Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe brings together naturally sweet vegetables, warm cinnamon spices, buttery richness, and a golden marshmallow topping, creating a comforting holiday side dish perfect for family gatherings and festive celebrations. Featured on Cook the Books Season 3: Celebrity Edition, hosted by Shahir Massoud, this recipe combines sweet potatoes, brown sugar, pecans, and marshmallows for a bold, nostalgic dish that is easy to recreate at home.

The Inspiration

Inspired by classic North American holiday cooking traditions, this Sweet Potato Casserole celebrates the comforting flavours that bring families together around the dinner table. Sweet potato dishes have long been a favourite during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and seasonal gatherings because of their naturally sweet flavour, vibrant colour, and ability to complement a wide variety of main courses.

Featured on Cook the Books Season 3: Celebrity Edition, hosted by Shahir Massoud, this recipe comes from the cookbook Good Lookin’ Cookin’ and reflects the joy of transforming simple ingredients into memorable meals. The combination of creamy mashed sweet potatoes, fragrant cinnamon, rich brown sugar, crunchy pecans, and toasted marshmallows creates a dish that balances sweetness, texture, and warmth.

The appeal of this recipe comes from its contrast of textures and flavours. The smooth sweet potato base creates a comforting foundation, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch and the marshmallow topping provides a golden, caramelized finish. Each bite delivers a combination of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavours that make it a memorable addition to any meal.

Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature, plus more for greasing
5 large sweet potatoes, peeled and quartered
½ cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup chopped raw pecans
2 cups miniature marshmallows

Method

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter a 9 by 13-inch baking pan.
Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to maintain a low boil and cook until fork-tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes in a colander and transfer them to a large bowl. Add the brown sugar, butter, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon and mash using a potato masher until well combined.
Transfer the mashed sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle it with the pecans, then cover the casserole evenly with the marshmallows. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until the marshmallows are golden brown, about 5 minutes more.
Remove from the oven and set aside to cool for 15 minutes before serving

Serving Suggestions

For festive occasions, this casserole works wonderfully as part of a holiday buffet spread alongside stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, and freshly baked rolls. Its golden marshmallow topping creates a beautiful presentation that makes it stand out among traditional side dishes.

This recipe is also ideal for potlucks, family-style dinners, and entertaining because it can be prepared in a large baking dish and easily shared with guests. Pair it with seasonal drinks such as spiced apple cider, warm tea, or holiday-inspired beverages to complement the cinnamon and brown sugar flavours.

Sweet Potato Casserole can also be enjoyed beyond holiday meals. Serve leftovers as part of a weekend brunch spread or alongside a simple roasted meal for a comforting homemade side dish. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes, crunchy pecans, and toasted marshmallows makes every serving feel special.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a celebration of classic holiday comfort food, combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with warm cinnamon, buttery richness, crunchy pecans, and a beautifully toasted marshmallow topping. Featured on Cook the Books Season 3 with Shahir Massoud, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable dish designed to bring people together.

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