Irresistible Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved comfort dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan crumble and gooey marshmallows. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy meal, it balances sweetness and spice beautifully.

Ingredients

• 5 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 splash orange juice
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, slightly softened
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• 1-2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Boil them in a large pot with lightly salted water for 15-20 minutes until very tender. Drain well and let steam dry for a few minutes.
2. Step 2: Transfer the hot sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash until smooth. Add the whole milk, orange juice, brown sugar, softened butter, beaten egg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Adjust seasonings to taste if needed.
3. Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, mix the chopped pecans, slightly softened butter, and dark brown sugar until well combined and crumbly.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish, then sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potatoes. Bake for 25-35 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
5. Step 5: Remove the casserole from the oven and spread the mini marshmallows generously over the pecan topping. Return the dish to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the marshmallows are puffed and golden. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
6. Step 6: Let the casserole cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious sweet potato casserole!

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half of the whole milk with heavy cream.
• Toast the pecans lightly before mixing them into the topping for extra crunch and aroma.
• Swap mini marshmallows for a sprinkle of shredded coconut or additional pecans if you prefer less sweetness.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture to deepen the warm spice profile.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Adding extra marshmallows on top before reheating can freshen it up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sweet potato base and pecan topping a day before baking. Keep them covered separately in the refrigerator and assemble the topping and marshmallows just before baking for best results.

What can I use instead of orange juice?

If you don’t have orange juice, a splash of apple cider or a bit of lemon juice can add a subtle brightness that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.

Irresistible Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 119 reviews

This irresistibly creamy and sweet Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole combines tender mashed sweet potatoes with a rich, spiced base topped with a crunchy pecan streusel and a golden layer of toasted mini marshmallows. A classic holiday side dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potato Base

• 5 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 splash orange juice
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

Pecan Topping

• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, slightly softened
• ½ cup dark brown sugar

Marshmallow Layer

• 1–2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Boil them in a large pot of lightly salted water for 15-20 minutes until they become very tender. Drain thoroughly and allow to steam dry for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. Mash & Combine Base: Transfer the hot sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash until smooth. Add whole milk, a splash of orange juice, brown sugar, softened butter, lightly beaten egg, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Prepare Pecan Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans with softened butter and dark brown sugar. Mix until the mixture is crumbly and well incorporated, creating a streusel-like topping.
4. Assemble & Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared dish, then sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the surface. Bake in the oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the topping turns a golden brown.
5. Add Marshmallows & Finish: Remove the casserole from the oven and gently spread 1-2 cups of mini marshmallows over the pecan topping. Return the dish to the oven for another 3-5 minutes, baking just long enough for the marshmallows to puff up and become golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
6. Cool & Serve: Allow the casserole to cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Notes

• Boil the sweet potatoes until very tender to ensure smooth mashing and a creamy texture.
• You can adjust the amount of marshmallows according to your preference for sweetness and topping thickness.
• Using fresh pecans enhances flavor, but toasted pecans can deepen the nutty taste.
• This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake when ready to serve.
• Watch the marshmallow topping closely while broiling to prevent burning.

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, old fashioned sweet potato casserole, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving casserole, pecan topping, marshmallow topping