Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

The Most Dreamy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Ever

Creamy sweet potato casserole promises a delightful twist on classic comfort food that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Soft, velvety potatoes blend perfectly with a crunchy marshmallow topping.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this beloved side dish during holiday gatherings.

Grandmothers passed down secret techniques through generations, creating memories around warm, inviting tables.

Buttery layers melt together, creating a harmony of textures that complement any main course.

Cozy and indulgent, this recipe brings warmth to your dining experience.

You’ll fall in love with every single spoonful of this irresistible casserole.

Flavorful Twists That Work with Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Vegan Sweet Potato Delight: Replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and swap butter with coconut oil for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend in the topping, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation.
  • Marshmallow-Topped Classic: Skip the pecan topping and cover the sweet potato layer with mini marshmallows for a traditional holiday-style casserole.
  • Spiced Autumn Casserole: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger to the sweet potato mixture for a warm, seasonal flavor profile.

Pairing Options for Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Showcase this golden-brown casserole as the star of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs for an elegant touch.
  • Cozy Comfort Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting the cold creaminess contrast beautifully with the sweet potato's warmth.
  • Brunch Favorite: Cut into smaller squares and pair with crispy bacon and scrambled eggs for a delightful weekend morning meal that feels indulgent yet satisfying.
  • Potluck Champion: Transport this casserole in a portable dish, knowing it travels well and always impresses at community gatherings or family reunions.

How to Keep Sweet Potato Casserole Fresh

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring the casserole cools completely before storing.
  • Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and protect from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Freeze individual portions or the entire casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months, wrapping securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
  • Reheat refrigerated casserole in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the topping from burning, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

  • Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work well. Just drain and mash them before mixing with other ingredients.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day before and refrigerate. Just add the topping right before baking.

  • How do I know if the sweet potato mixture is properly mixed?

The mixture should be smooth and creamy with no lumps. Use a whisk or electric mixer to ensure even blending.

  • Can I substitute pecans with another nut?

Definitely! Walnuts or almonds make great alternatives if you prefer or have them on hand.

Sweet Potato Casserole: What Makes It a Holiday Classic

Sweet Potato Casserole: What Makes It a Holiday Classic
  • Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Dish: This sweet potato casserole brings comfort and joy to any gathering, delighting guests with its rich, creamy texture and irresistible pecan topping.
  • Elevate Holiday Celebrations: Perfect for thanksgiving and winter festivities, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping side dish that feels extra special.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Beginners can confidently prepare this recipe with basic mixing and baking skills, creating a delicious result that looks and tastes professionally made.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap pecans for other nuts or add marshmallows to personalize the topping, making this versatile dish adaptable to different preferences and family traditions.

Ingredients Behind Sweet Potato Casserole

Base Ingredients:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Creamy and sweet root vegetable that forms the foundation of this comforting casserole.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the casserole.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and contributes to the creamy consistency.
  • Milk: Creates a soft and moist base for the sweet potato mixture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet potatoes.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Flour, Brown Sugar, Pecans: Create a crunchy, sweet, and nutty topping that adds texture and depth to the casserole.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sweet Potato Casserole

Step-by-Step Guide to Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect environment for your delicious casserole.

Step 2: Create Silky Sweet Potato Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine these magical ingredients:
  • Mashed sweet potatoes
  • Granulated sugar
  • Beaten eggs
  • Melted butter
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Whisk everything together until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy dream.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Canvas

Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread the velvety sweet potato mixture evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Craft the Crunchy Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together:
  • Flour
  • Chopped pecans
  • Brown sugar

Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes a delightful, crumbly masterpiece.

Step 5: Shower with Pecan Goodness

Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer, creating a golden-brown blanket of deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

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

Watch for the topping to turn a gorgeous golden brown and the casserole to heat through completely.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, letting the flavors mingle and settle.

Then dive into this comforting, sweet potato paradise.

Tips to Perfect Sweet Potato Casserole Flavor

  • Swap white sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index and deeper caramel flavor.
  • Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk to make the recipe dairy-free and suitable for lactose-intolerant guests.
  • Reduce butter quantity by half and use Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version without compromising creamy texture.
  • Toast pecans before adding to the topping to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a more complex, robust taste profile.
  • Prepare sweet potato mixture a day ahead and refrigerate to develop deeper flavors and save time on cooking day.
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Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Southern sweet potato casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to holiday tables with its creamy filling and crunchy pecan topping. Families gather around this classic dish, savoring memories of warmth and tradition you’ll treasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 45 medium sweet potatoes)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter

Binding/Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup milk

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, creating a velvety base that captures the vegetable’s natural sweetness.
  3. Incorporate beaten eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt into the sweet potato mixture, whisking until the texture becomes uniformly smooth and creamy.
  4. Transfer the silky sweet potato mixture into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish, using a spatula to distribute the blend evenly across the surface.
  5. Prepare the nutty topping by combining flour, finely chopped pecans, and brown sugar in a separate bowl, ensuring ingredients are well-integrated.
  6. Pour melted butter into the pecan mixture, gently stirring until the topping achieves a delicate, crumbly consistency.
  7. Delicately scatter the pecan crumble across the sweet potato layer, creating a textured and appetizing surface.
  8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and ensuring the interior is thoroughly heated.
  9. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors settle before serving.

Notes

  • Swap out granulated sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower glycemic index option that keeps the dish diabetes-friendly.
  • Consider roasting sweet potatoes instead of boiling to intensify their natural caramelized flavor and preserve more nutrients.
  • Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for a warm, aromatic depth that complements the pecan topping.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the crumble topping.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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