The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a delightful sweet potato casserole brings comfort and warmth to any gathering.

Creamy mashed potatoes blend perfectly with a crunchy pecan topping that surprises every fork.

Midwest kitchens know this dish as a holiday classic that sparks memories.

Marshmallows add a playful twist to the traditional recipe, creating layers of texture and taste.

Southern cooks have mastered the art of balancing sweetness with subtle spices.

Generous portions invite everyone to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible side dish.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for every special meal ahead.

Ingredients for Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: A creamy and nutritious vegetable that provides the foundation for this classic casserole.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
• Eggs: Help bind the casserole ingredients and create a smooth, cohesive texture.
• Milk: Contributes to the creamy consistency of the sweet potato mixture.
• Melted Butter: Enhances richness and adds a smooth, velvety texture to the base.

• Vanilla: Provides a warm, sweet undertone that complements the sweet potatoes.
• Cinnamon: Offers a warm, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies the overall flavor of the dish.

• Flour, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter: Create a crumbly, sweet streusel-like topping.
• Pecans: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the casserole's surface.

Preparation Steps for Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

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

Step 2: Blend Sweet Potato Magic

• Creamy mashed sweet potatoes
• Granulated sugar
• Beaten eggs
• Melted butter
• Whole milk
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks silky smooth. Pour and spread this golden mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Create Crunchy Pecan Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Chopped pecans

Stir until the ingredients form a crumbly, nutty blend.

Step 4: Sprinkle Topping Delight

Generously scatter the pecan mixture across the top of the sweet potato base, ensuring an even coverage.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown topping and a warm, bubbling center.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Classic Sweet Potato Casserole

• Choose ripe, vibrant orange sweet potatoes for the richest flavor and most creamy texture when mashing.
• Whip the sweet potato mixture thoroughly to eliminate lumps and create a silky smooth consistency.
• Toast pecans lightly before adding to the topping for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch.
• Adjust sugar levels to taste, reducing for a less sweet version or using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup for dietary needs.
• Cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if the topping browns too quickly to prevent burning.

Flavorful Twists on Sweet Potato Casserole

• Marshmallow Magic: Replace pecan topping with a layer of marshmallows for a gooey, classic sweet potato casserole that kids will love.
• Coconut Crunch: Swap pecans for toasted coconut flakes and add a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top for a tropical flavor profile.
• Maple Pecan Upgrade: Mix maple syrup into the sweet potato base and use maple-glazed pecans for the topping to enhance the caramel-like sweetness.
• Savory Herb Version: Reduce sugar, add fresh thyme and rosemary to the sweet potato mixture, and top with crispy bacon bits for a savory alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potato Casserole

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Arrange the casserole on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and whole pecans. Scatter cinnamon sticks nearby for an aromatic holiday touch that delights guests.
• Comfort Brunch Companion: Serve alongside crispy bacon strips and scrambled eggs. The sweet and savory combination creates a hearty morning meal that feels like a warm family gathering.
• Thanksgiving Side Dish Elegance: Garnish with toasted marshmallow swirls on top and drizzle maple syrup around the edges. Pair with roasted turkey and cranberry sauce for a classic seasonal presentation that celebrates traditional flavors.

Storage Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole

• Store leftover sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm the casserole in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the topping from burning. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• Why are pecans used in the topping?

Pecans add a delicious crunch and rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweet and creamy sweet potato base, creating a more complex and satisfying texture.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Simply cover it with foil and bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Are sweet potatoes nutritious?

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthier alternative to regular potatoes and providing excellent nutritional benefits.

• What if I don't like pecans?

You can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or skip nuts entirely and use additional brown sugar or oats for the topping crunch.

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Must-Knows

• Satisfy Hunger Quickly: Packed with protein from ground beef and comforting potatoes, this dish delivers a hearty meal that fills empty stomachs and keeps everyone satisfied.
• Master with Minimal Skills: Perfect for beginner cooks, the recipe requires basic kitchen techniques like browning meat and making a simple cheese sauce, making it accessible for anyone wanting to improve cooking confidence.
• Family Dinner Champion: Kids and adults alike will love the rich, cheesy combination that transforms classic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal everyone can enjoy together around the table.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward preparation mean you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying delicious food with your loved ones.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern sweet potato casserole blends comfort and nostalgia in one delightful dish. Marshmallow-topped goodness promises a memorable side that connects generations around holiday tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (950 ml) sweet potatoes, mashed (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Thoroughly blend mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until creating a silky, uniform mixture.
3. Transfer the sweet potato blend into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even surface with a smooth spatula.
4. Create the crumbly topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and melted butter in a separate mixing bowl, stirring until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
5. Fold chopped pecans into the topping mixture, distributing them evenly for consistent crunch and flavor.
6. Generously sprinkle the pecan-studded topping across the entire sweet potato base, covering the surface completely.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and ensuring the interior is thoroughly heated.
8. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the casserole set and flavors meld together.

Notes

• Boost nutrition by leaving sweet potato skins on, which adds extra fiber and minerals to the dish.
• Swap out traditional sugar for maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
• Make this casserole dairy-free by using coconut milk and plant-based butter alternatives for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Reduce topping calories by using less butter and incorporating rolled oats for a lighter, crunchier texture that still delivers satisfying taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 156
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 71 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg