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    You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Side Dish / Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

    Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

    Published: Nov 12, 2018 · Modified: Nov 7, 2019 by Anna 73 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - cinnamon and cloves spiced sweet potato casserole with gooey, toasted marshmallow topping. A classic holiday dinner side dish!

    Serve this casserole with my Oven Roasted Turkey Breast and Cranberry Relish.

    Overhead shot of sweet potato casserole with toasted marshmallow topping, in white round casserole dish.

    CLASSIC SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

    A classic sweet potato casserole with toasted marshmallow topping is a must side dish for our holiday dinners. I know my kids always look forward to it because let's be honest, the toasted marshmallow topping is quite irresistible. I make it even more delicious by adding cinnamon and cloves to the sweet potato mixture and adding an extra layer of brown sugar just before the marshmallows.  This Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with marshmallow topping is a must side dish for the holiday dinners. It's easy and can be made ahead of time, which is great when you are making it for the holiday dinner.

    How to make Classic Sweet Potato Casserole?

    Start by cooking the potatoes until soft. Drain well. Place in a large mixing bowl. Add brown sugar, spices, salt, butter, and eggs and whip the mixture with a hand mixer or mash with potato masher. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish and spread the sweet potato mixture in the dish. Top with mini marshmallows and bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden and toasted. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.

    Overhead shot of mashed sweet potato mixture spread evenly in round baking dish.

    How to cook sweet potatoes for a casserole?

    The most common way to cook sweet potatoes for a casserole is to peel them, chop them and cook on a stovetop in a pot. Since I had my Instant Pot, I let it do the work and I have the stovetop free to make gravy or the cranberry sauce. You can also cook sweet potatoes baked style, scoop the flesh and mash for the casserole.

    Tips for making the best Sweet Potato Casserole:

    • After your potatoes are cooked till soft, it is important to drain them well. Best to do it over a colander and let as much water drip out as possible. It will prevent it from collecting at the bottom of your casserole.
    • Add cinnamon and cloves for added flavor, perfect for the holidays.
    • To make it ahead, cool potatoes after cooking, mix with remaining ingredients and spread the mixture in a buttered casserole dish. Do not top with marshmallows just yet. Wait to do that just before baking. If you chill the casserole in the fridge, let it sit for 30 minutes in room temperature before baking. If you take it from a cold fridge to a hot oven, the dish may shatter.

    Close up shot of inside cut of sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping.

    Can I make sweet potato casserole ahead of time?

    Cook potatoes till soft, cool completely, then mix with remaining ingredients. Spread mixture in a buttered dish and cover the dish with saran wrap. Store in the fridge. Wait to top it with marshmallows (or pecan brown sugar topping) just before baking, for best results. After you take the casserole out of the fridge, let it sit in room temperature for 30 minutes. If you take it from a cold fridge to a hot oven, the dish may shatter.

    MORE THANKSGIVING SIDE DISHES:

    • Green Bean Casserole from scratch OR cooked in Slow Cooker
    • Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
    • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    • Homemade Cranberry Sauce
    • Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffing
    • Sweet Corn Casserole

    If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! 😀

    Classic Sweet Potato Casserole

    Author: Anna
    Cinnamon and cloves spiced sweet potato casserole with gooey, toasted marshmallow topping. A classic holiday dinner side dish!
    5 from 21 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 5 people
    Calories 452 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2.5 lbs sweet potatoes
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
    • 2 cups mini marshmallows

    Instructions
     

    • Start by peeling and chopping sweet potatoes. Place in a pot and cover with water. Bring to boil over medium heat and cook until potatoes are soft. Drain well (see note).
    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish and set aside.
    • Place cooked potatoes in large mixing bowl. Add brown sugar, butter, spices, salt, vanilla and eggs and mash with potato masher or whip with hand mixer.
    • Spread the mixture in prepared casserole dish. Top with 1/4 cup of brown sugar, sprinkling it evenly over the top.
    • Layer marshmallows in a single layer on top.
    • Bake casserole for 12 to 15 minutes OR until the marshmallows are golden and toasted and the sides are bubbling. I always place it under the broiler for just 2 minutes to toast the topping just a bit more. You have to watch it carefully so it won't burn.
    • Cool casserole for at least 10 minutes before serving.

    Video

    Notes

    To make ahead: Cook potatoes till soft, cool completely, then mix with remaining
    ingredients. Spread mixture in buttered dish and cover the dish with saran wrap. Store in
    the fridge. Wait to top it with marshmallows (or pecan brown sugar topping) just before
    baking, for best results. After you take the casserole out of the fridge, let it sit in a room
    temperature for 30 minutes. If you take it from a cold fridge to a hot oven, the dish may
    shatter.
    Drain cooked potatoes well, to prevent the water from collecting at the bottom of the
    casserole.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 452kcal | Carbohydrates: 94g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 408mg | Potassium: 832mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 53g | Vitamin A: 32410IU | Vitamin C: 5.4mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Denise says

      November 24, 2022 at 11:59 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely fantabulous!! Made this recipe twice in two days, it went fast, seconds and had really great raves.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        December 19, 2022 at 10:02 pm

        Wonderful! Thank you so much for making my recipe, Denise!

        Reply
    2. Mary Beth Gibson says

      November 12, 2022 at 5:53 pm

      5 stars
      I love, love, love this recipe. The dish is simply scrumptious and it is easy to make. So good!

      Reply
    3. Courtney says

      November 26, 2021 at 8:06 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you so much for sharing the recipe! I doubled it and it turned out great! Everyone LOVED it!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        November 28, 2021 at 12:13 am

        That's fantastic! Thank you so much, Courtney!

        Reply
    4. Trish says

      November 27, 2020 at 8:49 am

      5 stars
      We made this for Thanksgiving yesterday and it was perfect! Directions were great, spices were perfect! We’ll be making it every year, thanks so much Anna for sharing your recipe. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        November 29, 2020 at 5:52 pm

        You are very welcome, Trish! Thank you for giving it a try! I am so glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
      • Rita says

        December 08, 2020 at 7:18 am

        Try a little almond extract my girls love it!

        Reply
        • Anna says

          December 10, 2020 at 12:46 am

          Sounds perfect, Rita!

          Reply
    5. Missy says

      November 27, 2020 at 8:14 am

      Hello. I would like to try this recipe it sounds so good. I wanted to know approximately how many sweet potatoes do you use ( I know it says the weight but was wondering how many that generally is)

      Reply
    6. Kelsey says

      November 26, 2020 at 8:52 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for the first time for Thanksgiving today. Everyone loved it and it was so easy to make. I'm saving this recipe to make for holidays now.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        November 29, 2020 at 5:54 pm

        I am so happy to know you love the dish, Kelsey! Thank you for giving it a try!

        Reply
    7. Adrena says

      November 26, 2020 at 7:32 pm

      Hello ! I’m just wondering if I make the casserole ahead will the cook time be longer than 15 minutes since it was in the fridge ? Or if letting it get room temperature solve it

      Reply
    8. Sarah Parsell says

      November 25, 2020 at 4:17 pm

      5 stars
      Hi! So I meant to make this recipe for ahead-of-time baking, but forgot, and put all the ingredients in with the potatoes as they were still pretty warm. It's sitting in my fridge now all cooling off together. Any idea what the repercussions might be?

      Reply
      • Megan St. Jacques says

        November 26, 2020 at 10:12 am

        Me too.... Guess we will see

        Reply
      • Sparkles says

        November 26, 2020 at 12:55 pm

        I'd be surprised if it weren't just as tasty! Maybe not crumbly on the top. You could always make extra crumble. I can't guess what marshmallows would do if they went in early though! Maybe be mushy and not get crunchy? You might add more on top to brown.

        Reply
    9. Stephany Flowers says

      November 25, 2020 at 11:16 am

      Think I could use regular size marshmallows? Need to use vegan marshmallows (family doesn’t eat pork) and could not find mini ones.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        November 25, 2020 at 7:40 pm

        Hi Stephany! You can use regular marshmallows. You can even cut them with kitchen scissors and place them cut side down. They will be perfect!

        Reply
        • Stephany Flowers says

          November 25, 2020 at 9:38 pm

          Thank you! Just finished the dish (without the toppings) and it smells amazing. Will put them together tomorrow. Thank you!

          Reply
    10. Lisalia says

      November 24, 2020 at 6:25 pm

      5 stars
      Anna this is a classic! Looks so good. Can it be made without the eggs? I'm allergic. But I don't know if that's part of the flavoring?

      Reply
      • Anna says

        November 24, 2020 at 6:29 pm

        Hi Lisalia! Thank you so much! Yes, you can skip the eggs. It will still be delicious! Let me know how it goes. Have a wonderful holiday week!

        Reply
    11. Beth says

      November 24, 2020 at 6:13 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy! My family and I love sweet potato casserole for the holiday!

      Reply
    12. Kimberly says

      November 24, 2020 at 6:10 pm

      5 stars
      This has the perfect balance of flavors and spices, thanks for this recipe! Thanksgiving just isn't complete without a sweet potato casserole! 🙂

      Reply
    13. Allyson says

      November 24, 2020 at 4:54 pm

      I was looking to make this type of dish for Thanksgiving, and this recipe looks amazing, just what I was looking for!

      Reply
    14. Keri says

      November 14, 2020 at 3:14 pm

      I’m serving 12 for Thanksgiving and this recipe serves only 5(?)
      Do I simply double every ingredient?

      Reply
      • Kathy Foreman says

        November 21, 2020 at 8:26 pm

        You can never make enough of this dish. Such a favorite for years. I would double it. I make a huge pyrex oblong and there's never any left.

        Reply
    15. Enrique Delgado says

      December 18, 2019 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      🔥😋Legit! I made it this last Thanksgiving and it was the best sweet potato casserole I've ever had

      Reply
      • Anna says

        December 20, 2019 at 10:05 pm

        Awesome! Thank you so much, Enrique!

        Reply
    16. RoRo says

      December 07, 2019 at 9:25 pm

      Bake those potatoes and use Madagascar vanilla! More flavorful. Yumm!

      Reply
    17. Erica says

      November 30, 2019 at 3:35 pm

      5 stars
      Very delicious and easy to make!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        December 02, 2019 at 12:50 am

        Thank you so much, Erica!

        Reply
    18. Tami Metts says

      November 29, 2019 at 1:19 pm

      I just randomly picked this sweet potato recipe to make for Thanksgiving. OH MY GOODNESS! It was so very good! I have now printed it off to add to my favorite recipe stash. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        December 02, 2019 at 12:56 am

        That's fantastic, Tami! I am so glad you love it! Thank you for trying my recipe!

        Reply
    19. Lilith says

      November 27, 2019 at 6:35 pm

      5 stars
      is the serving size correct because i’ve seen plenty other recipe calling for about half that amount of sweet potatoes but the serving size is 14-16 people?

      Reply
    20. Nicolette Scarfo says

      November 27, 2019 at 1:01 pm

      Hi! If I cook my sweet potatoes in the instant pot, do I need to peel them or will the skin come off when they are cooked? Thank you! Can’t wait to try this recipe!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        November 27, 2019 at 4:38 pm

        Hi Nicolette! Here is my recipe for mashed sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot: https://www.crunchycreamysweet.com/instant-pot-mashed-sweet-potatoes/ Once cooked, I mix them with ingredients in the recipe above and bake with marshmallow topping. I hope this helps!

        Reply
    21. Lynn Thompson says

      November 27, 2019 at 10:41 am

      HELP! Making this right now and Ijust noticed you have brown sugar listed twice in 2 different amounts! What is the correct amount?

      Reply
      • Lynn Thompson says

        November 27, 2019 at 10:43 am

        Nevermind, I see it!

        Reply
        • Anna says

          November 27, 2019 at 4:44 pm

          Glad you found it, Lynn!

          Reply
    22. Laura says

      November 23, 2019 at 6:43 pm

      This looks great! I’m still new to all of the instant pot cooking. Can you tell me how you cook your sweet potatoes using this method?

      Reply
      • Anna says

        November 25, 2019 at 12:31 am

        Hi Laura! You can follow the instructions in this post: https://www.crunchycreamysweet.com/instant-pot-mashed-sweet-potatoes/ I hope this helps!

        Reply
    23. Heather says

      November 23, 2019 at 3:17 pm

      How come last year when I made this the marshmallows melted and it completely ruined my casseroles look? Help!! It wasn’t this recipe by the way.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        November 25, 2019 at 12:33 am

        Hi Heather! It's hard for me to say since I don't know what recipe you followed but my guess would be that it was cooked for too long or it was too high up in the oven. I never had marshmallows melt completely. If the dish was cold before baking, it would take longer for it to heat up and the marshmallows could melt. It's just a guess. Hope this helps!

        Reply
    24. patricia says

      November 20, 2019 at 7:40 pm

      can u use canned sweet potatoes?

      Reply
      • Anna says

        November 20, 2019 at 8:22 pm

        Hi Patricia! I did not test this recipe with canned sweet potatoes but it should work just fine. You just won't need to cook fresh sweet potatoes, but simply skip that step and use already cooked from the can. Just mash them and proceed with the recipe. Let me know how it goes!

        Reply
      • Kelli says

        November 24, 2020 at 7:46 pm

        Did you try this last year and how many cans did you use?

        Reply
    25. Judy Allen says

      December 27, 2018 at 8:52 am

      Absolutely the best.. made it and added pecans to half. Delicious

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        December 28, 2018 at 12:52 pm

        Thank you so much, Judy!

        Reply
      • Jan says

        November 27, 2019 at 7:27 pm

        I’m making this right now and just wonder why the color is not a pretty orange like yours. Do you use yams or sweet potatoes?

        Reply
    26. Sabrina says

      November 19, 2018 at 10:58 pm

      5 stars
      nice dish, especially since I love sweet potatoes, thank your for this "just in time" recipe, much appreciated!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        November 20, 2018 at 1:30 am

        Thank you, Sabrina!

        Reply
    27. Sandra says

      November 18, 2018 at 2:48 pm

      5 stars
      This looks perfect for Thanksgiving!!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        November 20, 2018 at 1:34 am

        Thank you, Sandra!

        Reply
    28. Erin says

      November 15, 2018 at 8:04 am

      5 stars
      I love this! looks so good!

      Reply
    29. Brandy says

      November 14, 2018 at 2:54 pm

      Can't beat a classic! This will be on my Thanksgiving table!

      Reply
    30. Cathy says

      November 13, 2018 at 8:24 pm

      A Thanksgiving MUST!!!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        November 14, 2018 at 12:16 am

        Totally!

        Reply
    31. Lawanda says

      November 13, 2018 at 2:26 pm

      can I make this ahead and freeze it and then bake it on the day I need it or bake it ahead and then freeze it?

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        November 14, 2018 at 12:17 am

        I never tried freezing a sweet potato casserole, but I think it should be fine. Just make sure to thaw it out completely before baking.

        Reply
    32. Chrissie Baker says

      November 13, 2018 at 2:05 pm

      5 stars
      This is absolutely fantastic! So YUMMY! I add this sweet potato casserole to my favorite. I can't WAIT to try this!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        November 14, 2018 at 12:17 am

        Thanks so much, Chrissie!

        Reply
    33. Natasha says

      November 13, 2018 at 1:06 pm

      5 stars
      That golden brown crown of marshmallows are calling my name. Yum!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        November 14, 2018 at 12:18 am

        That's the best part! 😀

        Reply
    34. Kellie says

      November 13, 2018 at 12:02 pm

      5 stars
      That marshmallow topping makes me swoon!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        November 14, 2018 at 12:19 am

        It's the best part! Thanks, Kellie!

        Reply
    35. Sommer says

      November 13, 2018 at 12:02 pm

      5 stars
      Classic sweet potatoes at their best!!!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        November 14, 2018 at 12:19 am

        I agree! Thanks, Sommer!

        Reply
    36. Meghan says

      November 13, 2018 at 11:22 am

      This is a must-have on the table for Thanksgiving!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        November 14, 2018 at 12:19 am

        Absolutely! Thanks, Meghan!

        Reply
    37. Meghan says

      November 13, 2018 at 11:17 am

      This has always been my fave Thanksgiving side dish and it always will be!

      Reply
    38. Andie Thueson says

      November 13, 2018 at 11:07 am

      5 stars
      I love sweet potato casserole! It is one of my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. I love this classic take! ❤

      Reply
    39. Carolin says

      November 12, 2018 at 3:33 pm

      5 stars
      This was the exact recipe I was looking for. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Brenda says

        November 28, 2019 at 4:01 am

        Hello Luv,
        This is my first time making this type of casserole.
        Is there a substitute to using eggs or can I go without it?
        B.

        Reply

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