The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

There’s something special about a Sweet Potato Casserole that makes it a holiday classic and a beloved comfort food. This casserole combines creamy, spiced sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory. I remember my first taste of sweet potato casserole at a family Thanksgiving—one bite of that fluffy sweet potato base and crispy topping, and I was hooked!

This recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to please a crowd, whether you’re making it for a holiday or a cozy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

Get ready for a side dish that’s so delicious, it might just outshine the main course! This Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food and offers a little something for everyone at the table.

Creamy, Fluffy Sweet Potatoes: The sweet potatoes are whipped to a smooth, airy consistency with just the right amount of sweetness. They’re light, creamy, and a perfect foundation for the casserole.

Incredible Pecan Topping: Instead of marshmallows, this recipe uses a buttery pecan topping that creates a crunchy, caramelized layer over the casserole. It adds a savory contrast to the sweet potatoes, and the pecans become toasty and flavorful in the oven.

Simple, Classic Ingredients: This recipe uses straightforward ingredients like sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and spices. It’s a timeless recipe that brings out the best in each ingredient.

Versatile and Easy to Make: Whether you’re serving a large holiday gathering or a family dinner, this sweet potato casserole is easy to scale up or down. It’s also perfect for prepping in advance and reheating when needed.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this Sweet Potato Casserole plays an essential role in bringing out the best flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

Sweet Potatoes: Look for fresh, firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth skins. Deep orange varieties, like Garnet or Jewel, have a natural sweetness that works beautifully in this dish. You’ll need about 4 large sweet potatoes for a 9x13 casserole.

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the sweet potatoes. Light or dark brown sugar works, but dark brown sugar gives a deeper flavor.

Butter: Butter adds richness and depth, both in the sweet potatoes and in the pecan topping. You’ll want to use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness in the dish.

Spices: A pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the flavor of the sweet potatoes without overpowering them. These spices add warmth and a touch of holiday aroma.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract gives the casserole a subtle, fragrant sweetness that rounds out the flavors. It’s an optional ingredient but highly recommended!

Eggs: Adding eggs helps bind the sweet potatoes, giving the casserole a light, fluffy texture. Make sure to whisk them in well for a smooth consistency.

Pecan Topping: The pecan topping is a blend of chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and butter. This mixture creates a crunchy, sweet topping that caramelizes in the oven, adding a delicious contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes.

No special equipment is needed—just a mixing bowl, a hand mixer (optional), and a baking dish.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

Making this Sweet Potato Casserole is simple, and the results are absolutely delicious! Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a pot of water, bring it to a boil, and cook until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly before mashing.

Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add ½ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of melted butter, 2 large eggs, ½ cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of chopped pecans, ½ cup of brown sugar, ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, and ⅓ cup of melted butter until it resembles a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish, covering the entire surface.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potatoes are set. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (or if you’re making it ahead), here’s how to store your Sweet Potato Casserole:

In the Refrigerator: Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.

In the Freezer: You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To Reheat: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes. If you’d like the topping to crisp up, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Sweet Potato Casserole is how customizable it is. Here are some ways to make it your own:

Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, use a dairy-free milk like almond or coconut milk, and replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).

Add Marshmallows: For a traditional twist, add a layer of mini marshmallows on top of the pecan topping in the last 5-10 minutes of baking. They’ll melt into a gooey, golden topping that’s perfect for a sweet side.

Try a Walnut Topping: Swap out the pecans for chopped walnuts or a mix of both. Walnuts add a slightly different flavor and texture that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes.

Make It Extra Spiced: For a more spiced version, add a pinch of cloves, ginger, or even a bit of pumpkin pie spice to the sweet potato mixture. This adds a cozy, holiday-inspired twist.

Use Maple Syrup: For a natural sweetener, swap out some of the brown sugar with maple syrup. It gives the sweet potatoes a lovely caramel flavor and works well with the pecan topping.

This Sweet Potato Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. It’s creamy, crunchy, and just the right amount of sweet, with warm spices that add a cozy touch. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or just a regular family dinner, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy this classic, comforting casserole with family and friends!

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