The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Crafting the ultimate sweet potato casserole requires a delightful blend of comfort and creativity that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish with their own special twists.

Soft, creamy sweet potatoes mingle with a crunchy pecan topping that adds irresistible texture to every bite.

Marshmallows become golden and puffy, creating a decadent layer of sweetness that melts in your mouth.

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

Warmth and nostalgia flow from each spoonful, connecting you to cherished memories of family meals.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible casserole that brings pure joy to the table.

Creative Twists For Sweet Potato Casserole

• Marshmallow Crunch Casserole: Replace pecan topping with mini marshmallows, broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and puffy.
• Coconut Caribbean Edition: Add shredded coconut to sweet potato mixture, use toasted coconut flakes on top for tropical flavor.
• Spiced Maple Harvest Version: Substitute white sugar with maple syrup, add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to create warm autumn notes.
• Savory Herb Transformation: Reduce sugar, add chopped rosemary and thyme, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top for a sophisticated side dish.

Best Pairings With Sweet Potato Casserole

• Thanksgiving Centerpiece Delight: Place this golden casserole in the center of your holiday table, surrounded by autumn leaves and candles for a stunning presentation that wows guests.
• Holiday Potluck Star: Bring this sweet potato casserole to gatherings, where its rich, buttery topping and creamy base will make you the most popular guest at the party.
• Breakfast Surprise Twist: Serve a small portion alongside morning eggs and bacon for a decadent breakfast treat that transforms an ordinary morning into something special.
• Dessert Alternative Charm: Offer this casserole as a dessert replacement, topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet ending that bridges the gap between side dish and sweet course.

Keeping Sweet Potato Casserole Fresh

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and delicious in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months for a make-ahead meal option.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes until heated through and crispy on top.
• Divide into individual servings before storing to make reheating easier and more convenient for quick meals or lunch prep.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Drain them well and mash them thoroughly. The texture might be slightly different from fresh sweet potatoes, but the flavor will still be delicious.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for a golden brown topping and a set center. Insert a knife near the center – it should come out clean. The edges should be slightly bubbling and the topping should look crispy and caramelized.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the regular flour in the topping with gluten-free flour or almond flour. Make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.

Reasons To Love Sweet Potato Casserole

• Speedily Satisfying: Craft a delicious meal in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Flavor-Packed Performance: Combine hearty sausage, tender spinach, and rich Parmesan cheese for a robust dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This one-pan wonder appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner that requires minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.
• Customizable Creativity: Easily swap ingredients like switching sausage types or using different greens to match your pantry and personal preferences, ensuring the recipe adapts to your culinary mood.

What Goes Into Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: A hearty root vegetable that provides a creamy and smooth foundation for the casserole.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Sugar: Brings a delightful sweetness to the dish.
• Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy texture.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and provide structure.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
• Salt: Balances and heightens the other flavors in the dish.

• Brown Sugar, Flour: Creates a crumbly and sweet streusel-like layer.
• Butter: Helps the topping become golden and crisp.
• Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the casserole.

How To Make Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a spacious 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This creates the perfect canvas for your delicious creation.

Step 2: Create Smooth Sweet Potato Base

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Whole milk
• Large eggs
• Pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Whisk all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully incorporated. The goal is a velvety texture that will melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Layer the Sweet Potato Mixture

Carefully spread the sweet potato blend into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even surface for consistent baking and beautiful presentation.

Step 4: Craft Crunchy Pecan Topping

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

Sprinkle this delectable topping evenly across the sweet potato layer, creating a gorgeous golden-brown crust that adds crunch and sweetness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown topping that signals your casserole is ready to devour.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm, allowing the rich flavors and contrasting textures to shine.

Your guests will be begging for seconds!

Helpful Hints For Sweet Potato Casserole

• Mash sweet potatoes thoroughly to achieve a silky, lump-free texture that ensures a creamy casserole base.
• Soften butter completely before mixing to help ingredients blend seamlessly and distribute evenly throughout the dish.
• Customize the sweetness by adjusting sugar levels, keeping in mind that ripe sweet potatoes naturally bring their own delightful sweetness.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to the topping for an enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch that elevates the entire dish.
• Prevent burning by covering the casserole with foil if the topping browns too quickly during baking, allowing the entire dish to cook perfectly.

The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy sweet potato casserole brings Southern comfort to holiday tables with marshmallow and pecan toppings. Rich flavors combine classic ingredients for a memorable side dish you’ll savor at family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups (960 ml) sweet potatoes, mashed (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, creating a creamy base.
3. Gradually incorporate sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt into the sweet potato mixture, whisking until completely smooth and uniform.
4. Transfer the sweet potato blend into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to distribute evenly across the surface.
5. Create the pecan topping by combining brown sugar, flour, and melted butter in a separate bowl, ensuring a crumbly texture.
6. Gently fold chopped pecans into the sugar mixture, distributing them thoroughly throughout the topping.
7. Sprinkle the pecan mixture uniformly over the sweet potato layer, covering the entire surface with a generous, even coating.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and slight bubbling around the edges.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes, which helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
10. Serve warm as a delectable side dish, perfect for holiday gatherings or family meals.

Notes

• Boost nutrition by leaving sweet potato skins on for extra fiber and vitamins.
• Swap regular sugar with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free flour or almond flour in the topping to make the dish celiac-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
• Reduce butter content by substituting half with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version that cuts calories without sacrificing creaminess.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 222 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 103 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg