Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
If there’s one dish that has the power to instantly bring comfort, nostalgia, and a wave of smiles to any holiday table, it’s this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. Imagine perfectly mashed sweet potatoes blended with warm vanilla and lightly sweetened, then crowned with a buttery, brown sugar pecan crunch topping. In less than an hour, you can create a luscious side that’s destined to become the star of your meal—no matter the season!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a breeze, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—each one plays a vital role in making this dish truly irresistible. From the creamy richness of sweet potatoes to the addictive crunch of the pecan topping, these essentials are what give the casserole its unforgettable harmony of flavors and textures.
- Mashed sweet potatoes: The heart and soul of the casserole, their natural sweetness and silkiness shine through as the main base.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance and enhance the flavors.
- Large eggs: Act as binders, giving structure and a slight richness to the mash.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Lends creaminess and a subtle buttery note throughout the dish.
- Whole milk: Keeps the sweet potato mixture extra creamy and smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, making every bite taste special.
- Salt: Just a pinch heightens all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Brown sugar (for topping): Caramelizes while baking and gives that classic, sweet crunch.
- All-purpose flour (for topping): Makes the pecan crumble hold together, creating delicious, golden nuggets on top.
- Unsalted butter (softened, for topping): Helps create those irresistible, buttery crumbs in the topping.
- Chopped pecans (for topping): Add a wonderful nutty crunch that takes the casserole to a whole new level.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe will bake evenly and release effortlessly, while also adding a hint of buttery flavor to the very edges.
Step 2: Combine the Sweet Potato Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, add your 4 cups of mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir it all together until you have a smooth, homogenous mixture. The eggs and milk create silkiness, while the butter and sugar add the perfect level of richness and sweetness.
Step 3: Spread in the Dish
Pour your beautifully blended sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure every corner is covered for a uniform bake. This even layer ensures both flavor and texture consistency in every serving.
Step 4: Make the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour for the topping. Cut in the softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter, working it in until you see small, crumbly clumps. Gently fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them so your entire topping is loaded with nutty crunch.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Sprinkle your pecan topping generously over the sweet potato mixture. Try to distribute the topping evenly, so each bite of the casserole includes a little taste of that irresistible sweet and crunchy layer.
Step 6: Bake
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown topping that’s delightfully crisp, and for the casserole to be heated right through. Let it cool slightly before serving, so the flavors can settle—and so no one burns their tongue from sheer excitement!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To truly make your Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe shine, try garnishing with a few extra chopped pecans right before serving for extra crunch. A handful of toasted mini marshmallows added during the last five minutes of baking also brings a nostalgic, gooey sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a classic roasted turkey or ham, but don’t stop there! Bright, tangy cranberry sauce or buttery green beans make wonderful companions, balancing the casserole’s sweetness and adding color to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in ramekins for a personal touch, or use a decorative casserole dish to create a show-stopping centerpiece. For potlucks or family gatherings, scoop generous helpings right from the dish with a big serving spoon—the rustic style invites everyone to dig in together, which is exactly as it should be.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, just cover the casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerated, it will stay delicious for up to 4 days, ready to bring a burst of sweetness to any meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (without the marshmallow garnish, if using). Wrap thoroughly with plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping regains its crunch. If reheating individual servings, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the oven will always bring back that freshly baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes work beautifully. Just drain them well and mash before following the recipe as written.
Is it possible to make this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite non-dairy milk and plant-based butter. You’ll still get all the creaminess and flavor with a dairy-free twist.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead and bake later?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole (without the topping) and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, add the topping and bring the dish to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
What if I don’t like pecans?
No problem at all. Swap in walnuts or leave the nuts out completely—the brown sugar topping will still deliver a lovely crunch and sweetness.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Keep an eye out for bubbling edges and a golden-brown, slightly crisp topping. The casserole should be set and heated through, with delicious aromas wafting from the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about serving this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe, whether it’s for a festive holiday spread or just a cozy family dinner. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and turns moments into memories. Give it a try, and get ready for requests to make it again and again!
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Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan topping, this dish is a sweet and savory delight.
Ingredients
Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4–5 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix sweet potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Prepare topping: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and flour. Cut in softened butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans.
- Assemble and bake: Spread sweet potato mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle topping evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- For a sweeter variation, add mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
