BestFoodWhere

Island-Inspired Sweet Potato Casserole with Toasted Marshmallows

Tender sweet potatoes meet bright pineapple and gooey marshmallows in this sweet and savory bake.

Janelle

By Janelle

Updated: January 18, 2026

Why I Love This Recipe

This caramelized sweet potato casserole is a delightful twist on a classic holiday side dish. The addition of pineapple chunks lends a tropical sweetness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the sweet potatoes and brown sugar. The marshmallows, toasted to golden perfection, provide a textural contrast and a comforting sweetness reminiscent of campfire treats. This dish is perfect for bringing a touch of sunshine to any special occasion, offering a unique and memorable flavor experience.

  • •Unexpected Tropical Twist - Pineapple adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweet potatoes and brown sugar.
  • •Caramelized Goodness - The brown sugar and butter create a rich, almost toffee-like coating on the sweet potatoes.
  • •Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture - The sweet potatoes become incredibly tender and creamy as they bake.
  • •Aromatic Spice Blend - Cinnamon and nutmeg infuse the dish with warmth and holiday cheer.
  • •Gooey Marshmallow Crown - The toasted marshmallows offer a delightful textural contrast and a nostalgic sweetness.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

  • 2 lbs Sweet Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • 1 cup Pineapple Chunks (canned or fresh)
  • 2 cups Mini Marshmallows
  • 4 tbsp Butter (melted)
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preparing the oven ahead of time ensures even cooking and prevents the sweet potatoes from drying out.

    ~2 min

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes, pineapple chunks, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Toss well to ensure all the sweet potatoes and pineapple are evenly coated with the mixture. This coating is crucial for the caramelization process.

    ~5 min

  3. 3

    Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish. Using a greased dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

    ~2 min

  4. 4

    Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Covering the dish prevents the sweet potatoes from browning too quickly and ensures they cook through completely.

    ~1 min

  5. 5

    Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. This allows the sweet potatoes to caramelize slightly and develop a richer flavor.

    ~10 min

  6. 6

    Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the sweet potato mixture. Ensure the marshmallows are distributed so that each bite will have the sweet flavor.

    ~2 min

  7. 7

    Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted. Keep a close eye on the marshmallows to prevent them from burning.

    ~4 min

  8. 8

    Alternatively, for a more intensely toasted marshmallow topping, you can broil the marshmallows for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Broiling provides a quicker and more controlled toasting.

    ~2 min

    Tip: Keep the oven door slightly ajar while broiling to prevent overheating.
  9. 9

    Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth.

    ~2 min

  10. 10

    Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet potatoes, pineapple, and toasted marshmallows. The flavors meld beautifully as the dish cools slightly.

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How Do I Know It's Ready?

The sweet potatoes are done when easily pierced with a fork. Marshmallows should be golden brown and slightly puffed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add the marshmallows and bake just before serving.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Island-Inspired Sweet Potato Casserole with Toasted Marshmallows as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!