The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: Cozy Fall Comfort

Crafting the ultimate sweet potato casserole recipe delivers pure comfort on your holiday table.

Creamy textures and rich flavors merge in this classic dish that everyone adores.

Marshmallow toppings create a delightful contrast against smooth, spiced sweet potatoes.

Grandmothers and professional chefs alike treasure this cherished recipe for its simplicity and warmth.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce an extraordinary side that feels like a warm embrace.

Southern kitchens have perfected this casserole through generations of careful technique and love.

Each bite promises a nostalgic journey through traditional holiday memories.

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

Cooking Instructions for Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F (175°C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Sweet Potato Base

• Smooth mashed sweet potatoes
• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Whole milk
• Fresh eggs
• Pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Whisk these ingredients until you achieve a silky, uniform mixture.

Step 3: Spread the Potato Goodness

Transfer the sweet potato blend into your prepared baking dish, making sure to distribute it evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Melted butter
• Roughly chopped pecans

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a delectable crumbly topping.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Sprinkle the pecan mixture generously over the sweet potato base, covering the entire surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

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

Watch for a golden, crispy topping that signals the dish is ready.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Dive in and savor the delightful blend of sweet and crunchy flavors!

Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole Success

• Use a potato masher or electric mixer to create a creamy, lump-free sweet potato base without overmixing.
• Toast pecans before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the topping.
• Let sweet potatoes cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent them from scrambling and ensure a smooth texture.
• Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during holiday meals.
• Substitute butter with coconut oil and use almond milk for a lactose-free version that still tastes delicious.

Variation Options for Sweet Potato Casserole

• Vegan Potato Delight: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and swap butter with coconut oil for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend in the topping to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, and cut down on brown sugar in the topping for a lower-calorie alternative.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Replace pecans with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the crunchy texture.

Serving Ideas for Sweet Potato Casserole

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Create a stunning presentation by garnishing the casserole with fresh rosemary sprigs and scattered whole pecans for an elegant, rustic look that screams special occasion.
• Creamy Companion Pairings: Serve alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or grilled chicken to complement the sweet and rich flavors of this classic side dish during family gatherings.
• Dessert-Style Indulgence: Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for a decadent twist that transforms the casserole into a delightful dessert-like experience.
• Brunch Bonus Idea: Pair with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh orange juice for a hearty weekend breakfast that highlights the sweet potato's versatile nature.

Storage Recommendations for Sweet Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, covering the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming and maintain the casserole's creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Are sweet potatoes healthy?

Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They’re lower in calories compared to regular potatoes and offer numerous health benefits.

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work perfectly. Just drain and mash them before mixing with other ingredients. Fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture.

• How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and crispy, and the edges are slightly bubbling. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Highlights

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This sweet potato casserole brings everyone together with its irresistible combination of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
• Simplify Holiday Cooking: With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, reducing kitchen stress during busy meal prep times.
• Customize Your Comfort: Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or dessert, this casserole adapts to different taste preferences by allowing simple variations like adding marshmallows or adjusting the sweetness level.
• Nutritious Indulgence: Packed with vitamin-rich sweet potatoes and heart-healthy pecans, this dish offers a delicious way to sneak some nutrition into a seemingly decadent recipe.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: A vibrant and nutritious root vegetable that forms the creamy foundation of this classic casserole.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and smooth texture to the sweet potato mixture.
• Sugar: Provides a delightful sweetness that enhances the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
• Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy consistency in the casserole.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help the casserole hold its shape.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm and aromatic depth to the sweet potato mixture.
• Salt: Balances and elevates the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Brown Sugar, Flour, Butter, Pecans: Create a crunchy, sweet, and nutty topping that adds texture and a delicious contrast to the creamy sweet potato base.

The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern sweet potato casserole delights palates with rich, marshmallow-topped comfort. Pecans add crunch to this classic holiday side dish that will charm dinner guests and make memories.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 4 cups sweet potatoes, mashed (about 4 large sweet potatoes)

Dairy and Eggs:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, creating a smooth base that incorporates sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
3. Transfer the creamy sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a uniform surface.
4. Craft the pecan topping by combining brown sugar, flour, and melted butter in a separate bowl, folding in chopped pecans until well integrated.
5. Generously scatter the nutty topping across the sweet potato layer, ensuring complete coverage for maximum crunch and flavor.
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, which helps the texture set and makes serving easier.
8. Serve warm as a decadent side dish that celebrates the rich, comforting flavors of sweet potatoes and toasted pecans.

Notes

• Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index and more natural sweetness.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add deeper complexity to the topping’s texture.
• For a gluten-free version, replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend in the topping.
• Consider reducing butter for a lighter version or using Greek yogurt to add protein and decrease overall fat content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 242 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 116 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg