A Cozy Twist on a Classic Holiday Favorite
When you think of Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, sweet potato casserole is probably one of the first dishes that comes to mind. But what if you’re celebrating on a smaller scale — maybe a romantic dinner for two, a cozy night in, or a mini Friendsgiving with your favorite person?
That’s where these Mini Sweet Potato Casseroles for Two come in.
These individual casseroles are everything you love about the traditional dish — rich, buttery, perfectly spiced, and topped with either a crunchy pecan crumble or gooey toasted marshmallows — all baked to perfection in cute, personal-sized ramekins.
They’re the perfect way to enjoy a festive, comforting holiday side without leftovers for days. Plus, they look absolutely charming on any dinner table — a little touch of restaurant-style elegance made right in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Sweet Potato Casseroles
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Perfectly portioned for two — no waste, no fuss.
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Easy to prepare — ready in under an hour!
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Flexible toppings — choose between marshmallows or pecans (or both!).
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Rich, smooth, and creamy texture.
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Ideal for small Thanksgiving dinners, romantic meals, or weeknight comfort food.
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Oven-to-table presentation — bake right in the ramekins and serve warm.
These mini casseroles deliver the same nostalgic flavor as the big-batch version but scaled down perfectly for intimate celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base
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2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound) – peeled and cubed
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
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2 tablespoons milk (or almond milk)
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
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Pinch of salt
For the Pecan Topping (optional)
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2 tablespoons chopped pecans
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 tablespoon melted butter
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1 tablespoon rolled oats (optional for crunch)
For the Marshmallow Topping (optional)
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½ cup mini marshmallows
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cube your sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. Place them in a pot of cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain well and let them sit for a few minutes to release steam — this ensures they’re fluffy, not watery.
Step 2: Mash and Mix
In a medium bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth using a potato masher or fork.
Add melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until creamy and fully combined.
Pro Tip: For an extra smooth texture, use a hand mixer for 1–2 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
You can choose between two delicious topping styles — or make one of each!
For the Pecan Topping:
In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and oats (if using). Stir until the mixture looks crumbly.
For the Marshmallow Topping:
Simply set aside mini marshmallows for topping after baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Mini Casseroles
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease two small ramekins (6-ounce size works well) with butter or nonstick spray.
Divide the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly between the two ramekins, smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon.
For variation, top one with the pecan crumble and leave the other plain (you’ll add marshmallows later).
Step 5: Bake
Place the ramekins on a small baking sheet (for easy handling) and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops look slightly puffed and golden.
If using marshmallows, remove the casseroles from the oven 5 minutes early, sprinkle marshmallows on top, and return to the oven. Bake an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted and golden.
Optional: Broil for 30 seconds for an extra toasty top — just watch carefully so they don’t burn!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Serve the mini casseroles warm, straight from the ramekins.
Each spoonful delivers that irresistible mix of creamy sweet potato filling and caramelized topping — a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Why This Recipe Works for Two
Cooking for two can be tricky — you want all the homemade flavor without ending up with days of leftovers. These mini casseroles are intentionally small-batch, meaning the proportions are perfect for a romantic dinner, a roommate meal, or even a solo treat with one leftover for later.
They’re easy to make, require minimal cleanup, and offer the same comfort as the full-sized casserole without the excess.
Plus, their individual portions look gorgeous on a holiday table — ideal for a cozy candlelit dinner or a Thanksgiving-for-two celebration.
Flavor Variations
Classic Marshmallow Style:
Top with mini marshmallows for the nostalgic version everyone loves.
Maple-Pecan Crunch:
Replace brown sugar in the topping with maple syrup for a sticky, buttery layer.
Coconut Delight:
Add 1 tablespoon shredded coconut to the filling or topping for tropical flair.
Savory Twist:
Mix in a bit of rosemary, thyme, or a pinch of cayenne for a subtly savory-sweet balance.
Vegan Option:
Use coconut oil or plant-based butter, almond milk, and skip the butter-based toppings — use nuts or coconut sugar instead.
Low-Sugar Option:
Use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit and reduce brown sugar by half.
Make-Ahead Tips
To Prepare Ahead of Time:
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Cook and mash the sweet potatoes up to 2 days ahead. Store the mixture covered in the fridge.
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Prepare toppings separately.
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When ready to bake, assemble and cook as directed.
To Freeze:
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Freeze unbaked casseroles (without toppings) for up to 2 months.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
To Reheat:
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Microwave individual ramekins for 1 minute or bake at 325°F for 10 minutes until warm.
Serving Suggestions
These mini sweet potato casseroles pair beautifully with:
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Roast chicken or turkey breast
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Glazed carrots
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Fresh green beans with garlic butter
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Stuffing muffins or cornbread
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Cranberry-orange relish
For a sweet twist, serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for dessert-style indulgence.
Kitchen Tips
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Use real maple syrup for authentic flavor — it complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.
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Choose smaller ramekins for individual servings (6 oz is perfect).
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Don’t overbake — they should be creamy, not dry.
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For a crusty top, add extra brown sugar before baking.
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Mix up toppings — half with pecans, half with marshmallows makes for a fun contrast.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes aren’t just delicious — they’re packed with nutrition!
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High in Vitamin A: Supports vision and immune health.
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Rich in fiber: Helps with digestion.
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Low in fat and naturally sweet: Perfect for healthier holiday dishes.
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Loaded with antioxidants: Great for heart and skin health.
With real maple syrup and wholesome ingredients, this dish offers indulgence and nourishment in every bite.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 240
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Carbs: 35g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 10g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 16g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes! Drain them well and mash before mixing. Adjust sugar slightly since canned varieties can be sweeter.
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes. The eggs aren’t essential for structure in this small recipe. You can skip them for a softer texture.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
You can, but honey is sweeter — use about 1½ teaspoons less.
Can I make this in one small dish instead of two ramekins?
Definitely! Use a small baking dish (about 3–4 cups capacity) and bake for 25–30 minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Can I double the recipe for guests?
Yes! Just double all ingredients and bake in four ramekins or a small casserole dish.
Can I make it nut-free?
Absolutely — skip the pecans and top with marshmallows or oats for crunch.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot at Your Table
This Mini Sweet Potato Casserole for Two is more than just a side dish — it’s a celebration of simplicity and comfort.
It delivers everything you love about classic sweet potato casserole — creamy texture, buttery sweetness, a hint of vanilla, and that irresistible topping — in a format that’s practical, adorable, and portion-perfect.
Whether you’re sharing it with someone special over Thanksgiving dinner, or simply craving a small batch of cozy comfort food on a chilly night, these mini casseroles capture the warmth of the season in every spoonful.
Easy to make, elegant to serve, and absolutely delicious — this is comfort food made personal.
