Classic Marshmallow Sweet Potato Casserole Made Easy

Sweet potato casserole is one of the most beloved side dishes, especially during Thanksgiving. While traditional recipes can sometimes be overly complicated, we’re sharing the absolute easiest version you’ll ever make. The result? Creamy, flavorful sweet potatoes topped with a layer of perfectly golden, crispy marshmallows. This is hands-down the best sweet potato recipe for the holidays, and it couldn’t be simpler!

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Why You’ll Love It

• Super Simple: This is truly the easiest recipe you’ll find
• Minimal Ingredients: Just 5 basic ingredients needed
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep up to 3 days in advance (just add the marshmallows before baking)
• Crowd-Pleasing: The perfect balance of sweet and savory that everyone enjoys

Key Ingredients in Sweet Potato Casserole

What makes this version so wonderfully simple? Just these five ingredients:

1. Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show – you’ll need 3 pounds of fresh sweet potatoes
2. Light Brown Sugar: For that perfect touch of sweetness
3. Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, velvety texture
4. Pumpkin Pie Spice: A one-ingredient shortcut to perfect flavor (or just use cinnamon)
5. Mini Marshmallows: The classic topping that makes this sweet potato casserole with marshmallows so special – their smaller size ensures an even layer

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

Transform simple ingredients into the perfect holiday side with these easy steps:

1. Prepare the sweet potatoes:
   • Place sweet potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch
   • Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high
   • Cook until fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F and butter a 2-quart baking dish
3. Make the sweet potato mixture:
   • Drain the cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot
   • Add brown sugar, melted butter, pumpkin pie spice, and salt
   • Mash with a potato masher until smooth (or use a hand mixer for extra smoothness)
4. Assemble and bake:
   • Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly
   • Top with an even layer of mini marshmallows
   • Bake until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes
5. Serve warm as a delicious side dish

Helpful Swaps

• Using Canned Sweet Potatoes: For an even quicker canned sweet potatoes casserole, drain two 29-ounce cans thoroughly and reduce the butter slightly
• Spice Alternatives: No pumpkin pie spice? Simply use 1 teaspoon of cinnamon instead
• Butter Options: Salted butter works fine – just reduce any additional salt in the recipe

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep in Advance: Make the sweet potato mixture up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. Just wait to add the marshmallows until right before baking.
• Reheating: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: The base (without marshmallows) freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before topping and baking.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Casserole

This best sweet potato recipe pairs perfectly with other holiday classics:

• Cane’s Chicken
• Beef Tips and Gravy
• Wingstop Ranch
• Pea Salad
• Creamy and Easy Mashed Potatoes
• Stuffing or dressing

Nutritional Information

This easy sweet potato casserole truly embodies holiday simplicity at its finest. With just 5 ingredients and minimal effort, you get all the comfort and nostalgia of this beloved dish without any unnecessary complications. The creamy sweet potato base perfectly complements the golden marshmallow topping, creating that classic flavor combination that generations have enjoyed.

So when the holidays roll around, remember that sometimes the simplest recipes become the most treasured traditions. This 5-ingredient sweet potato recipe is proof that you don’t need complexity to create a dish that everyone will remember fondly and request year after year.