Putting marshmallows on sweet potatoes is a beloved Thanksgiving tradition in many American households. The sweet and fluffy marshmallows complement the natural sweetness of the potato, adding an extra layer of sweet flavor and fun texture. But where did this culinary custom originate from and why has it become so popular?
The History Behind Marshmallow Sweet Potatoes
The tradition of pairing marshmallows with sweet potatoes dates back to the 1920s. Prior to this time, sweet potatoes were commonly prepared plain, mashed with butter and spices. The origin of marshmallow sweet potatoes can be traced back to two sources:
The rise of marshmallows as an ingredient
In the early 20th century, marshmallows transitioned from being handmade, luxury treats to mass-produced, inexpensive confections. Advancements in food technology allowed marshmallows to be made cheaply and on a large scale using starch, corn syrup and gelatin. With marshmallows becoming easily accessible, creative cooks began incorporating them into dishes.
Magazine recipes
Women’s magazines like Good Housekeeper and Ladies Home Journal began publishing recipes for sweet potatoes with marshmallows in the 1920s, introducing the dish to a wider audience. The recipes portrayed the dish as festive, fancy and modern.
Popularity as a Holiday Dish
The pairing of sweet potatoes and marshmallows took off in popularity and became cemented as a holiday tradition, for a few key reasons:
Thanksgiving timing
Sweet potatoes are in season during late fall, making them plentiful and inexpensive around Thanksgiving. The marshmallow topping added a level of creativity and decadence befitting a holiday meal.
Kid-friendly appeal
The sweet flavor and fluffy texture appeals to children’s palates. Serving the dish became a way to get kids to eat more vegetables at holiday dinners.
Simplicity and affordability
The dish requires just a few affordable ingredients and is simple to make in large batches, ideal for holiday meals and potlucks.
Versatility
The dish can be made ahead of time and reheated easily. It also travels well for holiday celebrations and potlucks. The marshmallow topping can be customized in endless ways by adding spices, nuts, candied fruit or other mix-ins.
Nostalgia
As the dish became a staple holiday favorite, it gained nostalgic associations with family gatherings and traditions. Passing the recipe to new generations helps continue those holiday memories and customs.
How Are Marshmallow Sweet Potatoes Made?
While recipes can vary, the basic preparation of marshmallow sweet potatoes is simple:
Bake and mash the sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are scrubbed clean, pricked with a fork, and baked whole in the oven or microwave until soft and tender all the way through. Once cooled, the flesh is scooped from the skin and mashed.
Flavor the mashed sweet potatoes
Butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar or maple syrup are commonly used to flavor the potato puree. Vanilla, orange zest, ginger and bourbon are other delicious spice mix-ins.
Top with marshmallows
The hot mashed sweet potatoes can be transferred to a casserole dish and topped liberally with marshmallows. Mini marshmallows or large marshmallows sliced in half work well.
Bake or broil to brown
The dish is baked or broiled briefly until the marshmallows puff up and caramelize on top. The marshmallows transform into a sweet, lightly crispy lid over the creamy sweet potatoes.
Tips for the Best Marshmallow Sweet Potatoes
Follow these tips for marshmallow sweet potato perfection:
Choose flavorful sweet potato varieties
Opt for moist, vivid orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Garnet or Jewel types. They have a richer, sweeter flavor that pairs nicely with marshmallows.
Don’t overbake the potatoes
Bake until just tender, not mushy. Overbaked potatoes will turn gluey when mashed.
Mash thoroughly
Use a masher or ricer for smooth, lump-free spuds. Leave some texture rather than mashing to a puree.
Add flavor boosters
In addition to spices, mix in toasted pecans, coconut, bourbon, orange zest, chili powder or vanilla for extra flavor dimensions.
Use high quality marshmallows
Invest in fresh, soft artisan marshmallows for the best results. Or make homemade marshmallows from scratch.
Brown the marshmallows evenly
Broil on low heat, watching closely, until the marshmallows are evenly golden brown on top. Rotate the dish partway through if needed.
Let the dish rest before serving
Allowing the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes helps the marshmallows firm up while still being tender.
Garnish with fun toppers
Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy, toasted nuts or candied ginger over the marshmallow topping for decorative appeal.
Creative Variations
While the classic version with mini marshmallows is beloved, get creative with these fun flavor twist ideas:
S’mores sweet potatoes
Use squares of Hershey’s chocolate bars and large marshmallows for a s’mores vibe.
Salted caramel sweet potatoes
Drizzle with homemade salted caramel sauce before adding marshmallows.
Pecan pie sweet potatoes
Stir in toasted pecans and use brown sugar instead of white sugar.
Pumpkin spice sweet potatoes
Flavor with pumpkin pie spice blend instead of plain cinnamon.
Minty sweet potatoes
Add a drop of peppermint extract or crushed candy canes to the potato mix.
White chocolate sweet potatoes
Top with white chocolate chips for a fun twist. Milk chocolate chips also work.
Maple bacon sweet potatoes
Mix crumbled bacon into the potatoes and use maple syrup to flavor them.
How to Make Marshmallow Topped Sweet Potatoes
This classic Thanksgiving recipe is easy to master:
Ingredients
– 5 medium sweet potatoes, baked and mashed (about 6 cups)
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
– 1/2 cup milk or cream
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– Salt, to taste
– 2 cups mini marshmallows
Step 1
Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Use a hand mixer on low speed to blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 3
Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread into an even layer. Top evenly with the mini marshmallows.
Step 4
Bake for 20 minutes, until heated through. Turn oven to broil. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the marshmallows are puffed and lightly browned. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 5
Allow the casserole to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. The marshmallows will firm up as they cool. Garnish with extra cinnamon or chopped nuts if desired.
The Perfect Side for Holiday Meals
Loaded with nostalgia and fun flavor, marshmallow topped sweet potato casserole has rightfully earned its place at the holiday table. The creamy, sweet potatoes complement roasted turkey, savory stuffing and tangy cranberry sauce perfectly. It satisfies sweet and savory cravings, appealing to all ages. Move over pumpkin pie – sweet potato casserole is the new favorite holiday indulgence!
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for a 1/2 cup serving of classic marshmallow sweet potatoes:
| Nutrition Facts | 1/2 cup |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 18765IU |
| Vitamin C | 6mg |
| Calcium | 77mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Key Nutrients
Sweet potatoes are high in beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber. The marshmallows add sugar and carbs to this dish. It makes a more nutritious dessert than pumpkin or apple pie! When enjoyed in moderation, it can be part of a healthy holiday meal.
Storing and Reheating
Marshmallow topped sweet potatoes can be prepared 1-2 days in advance:
Storage
– Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The marshmallows may weep a bit but will firm back up during reheating.
Reheating
– Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove plastic wrap and re-cover dish tightly with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, until warmed through. The foil helps hold in moisture.
– Alternatively, portions can be reheated in the microwave.
Freezing
– The dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
Serving
– Bring the casserole dish straight to the table for easy self-serve style. Serve warm scoops with a slotted spoon.
– Top individual servings with chopped pecans, a dollop of whipped cream or dusting of spice for a festive presentation.
More Sweet Potato Recipes to Try
Love sweet potatoes? Don’t limit them to just holiday meals. Enjoy these delicious sweet potato recipes year-round:
1. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Russet sweet potatoes, sliced into wedges, tossed with olive oil and baked until crispy. Sprinkle with sea salt.
2. Sweet Potato Soup
Creamy, smoothing soup made from roasted sweet potatoes and onions, pureed with vegetable broth. Top with pecan crumble.
3. Sweet Potato Burritos
Roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, salsa and avocado wrapped in whole wheat tortillas.
4. Sweet Potato Pancakes
Shredded sweet potatoes combined with egg, flour and spices. Cooked into fluffy pancakes and topped with cinnamon maple syrup.
5. Thai Sweet Potato Curry
Sweet potatoes simmered in coconut curry sauce with chickpeas and kale. Served over brown rice.
6. Sweet Potato Pie
A classic fall dessert. Sweet potatoes make it creamier than pumpkin version.
7. Sweet Potato Brownies
Fudgy, flourless brownies with sweet potato puree lending moisture. Frosted with cream cheese frosting.
8. Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Bite-size roasted sweet potatoes, arugula, feta and pumpkin seeds tossed in a maple dijon vinaigrette.
9. Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
A savory hash of roasted sweet potatoes, peppers, onions, kale, eggs and sausage.
10. Sweet Potato Enchiladas
Sweet potato stuffed tortillas baked with green enchilada sauce and cheese. Topped with avocado and cilantro.
Conclusion
Marshmallow topped sweet potato casserole occupies a special place in American holiday cuisine. While its origins date back less than a century, preparing and enjoying this comforting dish has become a cherished tradition for many. With its nostalgic flavors and easy preparation, this recipe will continue delighting guests at potlucks and family tables for generations to come. Don’t save it just for the holidays – enjoy sweet potato recipes all year round and savor their delicious flavor and impressive nutrition.