Brimming with warm spices, creamy sweet potatoes, and an irresistibly crisp, nutty topping, this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Whether it’s gracing your holiday spread or bringing a bit of cozy to a regular Sunday dinner, this dish shines with rich flavors and a delightful contrast in textures. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prep ahead—so you can focus on what matters: enjoying every single bite with people you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe such a perennial favorite is how each ingredient plays a crucial role. The earthy sweetness of the potatoes, the buttery crunch of the pecan topping, and just the right amount of spice—they all come together for a side that’s truly unforgettable.
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the show, their natural creaminess and subtle sweetness create the perfect base.
- Granulated sugar: Adds brightness and lifts the flavor just enough to balance the earthiness.
- Brown sugar: Infuses a touch of caramel richness, both in the filling and the topping.
- Eggs: Bind the casserole together for a silky-smooth interior.
- Milk: Helps create that coveted creamy texture; whole or 2% both work.
- Unsalted butter: Melted into the filling and softened for the topping, it brings richness to every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Lends lovely, aromatic warmth to the sweet potato base.
- Ground cinnamon: The classic spice—just enough to be cozy without overwhelming.
- Salt: One pinch ties all the flavors together and keeps things from getting overly sweet.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the buttery, crumbly structure of the topping.
- Pecans: Their toasted crunch is the ultimate finish for this casserole.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coat of butter or nonstick spray. Taking a moment to do this helps guarantee your Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe slices lift out smoothly later—no sticking, just that perfect presentation.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Filling
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir or whisk until everything’s totally smooth and silky. You want a filling that’s luscious and well-blended—no streaks or lumps. Pour this beautiful orange mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In another bowl, stir together brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter, until you have pea-sized crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans. This topping should be nice and crumbly, practically begging to be scattered evenly over your casserole. It adds that signature crunch and extra hint of sweetness that sets this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe apart.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan crumble topping all over the surface of the sweet potato mixture. Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the topping is deeply golden and fragrant and the filling is just set. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, giving those glorious flavors and textures time to settle into perfection.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way! Try sprinkling a few extra chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon over top right before serving for a pop of color and crunch. If you love a touch of whimsy, mini marshmallows (broiled until golden) are a classic twist that offer gooey sweetness—totally irresistible for kids and grown-ups alike.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe fits right in alongside iconic holiday mains like roast turkey or glazed ham, but don’t overlook it next to simple roasted chicken, smoky greens, and fresh salads. Its creamy, buttery comfort pairs well with practically any savory star on the table.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, try baking individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party or layering the sweet potato base and pecan topping in mason jars for a rustic picnic. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt makes for an unexpected and delightful finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole stores beautifully—just cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The topping stays surprisingly crisp when reheated gently, and the flavors only get better overnight.
Freezing
Want to get ahead of a busy schedule? Assemble the Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen at 350°F, adding about 15 extra minutes to the usual cook time—no defrosting needed.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F until hot and bubbly. If you’re only warming up a small portion, a quick spin in the microwave will do the trick, but the oven keeps that topping beautifully crisp.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Be sure to drain them well and skip any extra syrup. Canned sweet potatoes work perfectly in this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe, especially when time is tight.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, just swap in your favorite plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and use vegan butter for both the filling and topping. The result will still be rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
What if I prefer a marshmallow topping?
No problem—just omit the pecan crumb topping and add mini marshmallows over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking. Broil for a minute or two at the end if you like extra toasty marshmallows.
Can I make the casserole in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It’s a real lifesaver during busy holiday mornings.
Is this casserole very sweet?
It’s sweet, but not cloying. The combination of granulated and brown sugar with just enough salt and spice keeps the flavor balanced, while the pecan topping adds a sophisticated crunch rather than sugary overload.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds—this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is it. Cozy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with autumnal goodness, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make (and share!) year after year.
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Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this Sweet Potato Casserole recipe, a classic dish perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a buttery pecan crumble, this side dish is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 4 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 4 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the sweet potato mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugars, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until smooth. Pour into the baking dish.
- Make the topping: In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and butter. Mix until crumbly, then add pecans. Sprinkle over the sweet potatoes.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and set. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated. For a marshmallow topping, substitute pecans with mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
