The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: Cozy Fall Comfort in a Dish

Comfort meets culinary magic in this delectable sweet potato casserole that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

Crispy marshmallow topping and creamy sweet potato layers combine into a heavenly side dish.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen flood back with each spoonful of this nostalgic treat.

Rich, velvety potatoes mingle with warm spices and a crunchy pecan streusel that adds delightful texture.

Packed with wholesome ingredients, this recipe brings warmth to your holiday table.

Simple to prepare and impossible to resist, you’ll find yourself returning for seconds.

Every bite promises a moment of pure deliciousness that connects family and celebrates tradition.

Sweet Potato Casserole: What Makes It The Best

• Customize with Ease: Swap pecans for other nuts or add marshmallows to make this recipe uniquely yours, giving you creative cooking freedom.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults with its sweet, creamy texture and crunchy pecan topping, making it a versatile side dish.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can create this delicious dish without complicated cooking techniques.

Must-Have Ingredients For Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Creamy and nutritious root vegetables that form the heart of this comforting casserole.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the casserole ingredients together.
• Milk: Contributes to the creamy consistency of the sweet potato mixture.
• Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, complex flavor that complements the sweet potatoes.
• Cinnamon: Brings a classic, warming spice that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.

• Flour: Creates a light, crisp texture for the casserole topping.
• Pecans: Provide a crunchy, nutty contrast to the smooth sweet potato base.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of sweetness and helps create a caramelized topping.
• Butter: Helps bind the topping ingredients and creates a golden, crispy surface.

Sweet Potato Casserole: Cooking Steps To Follow

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sweet Potato Base

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Milk
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon

Blend everything until super smooth, then spread this dreamy mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Craft the Crunchy Pecan Topping

• Flour
• Chopped pecans
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this delectable mixture generously over the sweet potato layer, creating a mouthwatering golden crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

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

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and starts bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after pulling it out of the oven.

This allows the flavors to settle and makes cutting and serving a breeze.

Enjoy your comforting, sweet potato masterpiece!

Chef’s Best Advice For Sweet Potato Casserole

• Use a potato masher or electric mixer to create a smooth, lump-free sweet potato base for a creamy texture.
• Adjust sugar quantity based on personal preference or dietary needs, using less sugar or natural sweeteners like honey.
• Add a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor and potential health benefits.
• Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and create a crunchier topping.
• Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenient holiday meal planning.

Tasty Sweet Potato Casserole Variations

• Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend in the topping. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Nut-Free Version: Remove pecans from the topping and replace with rolled oats or sunflower seeds for crunch. Use seeds or oats to maintain the texture and add nutritional value.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative and use less sweetener in the sweet potato base.

Serving Suggestions For Sweet Potato Casserole

• Family Feast Centerpiece: Showcase this sweet potato casserole as a stunning main side dish during Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings, positioned beautifully in the center of your dining table.
• Comfort Breakfast Remix: Transform leftovers into a delightful morning treat by reheating individual portions and topping with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Potluck Party Star: Bring this casserole to community gatherings or potlucks, knowing it's a crowd-pleaser that travels well and tastes amazing at room temperature or slightly warm.
• Dessert Alternative Magic: Serve this dish as a semi-sweet dessert option for those who prefer less sugary endings, pairing perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Saving Sweet Potato Casserole The Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Move frozen casserole to refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing prevents texture changes and maintains quality.
• Warm in oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent topping from burning. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

• What are sweet potatoes good for?

Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants that support eye health, boost immunity, and help regulate blood sugar levels.

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work perfectly if you’re short on time. Just drain them well and mash before mixing with other ingredients.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Reduce sugar by half, use alternative sweeteners like honey, replace some butter with Greek yogurt, or add more nuts for extra nutrition.

• Why do I need to add eggs to the sweet potato mixture?

Eggs help bind the ingredients, create a smoother texture, and provide additional protein and richness to the casserole.

The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet potato casserole brings Southern comfort to holiday tables with marshmallow-topped goodness. Rich, creamy layers of mashed sweet potatoes combine with crunchy pecan streusel, creating a dessert-like side dish you’ll crave all year long.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup milk

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Transform boiled sweet potatoes into a velvety puree, whisking in melted butter, eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla, and ground cinnamon until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Transfer the sweet potato blend into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
4. Craft the crumbly pecan topping by blending flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter until it forms a rustic, textured mixture.
5. Generously scatter the pecan topping across the sweet potato base, creating a complete and even coverage.
6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and slight bubbling around the edges.
7. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes, which helps the layers set and intensifies the flavors.
8. Serve warm as a decadent side dish, perfect for holiday gatherings or comfort food evenings.

Notes

• Opt for organic sweet potatoes to enhance the natural, rich flavor and boost nutritional value.
• Mash sweet potatoes while still warm to achieve a smoother, creamier texture without lumps.
• Customize the topping by replacing pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for different dietary preferences or allergies.
• Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for a healthier version of the classic casserole.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 234 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 24 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg