Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potatoes

Recipe Ingredients

You can make this sweet potato casserole recipe with just 5 ingredients.

Canned Sweet Potatoes: These offer a timesaving, convenient option since the sweet potatoes are pre-cooked, peeled, and ready-to-use. If you prefer fresh, scrub sweet potatoes and peel before boiling, or leave the skins on to microwave and remove later. Then, simply cook until tender—yet still holding their shape. Cut up before adding to baking dish.

Large Marshmallows: We use these to top the casserole for a soft, gooey layer of sweetness. You can substitute 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows; start checking on them after about 15 or 20 minutes of baking to make sure they are perfectly, lightly browned.

Brown Sugar: Instead of making a caramel sauce as we did in our original recipe, we simply sprinkle brown sugar on top.

Melted Butter: Adds richness and flavor.

Salt: Adding salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the savory elements of the casserole.

Cookware You’ll Need

Our original recipe called for separate pots to boil sweet potatoes and make a caramel sauce. Over the years, we've streamlined the process, so only a few basic pieces of cookware are needed for this easy sweet potato casserole.

Two-Quart (12x8-inch) Glass Baking Dish: We like to use this size dish because it holds the perfect ratio of sweet potatoes to marshmallows for this sweet potato casserole. Glass or ceramic baking dishes work best for this recipe. Avoid using a metal pan; it can cause uneven heat distribution, leading to burning on the bottom and edges.

Other Cookware You'll Need: Can opener, cutting board, sharp knife, measuring cup, measuring spoons.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

This classic sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is incredibly easy to prepare.

1. Prep Baking Dish

While the oven heats, spray the bottom and sides of your baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.

2. Add Sweet Potatoes and Layer on Other Ingredients

Place the canned sweet potatoes in the baking dish, cutting them into smaller pieces if needed. Drizzle the melted butter over the potatoes. Then, add brown sugar and salt evenly across the top. There's no need to stir; everything will come together as it bakes. Finally, add a layer of marshmallows.

3. Bake and Serve

Bake until the sweet potatoes are heated through, and the marshmallows are lightly browned. If the marshmallows start to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the last few minutes to prevent overbrowning. Let the casserole stand for a few minutes to cool and set before serving.

Possible Variations

Here are some tasty variations you’ve shared with us for this sweet potato casserole recipe.

Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Replace canned with fresh sweet potatoes. Peel and boil in a pot of water, or microwave with the skin on, until tender. Then, cut or mash (for a smoother texture) before adding the other ingredients.

Squash: Use cooked butternut or acorn squash instead of potatoes. One of our users shared, “I cut up two butternut squash instead of using sweet potatoes. Came out a little sweeter but still great.”

Sugar and Spice: Use maple syrup instead of butter and brown sugar. For a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar or use a substitute. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for extra flavor.

We’ve also heard that many of you love making this casserole in the slow cooker when oven space is limited. Give our Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole a try.

Serving Sweet Potato Casserole

We’ve heard that you enjoy serving this casserole beyond the holidays. Traditionally served at a Thanksgiving feast, this sweet potato casserole recipe is a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with a wide range of dishes year-round. Here are some easy mains that always impress.

Turkey Pot Pie: The definition of comfort food, this casserole adds a touch of sweetness to contrast with the rich, savory pot pie.

Honey-Glazed Ham: The sweetness of the casserole complements the subtle honey flavor of a glazed ham.

To finish your meal, Apple Pie provides the deliciously-sweet ending.

Storing and Reheating

Here are the best ways to store and reheat your sweet potato casserole.

Refrigerator

Within 2 hours of serving, tightly cover the casserole, or transfer it to a food storage container with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Spoon leftovers into a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and store for up to 2 months. Since marshmallows don’t freeze well, it’s best to remove them before freezing. Avoid freezing in a glass baking dish; it can crack from extreme temperature changes.

Thawing

Remove the container from the freezer the day before serving; thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• For Several Servings: Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through. Add fresh marshmallows during the last few minutes.

• For Individual Servings: Place on a microwave-safe plate. Cover loosely, and microwave on medium-high (70%) for about 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Add 1 to 2 fresh marshmallows near the end of heating.

Why Pillsbury Users Love This Recipe

We’ve heard from users that this sweet potato casserole recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and a much-loved side dish for the holidays or any time. Many love how quick and easy it is to prepare, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings, holiday meals, and special occasions. The flavor is consistently praised for being perfectly balanced—sweet but not overly sugary—to make it a favorite with both kids and adults.

Users also appreciate the recipe’s versatility with many making their own adjustments like adding mini marshmallows, cinnamon, or even pineapple for extra flavor. It’s no surprise this canned sweet potato casserole has become a family favorite, often requested for future events and holidays. Whether it's the nostalgic feel or the compliments it garners, this recipe has earned a well-deserved spot at countless dinner tables.