Name: Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4–5 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and boiled); ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup light brown sugar; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened); ½ cup chopped pecans

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There are some recipes that instantly take you back home, and for me, this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is at the very top of that list. Creamy, sweet, perfectly spiced, and finished with a buttery, pecan-studded crumble, it’s beloved at family gatherings and sure to earn fans at any table. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday feast or simply craving a cozy, feel-good side dish, this casserole delivers in every bite. Trust me, after one spoonful, you’ll see why it holds a permanent spot in my heart (and hopefully, soon in yours, too)!

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the many joys of this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is how it turns everyday ingredients into something truly memorable. Each component brings a unique touch to the texture, taste, or beautiful golden hue of the finished dish. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why each part matters:

Mashed sweet potatoes: The vibrant orange base brings natural sweetness and a creamy texture that makes this casserole irresistible.
Granulated sugar: Lends just the right amount of extra sweetness to balance the earthiness of the potatoes.
Large eggs: These add rich structure and help the casserole set perfectly while baking.
Milk: A splash gives the filling a lovely silkiness without making it runny.
Unsalted butter (melted): This contributes a rich, indulgent flavor that melds every ingredient together.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor for a hint of warmth and depth.
Salt: A small amount brightens all the other flavors so each bite sings.
Light brown sugar: For the topping, its molasses notes give a deep sweetness and gorgeous caramel tones.
All-purpose flour: Helps form that irresistible crumbly topping everyone loves.
Unsalted butter (softened): Soft and rich, this mixes into the topping so it bakes to golden, buttery perfection.
Chopped pecans: Add the perfect crunch and a nutty contrast that keeps every bite interesting.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling and chopping your sweet potatoes into chunks, then boiling them in a large pot of water until they’re wonderfully fork-tender. Drain and mash while still warm; I personally like to keep a few tiny chunks for extra texture, but feel free to mash until completely smooth if you prefer.

Step 2: Mix Up the Filling

In a big mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Grab a sturdy spatula and stir until everything is silky and well blended—this is where the Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe magic begins. Pour and spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for even baking.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, toss together the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans until you have a crumbly, sweet mixture. You can use your fingers to pinch and mix for larger, buttery crumbs (just try not to sneak too many tastes!).

Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the sweet potato base, covering every inch with that crunchy goodness. Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust and a bubbling edge—your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly by this point!

Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve

After baking, let your Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This brief pause lets the flavors settle and makes scooping easier (even if the anticipation is tough to handle!).

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans over the top just before serving gives a lovely crunch and finishing touch. For a more classic twist, scatter on a few mini marshmallows and toast them under the broiler for the last 5–10 minutes of baking. Even a light dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the presentation in seconds.

Side Dishes

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully alongside turkey or ham for holiday tables. For everyday meals, try it with roast chicken or a simple salad with sharp vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. Even as part of a vegetarian spread, it holds its own and adds a cozy, crowd-pleasing element.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive dinner party look, you can bake individual servings in ramekins or mini cocottes. Or, assemble the casserole a day ahead, then bake and finish with marshmallows or candied ginger for a fun flavor twist. You can even experiment with other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts in the topping for extra variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, making this the perfect dish for enjoying again and again (if it lasts that long!).

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the fully baked casserole! Let it cool completely, then cover it securely with a layer of plastic wrap followed by foil. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat servings in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the topping is re-crisped—usually about 15 minutes for a small portion. In a hurry, you can microwave individual scoops, but the oven is where the topping really shines.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through nicely.

Can I substitute the pecans in the topping?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work beautifully in this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe topping, or you can omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free version—just add an extra tablespoon of flour to keep the crumble texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

While the standard version uses all-purpose flour in the topping, you can easily swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive guests.

What if I don’t have light brown sugar for the topping?

You can use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor, or even granulated sugar in a pinch (though you’ll miss a bit of that signature caramel note).

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, but opt for canned sweet potatoes in water, not syrup. Drain them thoroughly and adjust the sugar slightly since canned versions tend to be sweeter than fresh.

Final Thoughts

If your friends and family love a mix of comfort, nostalgia, and mouthwatering flavor, this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a must-bake. I hope you give it a try soon, and that it becomes a cherished staple on your table as it has on mine!

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this classic Sweet Potato Casserole. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, this dish is a must-have for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Sweet Potatoes:

4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4–5 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and boiled)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

Topping:

½ cup light brown sugar
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix sweet potatoes: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth.
Prepare topping: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and pecans until crumbly.
Assemble: Spread sweet potato mixture in a greased baking dish. Top with the pecan mixture.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and heated through. Let cool before serving.