Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

There's something magical about pulling a bubbling Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe out of the oven during the holidays. The smell of brown sugar and cinnamon fills your kitchen, and everyone's already asking for seconds before dinner even starts. I've been making this dish for my family's Thanksgiving table for years, and it never disappoints.

This isn't just any sweet potato side dish. We're talking creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel and golden marshmallows that get perfectly toasted. Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe comes together quickly and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, it's going to become your go-to holiday comfort food.

Why This Sweet Potato Casserole Stands Apart From the Rest

Sweet potato casserole has been a Southern tradition for generations, showing up at every Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas gathering. What makes this Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe different is how we layer flavors and textures. You get the smooth, creamy base of perfectly seasoned mashed sweet potatoes, a buttery brown sugar pecan topping that adds crunch, and those classic marshmallows that bring a touch of sweetness everyone loves.

This dish works beautifully alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple roasted chicken. The contrast between sweet and savory makes it perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings. Plus, you can make most of it ahead of time, which means less stress on the big day. This Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe proves that comfort food doesn't have to be complicated to be absolutely delicious.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Golden Rule My Grandma Never Told Anyone
• FAQ
• Wrapping Up This Holiday Favorite
• Related
• Pairing
• Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base:

• Sweet potatoes (boiled until tender)
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Whole milk or heavy cream
• Light brown sugar (packed)
• Large eggs (beaten)
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

For the Pecan Streusel Topping:

• Chopped pecans (toasted)
• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Butter (melted and cooled)

For the Marshmallow Topping:

• Mini marshmallows

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Preparing Your Sweet Potatoes

1. Wash and peel your sweet potatoes, then cut them into 2-inch chunks for faster cooking.
2. Place the chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch.
3. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
5. Drain the sweet potatoes completely and return them to the hot pot to let excess moisture evaporate for 2-3 minutes.

Pro Tip: Don't skip the drying step! Watery sweet potatoes will make your casserole soupy instead of creamy.

Creating the Creamy Sweet Potato Mixture

1. Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the melted butter, milk, and brown sugar to the bowl.
3. Using a potato masher or electric mixer, mash until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
4. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed (some people like it sweeter or spicier).
6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula.

Kitchen Hack: For ultra-smooth results, use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.

Making the Pecan Streusel Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, and brown sugar.
2. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture looks crumbly.
3. Sprinkle this pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato base in the baking dish.
4. Use your fingers to gently press it down so it sticks to the surface.

Expert Advice: Toast your pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before chopping. This brings out their natural oils and makes the topping taste amazing.

Baking and Adding the Marshmallow Topping

1. Let the Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets up nicely.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the center.
3. Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 minutes until the edges start bubbling.
4. Remove from the oven and quickly scatter the mini marshmallows over the top.
5. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the marshmallows are golden and puffy.
6. For extra browning on top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes (watch carefully so they don't burn!).

Expert Cooking Tips

• Temperature Control Matters Keep your oven at a steady 350°F. If it's too hot, the marshmallows will burn before the casserole heats through. Use an oven thermometer to check accuracy since many ovens run hotter or cooler than the dial shows.
• Getting the Right Consistency The sweet potato mixture should be thick but spreadable, like cake batter. If it's too runny, add 2-3 tablespoons of flour. If it's too thick, add a splash more milk. The perfect texture means your casserole will slice cleanly when served.
• Marshmallow Placement Timing Always add marshmallows during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Adding them too early makes them melt into the casserole instead of staying fluffy on top. For the best golden color, position your baking dish on the top rack when you add the marshmallows.
• Make-Ahead Magic Prepare the sweet potato base and pecan topping the day before. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to bake, assemble the casserole cold and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. This trick saves you precious time on busy holiday mornings.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes Don't overcook your sweet potatoes in the boiling step or they'll absorb too much water. Don't skip beating the eggs in thoroughly or you'll have an uneven texture. And never forget to grease your baking dish; this Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe can stick if you don't.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Version

Not everyone wants a sweet side dish at Thanksgiving dinner. Try this savory twist by cutting the brown sugar in half and adding:

• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 strips of crumbled cooked bacon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• Skip the marshmallows and use extra pecans instead

This version pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and works great as a comfort food side dish any time of year.

Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole Options

Make a lighter version without sacrificing flavor:

• Replace butter with coconut oil or olive oil
• Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar (reduce amount to ½ cup)
• Skip the marshmallows and double the pecan topping
• Add ¼ cup of protein powder to the base for extra nutrition
• Use almond flour instead of regular flour for the streusel

Dietary Modifications

• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free flour in the pecan topping. Check that your marshmallows are gluten-free (most brands are, but always verify).
• Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Use flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water). Choose dairy-free milk and vegan marshmallows.
• Keto-Friendly: This recipe doesn't convert well to keto due to the sweet potatoes' natural carbs. However, you can make a cauliflower "sweet potato" casserole using roasted butternut squash mixed with cauliflower as a lower-carb alternative.

Creative Flavor Variations

Add different spices and mix-ins to customize your Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe:

• Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the sweet potato mixture
• Orange Spiced Version: Use orange juice instead of milk and add orange zest
• Maple Pecan: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup and add extra pecans
• Tropical Twist: Mix in crushed pineapple and use coconut instead of pecans

Equipment Recommendations

• 9x13-inch baking dish ; glass or ceramic works best for even heat distribution (avoid metal pans which can cause burning)
• Large mixing bowl ; at least 4-quart capacity for comfortable mixing
• Potato masher or electric hand mixer ; hand mixer creates a smoother texture
• Large stockpot ; for boiling the sweet potatoes
• Measuring cups and spoons ; accurate measurements ensure consistent results
• Rubber spatula ; for spreading the mixture evenly
• Aluminum foil ; useful if you need to cover the casserole to prevent over-browning

Budget-Friendly Alternative: Don't have a fancy mixer? A regular potato masher and some elbow grease work perfectly fine for this Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. The texture might be slightly less smooth, but it'll still taste incredible.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sweet potato casserole in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. The marshmallow topping will deflate a bit, but the flavor stays delicious. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes covered with foil.

Freezer Instructions

• This Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully! Prepare the casserole completely but stop before adding the marshmallows. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed and add fresh marshmallows for the last 10 minutes.

Make-Ahead Strategy

• Assemble the entire casserole (minus marshmallows) up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake. Add marshmallows during the final 10 minutes. This timing works perfectly for Thanksgiving meal prep.

FAQ

Wrapping Up This Holiday Favorite

This Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe brings together everything we love about holiday comfort food: creamy sweet potatoes, crunchy pecans, and those irresistible golden marshmallows on top. It's the kind of dish that makes people quiet down at the dinner table because they're too busy enjoying every bite. Whether you're cooking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because you're craving something special, this casserole delivers every single time.

Once you master this Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe, you'll want to keep the comfort food momentum going. Try our Spinach Empanadas Recipe for a savory appetizer that pairs wonderfully with this sweet side dish, or switch things up with our Tuna Empanadas Recipe for a completely different flavor profile. Both recipes are easy to prepare ahead and freeze, making your holiday meal planning even simpler. Don't forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your casserole turned out!

With love and flavor
By Lisa Johnson✨

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