Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams (Easy Recipe)

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams and mini marshmallows is an easy recipe for a classic Thanksgiving side dish the whole family loves. A delicious addition to any holiday meal!

My mom always made sweet potato casserole with canned sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner. I was in charge of mashing! Grandma used fresh potatoes, but honestly, canned is so much easier!

No scrubbing, peeling or boiling. Just mash and heat! I’ve made both versions of this delicious casserole for my family, and they love it both ways.

With all of the work that goes into preparing delicious food for the Thanksgiving table, it’s nice to have at least one easy side dish!

Ingredients

You can find the simple ingredients for this easy sweet potato casserole recipe in your grocery store. Full amounts are in the printable recipe card below.

• Cans of sweet potatoes — cut yams in syrup. I use either Princella brand or Bruce’s brand with great results.
• Brown sugar — adds a little sweetness
• Maple syrup — pure maple syrup for delicious fall flavor
• Cinnamon — enhances the flavor and adds warmth
• Butter — either salted or unsalted butter
• Miniature marshmallows — for that classic topping

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Canned Yams

First, preheat the oven and grease a baking dish or casserole dish using non stick cooking spray or butter. We usually have the oven on anyway during the holidays, and this casserole goes in after the turkey comes out!

Next, drain the yams. You may want to reserve a little of the syrup in case the casserole seems dry, but this is optional. I like to mash the yams up a little first, using a potato masher or hand mixer.

You can do this in a large bowl or right in the prepared baking dish like I do.

Then, you can add the remaining ingredients, except the marshmallows and butter. Mash until well combined.

Smooth the top of the mashed sweet potato mixture so that it is nice and even. Then, place the pats of butter on top, and pop the casserole into the preheated oven.

Cooking Time

Bake the casserole for 30-40 minutes or until heated through. The cooking time may vary with the size of the casserole dish and your own particular oven.

Stir the melted butter into the casserole, Sprinkle the mini marshmallows on top of the casserole and bake for 5 more minutes or until the marshmallows are golden brown. You can also turn on the broiler for a minute or two.

Save oven space and microwave sweet potato casserole for 5 minutes or until heated through.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container or in the casserole dish covered with plastic wrap for 3-4 days — if it lasts that long. Reheat the dish in a 300-degree oven until heated through Or, reheat individual servings in your microwave. You can add more marshmallows when reheating.

Freeze leftover sweet potato casserole for up to 3 months in a freezer safe container. I recommend removing the marshmallow topping before freezing.

Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes, I usually make most of my side dishes the day before any holiday. Just prepare the casserole according to the recipe, cover and refrigerate for 1-2 days. Allow the dish to warm up at room temperature for a little bit, then bake as directed.

Are Canned Yams and Canned Sweet Potatoes the Same?

Yes! Although sweet potatoes and yams are completely different, canned yams are actually sweet potatoes. The USDA requires cans labeled as yams also have the wording sweet potatoes added. So, in the United States, if you buy a can of yams, you are actually eating a can of sweet potatoes.

More Thanksgiving Recipes

You can never have too many holiday side dishes! Try my easy green bean casserole and my easy cheesy corn casserole. If you would like different sweet potato recipes, try my stove top candied yams or my sweet potato casserole with fresh potatoes.

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