Dreamy Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Gravy Recipe

Sweet potato lovers rejoice: this mashed sweet potato casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Creamy textures blend with crunchy pecan accents for a memorable side dish.

Our classic recipe combines traditional Southern warmth with modern culinary flair.

Maple syrup and butter create a luxurious base that melts in your mouth.

Toasted marshmallow gravy adds a golden crown to this delectable creation.

Rich and indulgent, each spoonful promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Dive into this irresistible dish that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

What Makes Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole So Comforting

• Craft Comfort Classic: Elevate your side dish game with this sweet potato casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
• Boost Family Excitement: Kids and adults will love the playful combination of creamy sweet potatoes, crunchy pecans, and golden marshmallow topping that makes every bite a celebration.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Minimal cooking steps and straightforward ingredients mean you can create a gourmet-style dish without complex techniques or advanced culinary skills.
• Versatile Holiday Hero: Perfect for thanksgiving, christmas gatherings, or any special occasion where you want to impress guests with a delectable and visually stunning side dish that feels both nostalgic and sophisticated.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole Experience

• Sweet Potatoes: Fresh root vegetables that form the base of this creamy and comforting casserole.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the mashed sweet potatoes.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy and soft mashed potato consistency.

• Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness to enhance the natural flavor of sweet potatoes.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the sweet potatoes with aromatic depth.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet background flavor to the dish.

• Pecans: Chopped nuts that offer a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the casserole.
• Mini Marshmallows: Create a golden, puffy topping that adds sweetness and visual appeal.
• Heavy Cream, Maple Syrup: Key components for creating the rich and glossy marshmallow gravy.
• Cornstarch, Water: Help thicken the marshmallow gravy to the perfect consistency.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Gravy

Step 1: Prep Those Sweet Potatoes

Grab your sweet potatoes and wash them thoroughly. Peel the skin completely and chop into uniform cubes that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Boil to Perfection

Drop the sweet potato cubes into a pot of salted water. Cook for 15-20 minutes until they’re super soft and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Create Silky Smooth Mash

• Butter
• Whole milk
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Nutmeg

Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth with no lumps.

Step 4: Prepare Marshmallow Magic Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Maple syrup
• Cornstarch
• Water

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 5: Layer and Dress the Casserole

Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a greased baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula. Drizzle half the marshmallow sauce over the top.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Texture

Sprinkle chopped pecans across the entire surface for a delightful nutty crunch.

Step 7: Marshmallow Crown

Cover the entire casserole with mini marshmallows, creating a beautiful white blanket.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until marshmallows turn golden brown and puffy.

Step 9: Rest and Finish

Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Drizzle the remaining marshmallow sauce over the top just before serving for an extra touch of decadence.

Tips for Creamy, Dreamy Sweet Potato Casserole Results

• Prep Like a Pro: Use a potato masher or ricer for ultra-smooth, lump-free sweet potato mash.
• Balance Sweetness Perfectly: Adjust brown sugar quantity based on the natural sweetness of your sweet potatoes to prevent overwhelming sweetness.
• Prevent Marshmallow Burning: Watch marshmallows closely during final baking to achieve golden-brown color without charring.
• Master Gravy Consistency: Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to eliminate lumps and ensure a silky, smooth marshmallow gravy.
• Enhance Nutty Crunch: Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their rich, deep flavor and aromatic profile.

Tasty Twists on Sweet Potato Casserole Worth Trying

• Spicy Pecan Crunch: Add cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to the sweet potato mixture, and toast pecans with chili powder for a fiery kick.
• Coconut Caribbean Fusion: Replace milk with coconut milk, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes instead of pecans, and add a dash of rum extract for tropical flair.
• Maple Bacon Decadence: Crumble crispy bacon on top, swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup, and include bacon bits in the marshmallow gravy for a savory-sweet combination.
• Vegan Autumn Blend: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, substitute butter with coconut oil, and replace marshmallows with dairy-free marshmallow alternatives for a plant-based version.

What Goes Great with This Marshmallow-Pecan Sweet Potato Bake

• Pair Sweet Southern Bourbon: Complement the sweet and nutty casserole with a smooth bourbon like Maker's Mark, enhancing the caramel and cinnamon notes while cutting through the richness.
• Serve with Spiced Apple Cider: A warm, lightly spiced apple cider brings out the casserole's autumnal flavors, creating a cozy and comforting beverage that mirrors the dish's warmth.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, smooth contrast to the warm casserole, balancing the sweet marshmallow and pecan textures.
• Complement with Sparkling Prosecco: A light, bubbly prosecco adds refreshing acidity and festive elegance, cutting through the casserole's sweet and rich profile while cleansing the palate.

How to Store Your Sweet Potato Casserole Like a Pro

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and delicious in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months, preserving its rich flavors and creamy texture.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent marshmallows from burning.
• Keep marshmallow gravy in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing you to refresh the casserole with a warm drizzle when serving.

Sweet Potato Casserole FAQs: All Your Answers in One Spot

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh sweet potatoes provide better texture and flavor. If using canned, drain and rinse thoroughly before mashing.

• How do I prevent marshmallows from burning?

Watch closely during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. If marshmallows brown too quickly, cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

• What can I substitute for heavy cream in the marshmallow gravy?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the gravy might be slightly less rich and creamy.

• Are there any tips for getting super smooth mashed sweet potatoes?

Use a potato masher or ricer for smooth texture. Avoid using a food processor, which can make potatoes gluey and overworked.

Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Gravy and Pecans Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy “Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole” brings Southern comfort to holiday tables with its luscious marshmallow topping and crunchy pecan crumble. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, promising a delightful side dish you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

Gravy and Topping Components:

• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

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Instructions

1. Peel and chop sweet potatoes into uniform cubes, ensuring even cooking and smooth texture.
2. Boil sweet potato cubes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender and easily mashed.
3. Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to pot, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
4. Mash potatoes with butter, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and nutmeg until creamy and well-integrated.
5. Transfer mashed sweet potato mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula.
6. Prepare marshmallow gravy by whisking heavy cream, maple syrup, cornstarch, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
7. Simmer gravy for 3-4 minutes until thickened and glossy, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
8. Drizzle half the marshmallow gravy over mashed sweet potatoes.
9. Sprinkle chopped pecans across the surface for added crunch and nutty flavor.
10. Top casserole with mini marshmallows, covering entire surface.
11. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown and puffy.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
13. Drizzle remaining marshmallow gravy over the casserole just before serving for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Achieve consistent cooking by cutting sweet potatoes into equal-sized cubes, preventing uneven texture and ensuring uniform doneness.
• Control moisture levels by thoroughly draining boiled potatoes and allowing them to sit in the pot, helping create a smoother, less watery mash.
• Enhance flavor complexity by toasting pecans briefly before sprinkling on top, which intensifies their nutty profile and adds deeper roasted notes.
• Accommodate dietary restrictions by substituting dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and using coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly version of the casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg