Sweet potato casserole is a staple at most Thanksgiving tables. Add some marshmallow creme and it’s closer to a yummy dessert.
Jump to RecipeEvery Thanksgiving dinner my grandpa is in charge of the sweet potato casserole. We call it one of our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, but really it’s more like a family favorite dessert. Yes, it’s sweet potatoes, but we top it with gooey marshmallows and brown sugar. So it’s a bit of your starch/veggies and mostly dessert. This makes it the perfect side dish in my opinion!
Of course, if you don’t want the marshmallow creme, you can skip that. Then you would basically be making candied yams. In my opinion, though, the marshmallow is the best part and what makes this easy recipe so delicious.
Most of the time, Grandpa put the marshmallow creme on top as-is. When I make it, I like to put it under the broiler to brown the marshmallow on the sweet potatoes just a bit.
Ideas for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- You can use mini marshmallows or regular marshmallows instead of the marshmallow creme. Give them time to melt on the casserole at the end of the baking time.
- Use fresh sweet potatoes and slice them just before baking for the best results.
- Add some pecan crumble or pecan streusel to the top of the casserole after browning the marshmallows or mix them into the casserole.
- If you want a sweeter taste try adding a little bit of maple syrup or vanilla extract to the sweet potato recipe.
- Sprinkle the top with warm cinnamon for added fall flavor on this classic casserole.
- Add this to your next holiday table setting along with some green bean casserole, southern cornbread dressing, and your favorite turkey recipe.

Grandpa’s Sweet Potato Casserole Step by Step
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 jar marshmallow creme

Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350F.
In a 9×13 casserole dish, spread out 2 tbsp of butter.

Spread the potatoes on top of the melted butter.

Add the brown sugar to the sweet potato layer, then top with the remaining butter.

Bake the sweet potato mixture for 1 hour until the potatoes are fork tender.

Top with marshmallow creme while still warm.

Place under the broiler for a few minutes until the sweet marshmallows are golden brown.

Grandpa’s Sweet Potato Casserole Leftovers
Storage: Any leftover sweet potato casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This recipe is even better the next day after allowing the sweet potatoes to soak up the filling.
Reheating: A great way to reheat the sweet potato casserole is by placing it back in the oven at 350F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Recipe
Originally Published On: September 5, 2022
Last Updated On: October 16, 2023

Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter (softened)
- 4 large sweet potatoes (peeled and sliced)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 7 oz marshmallow creme
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F
- In a 9×13 baking dish, spread out 2 tbsp of butter
- Spread the potatoes on top of the butter
- Add the brown sugar, then top with the remaining butter
- Bake for 1 hour
- Top with marshmallow creme while still warm
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
More Thanksgiving Recipes
- Leftover Turkey Tortellini Soup
- Turkey Gravy from Scratch
- Smooth and Creamy Mashed Cauliflower and Potatoes
- Instant Pot Turkey Roasted to Perfection
- Grandpa’s Sweet Potato Casserole
- Buttermilk Biscuits
- Ambrosia Salad
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Pumpkin Pie
- Cranberry Sauce Leftovers in Mini Jello Cups
- Homemade Stuffing or Dressing Recipe with Fresh Bread
- Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Apple Pie
- Chicken and Dumplings
- Lemon Herb Turkey Breast in the Instant Pot
- Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe
More Vegetables Sides
- Grandpa’s Sweet Potato Casserole
- Smooth and Creamy Mashed Cauliflower and Potatoes
- Yellow Squash Casserole
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Garlic-Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
- Garlic-Roasted Radishes
- Summer Veggie Stir-Fry
- Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
- Roasted Asparagus
- Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
- Roasted Vegetable Salad
Other Vegetable Casserole Recipes
- Yellow Squash Casserole
- Summer Veggie Stir-Fry
- Grandpa’s Sweet Potato Casserole
- Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
- Cheesy Rice Casserole with Chicken and Broccoli
- Vegan Pot Pie Casserole
- Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Rigatoni Pasta
Mmmm this sounds yummy! I haven’t had a sweet potato casserole but you piqued my interest with your recipe. I can’t wait to make this! Perfect for the upcoming season and even Thanksgiving.
What a great idea for a casserole. I’ve had scalloped potatoes before, but never with sweet potatoes.
Good tip to reheat in the oven so it doesn’t get soggy. That marshmallow topping is everything.
We are a family of sweet potato lovers, so this is right up our street and a must try one weekend, because it looks yummy xx
This recipe is really interesting. The combination of sweet potato and marshmallow creme will definitely challenge my pallet.
Wow! Just a few ingredients and a lazy bum like me can also experiment with this recipe. Btw sweet potato is so versatile and i like it’s mild aroma.
Now, this is one I really need to try! I love sweet potato casserole and haven’t had it in years!
This is yummy, I love when my mom cooks casseroles before but never tried this one. I will add it to the list.
That’s certainly something I’ve never tried. What an unusual combination although I can really see that working well. I need to try this next time I have guests and see what they think.
This goes great as a dessert!
You’re Grampa is awesome! He knows how to make a sweet potato casserole. I love that it is gluten-free and I would put about 6 inches of marshmallow cream on top!
Hhhhmmmm….I think I will love this casserole with my cup of tea in the evening. Sweet potato has always been a good friend of mine.
Sweet potatoes are widely available in my locality. Plus i love a good casserole. But dessert casserole is new to me. Will surely try this recipe.
I’m in love with this recipe. The huge dollops of marshmallow fluff really make it for me!
I’m getting hungry just looking at this! I LOVE this spin on a classic. I can’t wait to make it.
This sweet potato casserole dish is new to me. It is so full of health. Plain boiled sweet potatoes are not a hit with my kids, but this will surely be.
This looks so so good!!! I can’t wait to make your grandpas’ recipe, can’t wait!!!! I love sweet potatoes.
I love sweet potato casserole, but we always mash our potatoes! This sounds like a texturally interesting version.
I really love sweet potatoes, but would have never thought to put marshmallow creme on top of them.