Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole is so easy and creamy, making it the perfect holiday side dish. With a rich, velvety sweet potato base and a crunchy pecan topping, it’s always a crowd favorite. For more festive desserts, try this Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake Recipe or these Butterfinger Chocolate Caramel Crunch Truffles Recipe.

Ingredients

This sweet potato casserole recipe creates a wonderfully creamy, spiced base with a buttery pecan streusel topping that bakes up golden and crisp.

• 3 ½ pounds sweet potatoes (about 3 extra-large or 5 to 6 small-to-medium)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes thanks to streamlined preparation steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Wash and peel 3 pounds of sweet potatoes. Cut them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.

Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.

Step 2 — Cook Until Tender

Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Drain thoroughly in a colander and let them steam dry for 5 minutes to avoid a watery casserole.

Step 3 — Mash and Season

Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Mash with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth.

Stir in ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup melted butter, 2 beaten eggs, ½ cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.

Step 4 — Prepare the Topping

In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup chopped pecans, ½ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, and ¼ cup melted butter.

Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly texture. For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before mixing.

Step 5 — Assemble the Casserole

Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer, covering the surface completely.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sweet potato casserole for 25–30 minutes.

The topping should be golden brown and bubbly, and the center should be set when gently jiggled.

Step 7 — Rest Before Serving

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This allows the layers to set for cleaner slices.

Serve warm as a standout side dish for holidays or family dinners.

Nutritional Information

Calories	285
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	10g
Fiber	5g
Sodium	220mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream — Adds protein and tang while maintaining creaminess.
• Cauliflower mash blended with sweet potatoes — Lowers carbs and calories while keeping a smooth texture.
• Coconut milk instead of dairy — Creates a rich, dairy-free version with subtle tropical notes.
• Almond flour topping instead of wheat flour — Provides a gluten-free, nutty crunch to the streusel.
• Reduced-sodium broth or no-salt seasoning — Cuts sodium significantly without sacrificing savory depth.
• Mashed bananas or applesauce to replace some sugar — Natural sweetness with extra moisture and fiber.
• Pecans or walnuts instead of marshmallows — Adds healthy fats and crunch with less sugar.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with roasted turkey or glazed ham for a classic holiday feast.
• Serve alongside green beans almondine and cranberry sauce for a balanced Thanksgiving plate.
• Enjoy as a sweet side with grilled chicken or pork chops for a comforting weeknight dinner.
• Top individual portions with extra toasted marshmallows or pecans for an elegant brunch presentation.
• Bring this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe to potlucks in a decorative baking dish for easy serving.
• Create a beautiful holiday spread by garnishing with fresh rosemary sprigs and orange zest.

This versatile Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe transitions beautifully from casual family dinners to formal holiday gatherings, making it a year-round favorite that complements both savory mains and lighter vegetable sides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using canned sweet potatoes with added syrup. Fix: Roast fresh sweet potatoes to concentrate flavor and avoid excess moisture.
• Mistake: Overmixing the sweet potato filling until gluey. Fix: Mash gently until just smooth to maintain a light texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of whipping the sweet potatoes while warm. Fix: Whip warm potatoes with butter for a creamier, fluffier base.
• Mistake: Adding raw eggs to hot sweet potato mixture. Fix: Temper eggs with a bit of the warm mash first to prevent scrambling.
• Mistake: Making the topping too far in advance. Fix: Mix streusel just before baking to preserve its crisp, buttery crunch.
• Mistake: Spreading the topping too thickly. Fix: Scatter topping evenly in clumps for optimal browning and texture contrast.
• Mistake: Under-baking the casserole. Fix: Bake until the center is hot and bubbly (165°F internal temperature).
• Mistake: Not toasting nuts for the topping. Fix: Toast pecans or walnuts first to enhance their flavor and crunch.
• Mistake: Serving straight from the oven. Fix: Let the sweet potato casserole rest 10–15 minutes so it sets for cleaner slices.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty foil; freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw if frozen, then bake covered at 350°F until heated through to 165°F internally.

Always use shallow containers for quicker cooling and to maintain food safety when storing your Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is the perfect side dish for any holiday table. We hope you love it! Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments. For more festive desserts, check out our No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie Recipe or Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What is the best way to mash the sweet potatoes for this casserole?

For the smoothest texture in your Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe, boil or bake the sweet potatoes until tender, then peel and mash them with a potato masher or ricer. Avoid using a food processor, as it can make the potatoes gluey.

Can I substitute the pecans in the topping?

Absolutely, you can replace pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunch. For a nut-free version, use rolled oats or a crunchy cereal. This substitution keeps the topping delicious while customizing the Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe to your preference.