Sweet Potato & Yams Casserole with Marshmallows
Introduction
This easy sweet potato and yams casserole is the ultimate holiday comfort food. Creamy mashed potatoes meet a crunchy pecan topping and gooey toasted marshmallows for a dish that feels festive and nostalgic. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Filling
- 4 large sweet potatoes (around 9 cups), peeled and chopped into chunks
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Pecan Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups pecan pieces, finely chopped
For the Marshmallow Layer
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prep the potatoes:
Peel and chop sweet potatoes into large chunks. Place in a pot, cover with water, and boil until fork tender and easily falling apart.
Step 2. Mash the filling:
Drain the sweet potatoes, return to the pot, and mash until smooth. Add butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. Mix well.
Step 3. Make pecan topping:
In a bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, salt, and pecans until crumbly.
Step 4. Assemble the casserole:
Grease a 9×13 dish with cooking spray. Spread sweet potato filling evenly, then sprinkle with pecan topping.
Step 5. Add marshmallows:
Cover the top with mini marshmallows in an even layer.
Step 6. Bake:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–35 minutes until hot and the marshmallows are golden brown. Watch closely at the end for perfect toasting.
Pro Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling the night before and refrigerate. Add toppings before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
- Nut-Free Swap: Replace pecans with rolled oats or leave out entirely.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 418 | 3g | 61g | 20g | 3g | 41g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are estimated and may vary depending on ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for exact dietary advice.

Sweet Potato & Yams Casserole with Marshmallows
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy sweet potato and yams casserole is the ultimate holiday comfort food, featuring creamy mashed potatoes, a crunchy pecan topping, and gooey toasted marshmallows.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for topping)
- ½ teaspoon salt (for topping)
- 1 ¼ cups pecan pieces, finely chopped
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: Peel and chop sweet potatoes into large chunks. Place in a pot, cover with water, and boil until fork tender and easily falling apart.
- Mash the filling: Drain the sweet potatoes, return to the pot, and mash until smooth. Add butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Make pecan topping: In a bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, salt, and pecans until crumbly.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13 dish with cooking spray. Spread sweet potato filling evenly, then sprinkle with pecan topping.
- Add marshmallows: Cover the top with mini marshmallows in an even layer.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–35 minutes until hot and the marshmallows are golden brown. Watch closely at the end for perfect toasting.
Notes
Make ahead: Prepare the filling the night before and refrigerate. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days. Reheat in oven or microwave. Nut-free swap: Replace pecans with rolled oats or leave out entirely.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American