a medium-bodied white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer, which can complement the dish’s sweetness while providing acidity to cut through the richness. Beer enthusiasts might enjoy pairing this with a wheat beer or light ale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh roasted sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture, you can substitute with canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Use about 3 cups of drained, mashed canned sweet potatoes and reduce the cream slightly as canned varieties tend to be more watery.

What if I don’t like marshmallows?

The pecan streusel topping stands beautifully on its own. Simply omit the marshmallows and use the full amount of streusel topping. You might also consider adding extra chopped pecans for additional texture.

How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning?

If your marshmallows are browning too quickly, tent the casserole loosely with foil during the final minutes of baking. This allows the casserole to finish cooking while protecting the marshmallows from over-browning.

Can this recipe be halved for smaller gatherings?

Absolutely! Use an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish and halve all ingredients. Reduce the baking time slightly, checking for doneness at 20 minutes for the initial bake and 8-10 minutes for the final marshmallow topping.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the topping from over-browning.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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