Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
If there’s one holiday dish that truly steals the spotlight and inspires everyone to ask for seconds, it has to be Sweet Potato Casserole. This classic comfort food is the ultimate blend of creamy, fluffy sweet potatoes layered with a toasty streusel topping, and the perfect hint of spice and sweetness. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or a regular weeknight dinner, Sweet Potato Casserole always delivers that nostalgic, homey flavor everyone craves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the humble ingredient list fool you—each item here has an important role to play in making your Sweet Potato Casserole absolutely irresistible. From the natural sweetness of the potatoes to a nutty, buttery topping, these pantry staples come together to create a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose large, vibrant sweet potatoes for a naturally creamy, sweet base that’s easy to mash.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to highlight the flavor of the potatoes.
- Eggs: Help bind the mixture and create that signature fluffy texture in the casserole.
- Unsalted Butter: Brings richness to both the filling and topping for a decadent result.
- Milk: A splash of milk makes the potato mixture smooth and airy.
- Vanilla Extract: A fragrant background note that elevates the sweet flavors.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and wakes up all the other flavors.
- Brown Sugar: Essential for a caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth topping.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a crumbly, deliciously crisp topping layer.
- Pecans: Sprinkle on top for a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the smooth filling.
- Mini Marshmallows (optional): For those who love an extra gooey, toasty finish, add a handful before baking.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into large chunks, then boil them in a big pot of salted water until they’re fork-tender—this usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once they’re ready, drain well, then let them cool slightly before mashing. This step is all about getting the base smooth and luscious.
Step 2: Mash and Sweeten
Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Add the granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mash and mix until everything is combined and velvety-smooth. Don’t worry if there are a few tiny lumps—they add lovely texture.
Step 3: Fill the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, then spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the pan. The filling should look rich and fluffy, promising all that creamy goodness in every bite.
Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Stir until crumbly and evenly coated. This streusel is the secret weapon that makes your Sweet Potato Casserole truly special—crisp, nutty, and sweet all at once.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Scatter the streusel generously over the sweet potato filling. If you love a marshmallow finish, go ahead and sprinkle some mini marshmallows on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden and bubbling.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
The finishing touch can be as simple or as decadent as you like. Toasted extra pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup all add a beautiful flair—and if you opted for marshmallows, those gooey, golden tops always steal hearts.
Side Dishes
Sweet Potato Casserole loves company! Pair it alongside roasted turkey or ham for a classic holiday menu, or brighten up a weeknight meal with fresh green beans, cranberry sauce, or a tangy beet salad—the creamy sweetness is a lovely counterpoint to savory mains and crisp veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t feel limited to the traditional casserole dish. Try making mini casseroles in ramekins for personal portions, layer leftovers in a jar for a whimsical lunch, or even use star-shaped cutters for an eye-catching holiday brunch. However you present it, Sweet Potato Casserole always brings the wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet Potato Casserole keeps beautifully! Cover your dish tightly or transfer portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making every forkful just as dreamy as the first.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap securely with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze either before baking (without the marshmallows) or after, for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Sweet Potato Casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. A quick zap in the microwave works for single servings, but the oven method keeps the streusel topping crunchy and fresh.
FAQs
Can I make Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the streusel and marshmallows (if using) just before baking so the topping stays extra crunchy.
What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes?
A classic potato masher works perfectly, but if you want ultra-smooth results, use a hand mixer or food processor. A few little chunks are welcome for a rustic texture!
How do I make this recipe nut-free?
Simply skip the pecans, or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without the allergens. The rest of the casserole will still shine!
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes are a great shortcut! Simply drain them well, then proceed as directed. Because canned varieties are already sweet and soft, you may want to taste and adjust the sugar level.
Why does my topping get soggy?
Soggy topping can happen if the casserole is covered while hot or if the streusel sits too long before baking. Always add the topping right before it goes in the oven and bake uncovered for maximum crunch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to serve up a big, steaming spoonful of Sweet Potato Casserole and watch everyone dive in—you simply can’t go wrong with a dish that’s this cozy, nostalgic, and utterly delicious. Try it once, and you’ll find it’s a tradition worth savoring year after year!
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Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic holiday side dish that combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Sweet Potato Mixture:
Topping:
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, milk, butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Spread this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Make Topping: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, butter, and pecans. Sprinkle this topping over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can make this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar in both the sweet potato mixture and the topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
