Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Copycat Recipe -

Meta Description:

Make Boston Market’s famous Sweet Potato Casserole at home! This copycat recipe features creamy sweet potatoes topped with cinnamon streusel and mini marshmallows. Perfect for Thanksgiving and holidays!

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Introduction

If you’ve ever enjoyed Boston Market’s legendary Sweet Potato Casserole, you know it’s something special. This beloved side dish has been a customer favorite for years, featuring velvety smooth sweet potatoes, a buttery cinnamon streusel topping, and perfectly toasted mini marshmallows. Now you can recreate this restaurant classic right in your own kitchen!

This copycat Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole recipe captures all the flavors and textures that make the original so irresistible. Unlike traditional sweet potato casseroles that can be overly sweet or dense, Boston Market’s version strikes the perfect balance – creamy, lightly spiced, and topped with that signature crunchy-sweet streusel that sets it apart from all the rest.

Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving feast, preparing a Christmas dinner, or simply craving some serious comfort food, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every single time. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making your holiday cooking stress-free!

Why This Recipe Works

Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole has earned its cult following for excellent reasons:

Restaurant-Quality at Home: Tastes just like the original, maybe even better
Perfect Texture: Silky smooth sweet potatoes without being mushy
Balanced Sweetness: Not overly sweet like many recipes
That Famous Streusel: Cinnamon oat topping adds amazing crunch and flavor
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble up to 2 days ahead for stress-free entertaining
Crowd-Pleaser: Appeals to both kids and adults
Holiday Essential: Elevates any holiday table
Customizable: Easy to adjust sweetness and toppings to your preference
Serves a Crowd: Perfect for large family gatherings

What Makes Boston Market’s Version Special?

The Key Differences:

Cinnamon Oat Streusel: Most recipes skip this, but it’s Boston Market’s signature touch
Lighter Texture: Uses less butter and sugar than traditional Southern versions
Perfect Spice Balance: Cinnamon and nutmeg shine without overwhelming
Mini Marshmallows: Smaller marshmallows toast more evenly
Not Too Sweet: Lets the natural sweet potato flavor come through

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sweet Potato Base:

4 lbs sweet potatoes (about 6-7 medium) – Fresh is best, but canned works too
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and smooth texture
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed – Provides caramel-like sweetness
1/2 cup whole milk – Makes the filling creamy (can use heavy cream)
2 large eggs – Helps bind and creates custard-like texture
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Warm, essential spice
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds depth
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness

For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Base for streusel
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats – Adds texture and crunch
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed – Sweetness and caramelization
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Key flavor component
1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavors
6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed – Creates crumbly texture

For the Topping:

2-3 cups mini marshmallows – The classic finishing touch
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans – Extra crunch and flavor

Equipment Needed

Large pot for boiling sweet potatoes
9×13 inch baking dish
Electric mixer or potato masher
Large mixing bowl
Medium bowl for streusel
Fork or pastry cutter
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Boiling Method (Recommended):

Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 2-inch chunks
Place in a large pot and cover with cold water
Add a pinch of salt
Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer
Cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender
Drain thoroughly and let steam dry for a few minutes

Alternative – Baking Method:

Pierce whole sweet potatoes with a fork
Bake at 400°F for 45-60 minutes until soft
Let cool slightly, then scoop out flesh
This method intensifies the sweet potato flavor

Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Filling

Preheat oven to 350°F
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray
In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until mostly smooth (some small lumps are fine)
Add melted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes)
Taste and adjust sweetness or spices if needed
Spread evenly into prepared baking dish

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Streusel

In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt
Add cold cubed butter
Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work butter into dry ingredients
Mix until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces
Don’t overmix – you want a crumbly texture, not paste

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel evenly over the sweet potato layer
Cover with aluminum foil (this prevents over-browning)
Bake for 30 minutes covered

Step 5: Add Marshmallows and Finish

Remove casserole from oven
Carefully remove foil
Scatter mini marshmallows evenly over the top
If using pecans, sprinkle them over the marshmallows
Return to oven uncovered
Bake for 10-15 minutes more until marshmallows are golden and toasted
Watch carefully – marshmallows can burn quickly!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes
The filling will continue to set as it cools
Serve warm for the best flavor and texture
Scoop generously, making sure each serving has all the layers!

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Sweet Potato Preparation:

Choose the Right Potatoes: Look for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (often labeled “yams”)
Uniform Size: Cut pieces evenly for consistent cooking
Don’t Overcook: Mushy potatoes make watery casserole
Drain Well: Excess moisture dilutes flavor and makes filling runny
Blend Smooth: Use mixer for restaurant-smooth texture

Streusel Success:

Keep Butter Cold: Warm butter makes greasy streusel instead of crumbly
Don’t Skip the Oats: They add the characteristic Boston Market texture
Mix Gently: Overworking creates tough, dense topping
Make Ahead: Streusel can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated
Large Crumbs: Aim for varied crumb sizes for best texture

Marshmallow Perfection:

Use Mini Marshmallows: They toast more evenly than large ones
Watch Closely: They go from perfect to burnt in seconds
Even Distribution: Spread them out for consistent browning
Broiler Option: For extra toasting, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end
Fresh Marshmallows: Stale ones won’t puff and toast properly

Make-Ahead Instructions

Up to 2 Days Ahead:

Prepare sweet potato filling completely
Spread in baking dish and cover tightly
Make streusel and store separately in refrigerator
Keep marshmallows in original packaging

Day of Serving:

Remove casserole from fridge 30 minutes before baking
Add streusel topping
Bake as directed (may need 5-10 extra minutes if cold)
Add marshmallows and finish

Freezing Instructions:

Before Baking:

Assemble completely without marshmallows
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil
Freeze up to 3 months
Thaw overnight in refrigerator
Add marshmallows and bake as directed

After Baking (Not Recommended):

Texture suffers significantly
Marshmallows become gummy
Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated only

Recipe Variations

Classic Southern Style:

Increase brown sugar to 3/4 cup
Add 1/4 cup heavy cream instead of milk
Top with 1 cup chopped pecans under marshmallows
Increase butter to 3/4 cup

Lighter Version:

Reduce butter to 1/4 cup
Use unsweetened almond milk
Replace some brown sugar with maple syrup
Skip marshmallows, add more streusel

Extra Decadent:

Mix in 4 oz softened cream cheese
Add 1/4 cup heavy cream
Use half and half instead of milk
Top with caramel drizzle after baking

Bourbon Pecan Version:

Add 2 tablespoons bourbon to filling
Mix 1 cup chopped pecans into streusel
Omit marshmallows
Drizzle with bourbon caramel sauce

Maple Cinnamon:

Replace brown sugar with maple sugar
Add 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
Double the cinnamon in streusel
Top with candied pecans

Tropical Twist:

Add 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (well-drained)
Mix in 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Replace half the milk with coconut milk
Top with toasted coconut instead of marshmallows

Savory-Sweet Balance:

Reduce sugar to 1/4 cup
Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Top with crispy fried onions instead of marshmallows
Perfect for those who prefer less sweet

Using Canned Sweet Potatoes

When Fresh Isn’t Available:

Amount needed: Three 29-oz cans, drained well
Preparation: Mash thoroughly, pat dry with paper towels
Adjustment: Reduce milk to 1/4 cup (canned are wetter)
Tip: Add extra spices as canned can be bland
Quality matters: Choose 100% sweet potato, no syrup

Note: Fresh sweet potatoes provide superior flavor and texture, but canned works in a pinch!

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage:

Store covered in the baking dish or airtight container
Keeps well for 4-5 days
Marshmallows will deflate but still taste good
Cool completely before covering to prevent condensation

Reheating Methods:

Oven (Best Method):

Cover with foil to prevent drying
Heat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes
Remove foil last 5 minutes to re-crisp topping
May need to add fresh marshmallows for presentation

Microwave (Quick Option):

Place portion on microwave-safe plate
Heat on 50% power in 1-minute intervals
Stir between intervals
Not ideal for streusel texture

Air Fryer:

Place portion in air fryer-safe dish
Heat at 320°F for 8-10 minutes
Great for crisping the topping

Perfect Pairings

Thanksgiving Menu:

Roasted turkey with herb gravy
Traditional sage stuffing
Cranberry orange sauce
Green bean casserole
Garlic mashed potatoes
Dinner rolls

Christmas Dinner:

Honey glazed ham
Prime rib roast
Scalloped potatoes
Brussels sprouts with bacon
Apple cranberry salad
Parker House rolls

Everyday Meals:

Roasted chicken thighs
Pork tenderloin
Baked ham slices
Grilled salmon
BBQ ribs
Meatloaf

What NOT to Serve With:

Avoid other very sweet sides on the same plate – this is sweet enough to be dessert-like, so balance with savory items.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 385
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 62g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 38g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 340% DV
Vitamin C: 30% DV
Calcium: 8% DV
Iron: 8% DV

Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes:

Rich in Vitamin A: Supports eye health and immune function
High in Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes fullness
Antioxidants: Beta-carotene fights free radicals
Complex Carbs: Provides sustained energy
Potassium: Supports heart health

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Filling is too runny

Solutions:

Sweet potatoes weren’t drained well enough
Added too much milk
Didn’t bake long enough
Fix: Bake uncovered for extra 10-15 minutes

Problem: Filling is too dense/dry

Solutions:

Not enough liquid added
Overcooked sweet potatoes
Fix: Stir in warm milk, 2 tablespoons at a time

Problem: Streusel is greasy

Solutions:

Butter was too warm
Over-mixed the streusel
Fix: Can’t fix once baked; make fresh streusel

Problem: Marshmallows burned

Solutions:

Oven too hot
Baked too long
Fix: Remove burnt ones, add fresh, toast briefly

Problem: Too sweet

Solutions:

Reduce brown sugar to 1/3 cup next time
Add pinch more salt
Balance meal with savory sides

Problem: Streusel sunk into filling

Solutions:

Filling was too hot when streusel added
Filling too thin/liquidy
Fix: Let filling cool slightly before adding streusel

Problem: Casserole separated

Solutions:

Overmixed after adding eggs
Overbaked
Fix: Stir gently before serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without eggs?

Yes! Replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Do I have to use marshmallows?

Not at all! The marshmallows are traditional but optional. You can use extra streusel, chopped pecans, or even skip the topping entirely. Some prefer a savory version without marshmallows.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown?

Yes, but brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor that’s part of Boston Market’s signature taste. If using white sugar, consider adding 1 tablespoon molasses.

Why is my casserole watery?

This usually happens when sweet potatoes aren’t drained thoroughly after cooking, or too much liquid is added. Make sure to let boiled potatoes steam dry for a few minutes before mashing.

How do I know when it’s done?

The filling should be set (not jiggly) in the center, the streusel should be golden and fragrant, and marshmallows should be toasted. An instant-read thermometer should read 165°F in the center.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Use two 9×13 dishes or one extra-large pan. Baking time may increase by 5-10 minutes. Check for doneness in the center.

What’s the difference between sweet potatoes and yams?

In US grocery stores, what’s labeled “yams” are actually orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. True yams are different entirely. For this recipe, use orange sweet potatoes for best results.

Can I leave out the oats in the streusel?

The oats give Boston Market’s version its distinctive texture, but you can replace them with more flour and add chopped nuts for crunch.

The Complete Recipe Card

Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole (Copycat)

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Difficulty: Easy
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients:

Sweet Potato Filling:

4 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt

Cinnamon Streusel:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
6 tbsp cold butter, cubed

Topping:

2-3 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions:

Cook sweet potatoes: Boil cubed sweet potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain well and let steam dry.
Make filling: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9×13 dish. Mash sweet potatoes, then beat in melted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, and spices until smooth. Spread in dish.
Make streusel: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
First bake: Sprinkle streusel over filling. Cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes.
Add marshmallows: Remove foil, add marshmallows. Bake uncovered 10-15 minutes until marshmallows are golden.
Serve: Let rest 10 minutes before serving warm.

Recipe Notes:

Can substitute three 29-oz cans sweet potatoes (drained, reduce milk to 1/4 cup)
Make-ahead: Assemble up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate, bake when needed
Streusel can be made 2 days ahead
Watch marshmallows closely – they burn quickly
Freezes well before adding marshmallows (up to 3 months)

Expert Tips from Restaurant Chefs

Professional Secrets:

Temperature Matters: All ingredients should be room temperature for smoothest texture
Don’t Rush: Letting potatoes steam dry prevents watery filling
Taste as You Go: Sweet potatoes vary in sweetness; adjust sugar accordingly
Presentation: Use a large serving spoon to get all layers in each portion
Timing: Make this first on Thanksgiving – it holds well and reheats beautifully

Restaurant Quality at Home:

Use a piping bag to create decorative swirls of sweet potato filling
Torch marshmallows for professional browning control
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for elegant presentation
Serve in individual ramekins for upscale dinner parties
Keep a baking sheet under the dish to catch any drips

Budget-Friendly Tips

Cost-Cutting Strategies:

Buy sweet potatoes in bulk bags (much cheaper than individual)
Make your own vanilla extract
Buy marshmallows after holidays when on clearance
Use butter when on sale; freeze extra sticks
Skip pecans or buy in bulk from warehouse stores
Make double batch and freeze one for later

Estimated Cost Per Serving: $1.25-$1.75

Kid-Friendly Adaptations

Making It Appeal to Children:

Extra Marshmallows: Kids can never have too many!
Fun Shapes: Use individual ramekins or muffin tins
Let Them Help: Kids love adding marshmallows
Sweeter Version: Increase sugar slightly for picky eaters
Skip Strong Spices: Reduce nutmeg if kids are sensitive
Call It “Marshmallow Sweet Potato Dessert”: Psychology works!

Serving for a Crowd

Scaling Up:

For 24 servings (double recipe):

Use two 9×13 pans or one large roasting pan
Increase baking time by 10-15 minutes
Make streusel in double batch
Check center of each pan for doneness

Buffet Service Tips:

Keep warm in slow cooker on low setting
Replenish from kitchen as needed
Place near other side dishes, away from proteins
Provide large serving spoon
Include serving suggestion card

Holiday Planning Guide

Thanksgiving Timeline:

2 Days Before:

Shop for ingredients
Make and refrigerate streusel

1 Day Before:

Prepare sweet potato filling
Assemble in baking dish
Cover and refrigerate

Thanksgiving Day:

Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking
Bake while turkey rests
Add marshmallows during last 15 minutes

Final Thoughts

This Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole copycat recipe brings one of America’s favorite restaurant sides right to your home kitchen. The combination of silky sweet potatoes, crunchy cinnamon streusel, and golden marshmallows creates a side dish that’s so good, it rivals dessert!

Whether you’re a longtime Boston Market fan trying to recreate a beloved favorite, or you’re discovering this incredible recipe for the first time, you’re in for a treat. The balanced sweetness, perfect texture, and those signature layers make this casserole absolutely unforgettable.

This recipe has become a non-negotiable dish at countless holiday tables across the country, and once you make it, you’ll understand why. It’s comfort food at its finest – familiar, nostalgic, and utterly delicious.

So go ahead and make this stunning casserole for your next holiday gathering. Watch as it disappears from the table and listen for the requests for the recipe. You’ve just discovered your new signature dish!