Southern Sweet Potato Casserole: A Perfect Holiday Side Dish

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic and beloved side dish that brings a sweet and savory balance to any holiday table. This dish combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a rich brown sugar crumble and a topping of fluffy marshmallows, a traditional Southern favorite that’s sure to impress at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or roast, Southern Sweet Potato Casserole offers the right combination of flavors and textures. The sweet potatoes provide a smooth and buttery base, while the crunchy oatmeal streusel topping adds a delightful contrast. The marshmallows add a touch of sweetness that completes this classic casserole, making it a staple in Southern cooking.

Emma Franklin

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

A creamy, sweet, and crunchy Southern favorite, this Sweet Potato Casserole blends mashed sweet potatoes with warm spices, brown sugar, oats, and a golden marshmallow topping, the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large sweet potatoes
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp butter (for topping)
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows

Equipment

  • oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • potato masher
  • spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake sweet potatoes until soft, about 40–50 minutes. Let cool slightly, then peel.
  2. Mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl with butter, eggs, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter to form a crumbly mixture.
  4. Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer with marshmallows, then sprinkle the crumble evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the topping is golden and marshmallows are toasted. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 130mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 4gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 18000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 1.4mg

Notes

For best results, bake and peel sweet potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate. Assemble the casserole just before baking. You can make the crumble topping a day early and store it chilled in a covered bowl. Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving for a firmer texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Essential Ingredients for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Fresh sweet potatoes, the heart of this casserole
  • Butter, for richness and a creamy texture
  • Eggs, to bind the casserole ingredients together
  • Heavy cream, enhancing the smoothness and decadence
  • Warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract to elevate flavor
  • Brown sugar, bringing the essential sweetness
  • Quick-cooking oats mixed with flour and butter for a crispy crumble topping
  • Miniature marshmallows to create the perfect finishing layer
Best Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

How to Prepare Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Begin by baking the sweet potatoes until they are soft and tender. Once cooled, peel off the skins and mash the potatoes thoroughly with butter, eggs, heavy cream, and the spice blend including cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Sweeten the mixture with brown sugar to achieve a rich, flavorful base.

Prepare Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Next, prepare the crumble topping by mixing oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly. Spread the sweet potato mixture in a greased baking dish, top with a generous layer of marshmallows, then sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over everything.

Bake your Southern Sweet Potato Casserole at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes or until the topping is golden and the marshmallows are lightly toasted. This casserole will fill your kitchen with inviting, warm aromas that signify comfort and celebration.

Make-Ahead Tips for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

To save time during busy holiday meals, you can prepare the crumble topping and refrigerate it separately. You can also bake and peel the sweet potatoes in advance, storing them ready to mash. Assemble the casserole a few hours before baking and keep it chilled until ready to cook. Bring it to room temperature before baking for best results.

Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Pairing Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Festive Dishes

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole complements many traditional Southern dishes such as baked mac and cheese, creamed corn, cornbread dressing, and cranberry sauce. Together, these plates create a holiday feast that tastes like home and celebration.

Similar Posts

  • Hot Fudge Brownie Bread

    Hot Fudge Brownie Bread Indulge in the delicious world of Hot Fudge Brownie Bread. This delightful recipe combines the richness of brownies with the comforting texture of bread, creating a treat that’s downright irresistible. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a special dessert, this hot fudge brownie bread promises to satisfy your sweet cravings…

  • Cozy White Chicken Chili Recipe: A Hearty & Comforting Dinner

    If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and full of flavor, this White Chicken Chili recipe is your perfect weeknight go-to. It’s a comforting twist on traditional chili, packed with tender chicken, fragrant spices, and creamy beans. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this easy chicken chili will satisfy your…

  • Homemade Cranberry Sauce

    Making homemade cranberry sauce is a delightful way to elevate your holiday meals. This recipe is not only simple but also bursting with the fresh, vibrant flavors that make every gathering feel special. If you’re looking for a delicious cranberry sauce that will impress your family and friends, you’ve come to the right place. Thank…

  • Cranberry Apple Skillet Cake

    Cranberry Apple Skillet Cake is a cozy, crowd pleasing treat that brings together tart cranberries and sweet apples in one beautifully baked dessert. Perfect for cranberry breakfast recipes or weekend cranberry breakfast ideas, this cake works just as well as indulgent breakfast sweets or a simple dessert. Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget…

  • Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsaย 

    Fiesta Lime Chicken Looking for a bright, zesty dinner that feels like a fiesta on your plate? This Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is juicy, smoky, and bursting with fresh flavors that everyone will love. Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe! 🕒 Prep & Cook Time Ingredients Chicken & Rub…

  • Easy Crockpot Taco Casserole: A Flavorful Family Dinner Favorite

    Crockpot Taco Casserole is a layered, flavorful dish inspired by taco night, made easy and perfect for casual family dinners. Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe! This version uses ground beef as the protein, combining black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and salsa for hearty, comforting layers topped with crispy tortilla chips…