Rich Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

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This Rich Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is everything you love about holiday comfort food—sweet, creamy, buttery, and crowned with a crunchy pecan topping and golden marshmallows. It brings together cozy fall flavors with an irresistible texture combination that makes it a must-have on your Thanksgiving table or any special gathering.

Made with silky mashed sweet potatoes, a hint of vanilla, and a brown sugar streusel topping, this casserole is pure Southern tradition. Whether you’re serving turkey, ham, or a meatless main, this dish will be the showstopper side everyone asks for seconds of.

Why You’ll Love This Rich Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

• A perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.
• Uses pantry staples, yet tastes gourmet.
• Can be prepped ahead and baked fresh.
• A classic favorite that feeds a crowd.
• Sweet enough to satisfy dessert cravings—but still a side dish!

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What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?

Use orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Garnet for the best flavor and color. They’re naturally sweet and mash beautifully, creating that smooth texture we all crave in a sweet potato casserole. Avoid white sweet potatoes—they’re too starchy and mild for this rich dish.

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Ingredients for the Rich Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Each ingredient in this recipe brings comfort and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sweet Potatoes (4 cups mashed): The heart of the casserole; naturally sweet and packed with nutrients.
• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness to the mash and the topping.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Boosts the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Eggs (2 large): Binds the mixture and gives structure.
• Whole Milk (1/3 cup): Provides creaminess to the sweet potato layer.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the warm flavor profile.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness.
• Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Used in the topping for its deep molasses flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (1/3 cup): Helps form the streusel topping.
• Chopped Pecans (1/2 cup): Adds crunch and a toasty nuttiness.
• Mini Marshmallows (2 cups): Toast to golden perfection on top—a classic Southern touch.

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How To Make the Rich Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and cube about 4 large sweet potatoes. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth. Measure out 4 cups.

Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of mashed sweet potatoes with 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1/3 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Stir in 1/4 cup melted butter until crumbly.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25 minutes.

Step 5: Add Marshmallows and Finish Baking

Carefully remove the casserole and scatter 2 cups of mini marshmallows on top. Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the marshmallows are golden and puffy.

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Serving and Storing the Rich Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

This recipe yields 10 to 12 servings, making it ideal for holidays or potlucks. Serve warm from the oven for the best gooey-marshmallow experience. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.

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What to Serve With Rich Southern Sweet Potato Casserole?

Herb-Rubbed Roast Turkey

The perfect Thanksgiving companion with savory, juicy notes to balance the sweetness.

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

A sweet-and-savory harmony that sings alongside the casserole.

Creamy Green Bean Casserole

Adds freshness and contrast to the rich texture.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Perfect for scooping up every last bite.

Cranberry Sauce

Its tangy brightness offsets the sweetness perfectly.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Earthy and crispy—a great balance to creamy dishes.

Southern Cornbread Stuffing

Another comforting classic that complements the casserole well.

Rainbow Smoothie Bowls

Add color and freshness to your brunch menu.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without marshmallows) a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature, bake as directed, and add marshmallows toward the end.

Can I freeze sweet potato casserole?
Yes. Prepare and bake the base layer without the topping. Once cooled, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add toppings before reheating.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
If you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes (drained) work, but fresh sweet potatoes provide superior flavor and texture.

What if I don’t like marshmallows?
You can skip them entirely or double the pecan streusel topping for a crunchy-only version.

How can I make it dairy-free?
Use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk, and vegan butter in both the base and topping.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use fresh or canned sweet potatoes? Did you skip the marshmallows or go all in?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter. For more comforting favorites, check out my recipes on Meals We Share.

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Conclusion

This Rich Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is the kind of dish that never goes out of style. It brings family together, tastes like tradition, and adds a decadent touch to any holiday spread. Whether you’re cooking for two or twenty, this sweet-savory classic is always a hit.

Try pairing it with our Southern Cornbread Stuffing, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, or even something a little lighter like Tropical Fruit Salad for balance.

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