Sweet potato casserole has been a staple at my family gatherings in the South, especially during the holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Growing up in North Carolina with roots in South Carolina, this dish has always been part of my family’s traditions. It was always made by my grandmother, and for as long as I can remember, it has been on our holiday tables. Recently, I’ve taken on the task of making it myself—not only to help her out but also to carry on the tradition. It’s a simple dish, but it holds so much meaning for me and my family. 

There is debate around whether or not sweet potato casserole is a side dish or a dessert, mainly because of the marshmallows on top. In my family, it’s always served as a side, though the richness and sweetness of the dish could easily make it feel like dessert. The recipe itself is incredibly simple—sweet potatoes, butter, molasses, orange juice, and marshmallows—but it’s the love and care put into the preparation that makes it special. The hardest part is boiling the potatoes, but even that isn’t too hard.

The sweetness of the potatoes, combined with the creamy texture and golden-brown marshmallows, creates a dish that’s very comforting. Growing up in the South, food is more than just nourishment—it’s a way of connecting with family and honoring traditions. Dishes like sweet potato casserole, biscuits, and gravy, and grits are not just meals, they represent my culture, history, and values. The South has a special place in my heart because it’s where my family’s story began. These meals tie me to my home and remind me of the warmth we share during the holidays. Southern cuisine is all about making people feel welcome, feeding them generously, and creating lasting memories around the table.

 Though the recipe is simple, the casserole brings so much warmth to the table—both in flavor and meaning. Whether you consider it a side or a dessert, it’s a dish that represents family, love, and the spirit of Southern hospitality. And for me, it’s a reminder that no matter how simple the ingredients, food always carries a deeper connection to the people we cherish most. It’s not just about the food: it’s about the memories, the love, and the shared moments around the dinner table.

Ingredients:

• Sweet Potatoes (1 sweet potato per person)
• Butter (1 stick of butter for every 4 potatoes)
• Orange Juice (2 tbsp for every 4 potatoes)
• Molasses ( ⅛ cup for every 4 potatoes)
• Pinch of Salt

Instructions:

1. Sweet potatoes (use about 1 potato per person, Use smaller potatoes which have more flavor than the larger ones.)
2. Peel potatoes and cut up to cook. boil potatoes until soft (use fork to test)
3. Then drain into a colander, rinse once and put into a big bowl. 
4. Mix until like mashed potatoes 
5. Add orange juice butter and salt and molasses. You just need to make it fluffy without being runny (i.e. too much juice). It is REALLY easy to add too much liquid.
6. Grease your casserole dish then pour in the potatoes. Cook until hot. 
7. Then add miniature marshmallows on top and cook a few min on broil to brown!! Do not take your eyes off the oven or it will burn!