The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering sweet potato casserole brings pure comfort to your holiday table.

Creamy orange roots blend with fluffy marshmallow clouds for an irresistible side dish.

Generations of cooks have perfected this classic recipe, passing down delicious traditions.

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when this casserole emerges from the oven.

Buttery pecans add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth potato base.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dance through each heavenly bite.

Rich and indulgent, this dish promises to become your new favorite celebration centerpiece.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this irresistible casserole.

Sweet Potato Casserole Done The Right Way

• Craft Versatile Sides: Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this casserole works brilliantly as a side dish or can stand alone as a delightful main course for vegetarian meals.
• Master Quick Cooking: Requires minimal prep time and basic kitchen skills, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious result without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Flair: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like adding marshmallows, adjusting spices, or swapping nuts, letting home chefs make it uniquely their own.

Must-Have Ingredients For Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Smooth, creamy root vegetables that form the hearty foundation of this classic casserole.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the natural flavor of sweet potatoes.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help create a custard-like consistency.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy texture.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall sweetness and adds depth of flavor.

• Brown Sugar, Pecans: Create a crunchy, caramelized topping with nutty sweetness.
• Flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients and creates a crumbly texture.
• Butter: Softens the topping and helps it brown and crisp in the oven.

• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sweet flavors and adds a warm, comforting note to the dish.

Step-By-Step Sweet Potato Casserole Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sweet Potato Base

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 3: Transfer Sweet Potato Mixture

Pour the luscious sweet potato blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Craft Crunchy Pecan Topping

• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Chopped pecans
• Softened butter

Use your fingers or a fork to create a delightfully crumbly texture.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle the pecan mixture generously and evenly across the sweet potato surface, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown topping and bubbling edges that signal it’s ready.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 10-15 minutes.

This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.

Enjoy warm as a comforting side dish or dessert.

Helpful Tips For Sweet Potato Casserole Success

• Use a potato masher or electric mixer to create a creamy, lump-free sweet potato base for silky texture.
• Reduce sugar for a healthier version or add more for extra indulgence, depending on personal taste preferences.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to the crumb topping to enhance crunchiness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Swap butter with coconut oil and use almond milk to make the casserole suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during holiday meal preparation.

Fun Variations To Try With Sweet Potato Casserole

• Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, swap butter with coconut oil, and use maple syrup in place of granulated sugar.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the topping. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of brown and granulated sugar. Top with chopped almonds or walnuts for added crunch and reduced sugar content.
• Marshmallow Topping Variation: Replace pecan crumble with mini marshmallows for a classic holiday-style sweet potato casserole. Broil briefly to achieve golden brown marshmallow top.

Serving Ideas To Make Sweet Potato Casserole Shine

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Place this golden casserole in the center of your dining table during Thanksgiving or Christmas, surrounded by seasonal decorations like pine cones and autumn leaves.
• Dessert-Style Delight: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent sweet twist that transforms the side dish into a delectable dessert.
• Breakfast Remix: Enjoy leftover casserole the next morning warmed up, paired with crispy bacon or a light breakfast smoothie for a rich and satisfying morning meal.
• Potluck Crowd-Pleaser: Bring this casserole to community gatherings or family reunions, as its comforting flavors and beautiful golden topping will make it a guaranteed hit among guests of all ages.

How To Store Sweet Potato Casserole Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap casserole securely in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container. Keep frozen for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing with crispy pecan topping.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent topping from burning.
• Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes on medium power. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming. Add small splash of milk if mixture seems dry.

FAQs

• Are sweet potatoes healthy?

Sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense, packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They support eye health, boost immunity, and provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work well. Drain and mash them thoroughly. They save time and still deliver delicious flavor, though fresh sweet potatoes offer slightly better texture and nutrition.

• How do I know if my sweet potatoes are ripe and good to use?

Choose sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free from bruises or soft spots. They should have vibrant color without any sprouts or wrinkled skin. Avoid potatoes with dark blemishes or signs of decay.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern sweet potato casserole blends silky mashed potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping, creating comfort on your holiday table. Warm spices and marshmallow layers promise delightful memories you’ll savor with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 medium sweet potatoes)
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Liquid and Fat Components:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) unsalted butter, softened

Sweeteners and Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Transform boiled sweet potatoes into a silky smooth puree, whisking vigorously with melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until perfectly blended.
3. Gently transfer the velvety sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
4. Create a rustic topping by combining brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans in a separate mixing bowl, then incorporate softened butter until the mixture develops a delicate, crumbly texture.
5. Generously distribute the pecan crumble across the entire surface of the sweet potato base, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and slight bubbling around the edges.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes, permitting the flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness by adjusting sugar levels according to personal taste preferences.
• Swap traditional butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for dairy-free or plant-based diets.
• Enhance nutrition by using whole wheat flour in the topping for added fiber and texture.
• Prepare sweet potatoes in advance by roasting or boiling them whole to intensify their natural sweetness and reduce overall cooking time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg