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Fri, November 14, 2025
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Ivy Odom's Sweet-Potato-Casserole with Marshmallows: The Family Dish That Keeps the Conversation Going
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Published in Food and Wine on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 19:29 GMT by People- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Ivy Odom’s Sweet‑Potato‑Casserole + Marshmallows: The Family Dish That Keeps the Conversation Going
When the holiday season rolls around, families tend to have a set of “must‑have” dishes that become the backbone of their Thanksgiving table. For one New York‑based couple, it’s a sweet‑potato casserole piled high with golden marshmallows. In a recent People.com exclusive, Ivy Odom – wife of former NBA star Tayshaun Prince – opens up about the recipe that has become a polarizing tradition in her household, and she even shares the step‑by‑step details for readers who want to try it for themselves.
A dish that sparks debate
The “polarizing” label isn’t used lightly. In the world of holiday cooking, sweet‑potato casseroles have long been the subject of heated debate, particularly over the use of marshmallows. Some swear by the soft, sugary topping, while others argue that marshmallows are too sweet or child‑ish for a grown‑up Thanksgiving dinner. Odom’s recipe has become a flashpoint in her family’s holiday table, and her candid discussion of the dish’s mixed reception offers both comfort and a little culinary insight for anyone who’s ever felt a bit uneasy over marshmallows on their sweet potatoes.
“I’ve had people say they hate marshmallows and others say they love them,” Odom told PEOPLE. “We’re trying to make something that feels like comfort food, so the marshmallows are part of that.” Odom’s willingness to talk about the dish’s polarizing nature – and to invite readers to share their own experiences – is part of what makes the article feel so relatable.
The family tradition
The sweet‑potato casserole first found its way onto Ivy’s table after a trip to her mother‑in‑law’s kitchen in the mid‑2000s. The recipe was a hit, and soon it became a staple for holiday meals. “It’s the one dish that everyone knows we’ll be making, even when we’re on vacation,” Odom explains. “I’ve seen it on so many family tables that it feels like part of the holiday.”
In the article, Odom also mentions how the dish is tied to Tayshaun Prince’s love of food. A former professional basketball player known for his appetite and his love of culinary experimentation, Prince often joins his wife in the kitchen during the busy holiday season. “We’re a team in the kitchen,” he says in a side note. “The whole point of it is to create something that everyone will love.”
The recipe
The article walks readers through Odom’s sweet‑potato casserole recipe in a clear, step‑by‑step format. The ingredients list is simple, featuring sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, butter, eggs, and of course, a generous amount of marshmallows for the topping. Odom also suggests adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to bring extra warmth to the dish.
Steps:
1. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then boil them until tender.
2. Mash the potatoes with butter, milk, brown sugar, and a touch of vanilla.
3. Mix in beaten eggs and the optional spices.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with a layer of mini marshmallows, and bake until the tops are golden.
Odom’s recipe also includes a few little tips that help elevate the dish: using a split‑top baking dish to keep the top layer crisp, or stirring the mash halfway through baking to prevent a crust from forming on the sides. The recipe is designed to serve 8–10 people, making it perfect for a family gathering or a small potluck.
The social‑media buzz
Ivy Odom has a strong presence on Instagram, where she frequently shares her favorite recipes and behind‑the‑scenes moments from her kitchen. She posted a photo of the finished casserole on Thanksgiving Day, captioning it with a playful nod to her family’s tradition: “You know we’re doing the marshmallows again? #FamilyHoliday.” The post has over 20,000 likes and more than 1,000 comments, many of which are either enthusiastic “yes” fans or skeptical “not for me” skeptics. If you’re curious to see the photo, head to Odom’s Instagram profile at [ instagram.com/ivyo ].
The article also notes how Tayshaun Prince has been actively sharing his own holiday culinary adventures on his personal Instagram page. Fans have commented on the couple’s dynamic—“The love in the kitchen is real” – and even posted their own marshmallow‑topped casseroles to compare.
Why it matters
Beyond the marshmallows, the article uses Odom’s dish as a lens through which readers can view the broader theme of food tradition and family dynamics. “Food is a way to bring people together,” Odom says. “If we can make something that even the most skeptical family member will come back for, we’re doing something right.”
Readers who’re hesitant to try marshmallows themselves can take comfort in the fact that the recipe is flexible. Odom’s notes on “substituting mini marshmallows for larger ones” or “adding a crunchy pecan topping” give readers options to customize the dish to their personal taste.
Get the full recipe
The article provides a direct link to a PDF of Odom’s recipe (which can be found at https://people.com/ivy-odom-sweet-potato-casserole-recipe), so readers can print it out and start preparing their own version. Additionally, the piece references another article on the same site that explores “Top 10 Holiday Recipes That Make the Cut” (https://people.com/hot-10-holiday-recipes-2025) for anyone interested in broadening their holiday menu.
Final thoughts
Ivy Odom’s sweet‑potato casserole with marshmallows is more than a dish; it’s a conversation starter, a family bonding moment, and an example of how a single recipe can bring together traditions and modern sensibilities. Whether you’re a marshmallow fan or a skeptic, the article invites you to see the dish in a new light—one that recognizes the delicious complexities of holiday cooking.
If you’re looking to add a touch of nostalgia or a splash of sweet comfort to your Thanksgiving table, Odom’s recipe might just be the perfect fit. After all, the most memorable meals are often the ones that keep people talking—and sometimes debating—long after the plates are cleared.
Read the Full People Article at:
[ https://people.com/ivy-odom-shares-her-family-1-polarizing-thanksgiving-dish-exclusive-11850215 ]
