There’s nothing quite like a dish that combines sweet, creamy, and tropical flavors to elevate a meal. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or enjoying a comforting family dinner, this tropical sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping is the perfect addition to your table. The sweetness of the potatoes, the brightness of the pineapple, and the gooey marshmallow topping come together in a recipe that’s simple yet extraordinary. Every bite is warm, fluffy, and packed with a delightful tropical twist that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Why You’ll Love This Tropical Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a beloved classic, but this tropical version takes it to another level. By adding crushed pineapple and a hint of orange juice, you bring brightness and balance to an already comforting dish. The marshmallow topping adds just the right amount of indulgence, making it perfect for both special occasions and casual family meals. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Tropical Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful casserole:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed | 3 pounds |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Orange juice | ½ cup |
| Crushed pineapple, drained | 9 ounces |
| Mini marshmallows | 2.5 cups (or more for extra sweetness) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
- Let the sweet potatoes cook for 15–20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender.
- Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes
- Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the butter, salt, and orange juice to the bowl.
- Mash the mixture using a potato masher or hand mixer until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Add the Pineapple
- Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple. Be careful not to overmix—you want the tropical flavor to shine through while maintaining the texture.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Smooth out the surface to ensure even baking.
- Top the mixture with mini marshmallows, covering the entire surface. Add more marshmallows if you prefer an extra sweet, gooey topping.
6. Bake the Casserole
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Bake until the marshmallows are golden and bubbly. For a more toasted finish, switch to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy the irresistible combination of creamy sweet potatoes, tropical pineapple, and toasted marshmallows.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- A Tropical Twist on a Classic: The addition of pineapple and orange juice brings a burst of bright, fruity flavor that sets this sweet potato casserole apart.
- Gooey Marshmallow Topping: Toasted marshmallows add the perfect sweet and gooey contrast to the creamy potatoes.
- Easy and Quick: With only a handful of steps, this recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for special occasions.
- Customizable Sweetness: Love a super-sweet casserole? Add more marshmallows or a touch of brown sugar to the mashed sweet potatoes.
Tips for the Best Tropical Sweet Potato Casserole
- Drain the Pineapple Thoroughly: To avoid a watery casserole, make sure your crushed pineapple is well-drained before adding it to the mixture.
- Mash to Your Desired Texture: For a silky-smooth casserole, use a hand mixer. For a chunkier texture, stick with a potato masher.
- Customize the Marshmallows: If you’re not a fan of marshmallows, try topping the casserole with crushed pecans or a brown sugar crumble.
- Use Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice provides a vibrant flavor that complements the pineapple and sweet potatoes beautifully.
Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes aren’t just delicious—they’re packed with nutrients that make them a healthy addition to your diet:
- Rich in Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of beta-carotene, which supports eye health and boosts your immune system.
- High in Fiber: They promote healthy digestion and help maintain steady blood sugar levels.
- Full of Antioxidants: The natural compounds in sweet potatoes help protect your body from free radical damage.
When combined with pineapple’s vitamin C and the healthy fats from butter, this dish becomes a nutritious indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes:
- Holiday Favorites: Serve it as a side dish alongside turkey, ham, or roast chicken during festive occasions.
- Weeknight Meals: Pair it with grilled pork chops, baked salmon, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Add it to a vegetarian spread with a fresh green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or garlic bread.
FAQs About Tropical Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the marshmallow-topping step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the marshmallows just before baking.
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used as a time-saver. Just drain them well before mashing.
3. What can I substitute for marshmallows?
If marshmallows aren’t your thing, try topping the casserole with a pecan streusel made of brown sugar, flour, butter, and chopped pecans.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore the marshmallow topping’s texture.
5. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, but freeze it without the marshmallow topping. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add marshmallows and bake before serving.
6. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream instead of orange juice, and opt for vegan marshmallows.
Why This Dish Deserves a Place on Your Table
This tropical sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping isn’t just a side dish—it’s a celebration of flavor and comfort. The creamy sweet potatoes, tangy pineapple, and toasted marshmallows create a harmony of tastes and textures that will have your guests raving. Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual family dinner, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a tradition in your home.
Call to Action
Don’t wait for the holidays to enjoy this delicious twist on a classic. Gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of tropical sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping today. Your family and friends will thank you—and they might even ask for the recipe!
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Tropical Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
This tropical sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are brightened with a hint of orange juice and crushed pineapple, then topped with gooey, golden marshmallows for a dish that’s equal parts indulgent and refreshing. It’s perfect for holiday feasts, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and savory with a tropical flair.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup orange juice
- 9 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
- 2.5 cups mini marshmallows (add more for extra sweetness, if desired)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
- Add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes to a large pot.
- Cover them with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly.
3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
- Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the butter, salt, and orange juice.
- Mash the mixture using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the Pineapple:
- Fold in the drained crushed pineapple. Mix gently to combine, ensuring the pineapple is evenly distributed without overmixing.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Smooth out the top, then sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the surface. Add extra marshmallows for a thicker, gooier topping if desired.
6. Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and bubbly.
- For a more toasted marshmallow topping, switch to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
7. Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, tropical sweetness and gooey marshmallow delight.
Notes
- Drain the Pineapple Well: Excess moisture from the pineapple can make the casserole too wet, so be sure to drain it thoroughly.
- Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the flavor and adds a burst of brightness to the dish.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use vegan marshmallows for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly version.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American with Tropical Twist
