Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet potato casserole is a Southern classic with its creamy, flavorful sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan streusel topping. It’s a classic side dish perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas – whenever you’re craving sweet potatoes.

The recipe is quick to pull together, especially if you cook the sweet potatoes ahead of time. That way, you can have this delicious casserole ready for the oven in no time.

If you love sweet potatoes as much as I do, you should also try my sweet potato pecan pie. And for a unique twist, give my homemade sweet potato brownies and sweet potato muffins a try. They’re all family favorites!

Why I Love This Recipe

• Classic Flavors: This sweet potato recipe is a timeless dish with traditional, comforting flavors like sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and pecans.
• Family Favorite: It’s a hit with the whole family! The smooth, creamy sweet potato base and the crunchy, nutty topping offer the perfect contrast in textures, making it a crowd-pleaser.
• Easy to Make: This dish is a no-fuss, easy-to-make option. It’s as simple as mixing the casserole ingredients, preparing the topping, and baking it to perfection.
• Memorable: The combination of sweet potatoes and pecans in this casserole creates a memorable, unforgettable side dish that’s perfect for any gathering.

Key Ingredients

• Mashed Sweet Potatoes: These will be the star of our casserole, adding a delicious, naturally sweet flavor and a soft, creamy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: This will sweeten the sweet potatoes and help to bring out their natural sweetness.
• Butter: The melted butter will add a rich, buttery flavor to the casserole and help to keep it moist.
• Eggs: They will help to bind the sweet potato mixture together and add a light, fluffy texture.
• Vanilla: This will enhance the sweetness of the casserole and add a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: It will add a hint of spice that pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes and the other ingredients.
• Evaporated Milk, Heavy Cream, or Half-and-Half: This will add a creamy, lusciously smooth texture to the sweet potato mixture.
• Brown Sugar: It will add a rich, caramel flavor and a subtle sweetness to the topping.
• All-Purpose Flour: It will help to thicken the topping and give it a slightly crunchy texture.
• Pecans: These will add a delicious, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch to the topping.

Equipment

• Electric Mixer – You’ll need this to mix the sweet potato casserole ingredients until smooth. It’s the key to achieving the perfect texture.
• 9×13-inch Casserole Dish – This is the ideal size for this recipe. It’s important to grease it well before adding the casserole mixture.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

Preparation

To start, preheat your oven to 350˚ F and grease a 9×13 baking pan. This will make sure that your casserole doesn’t stick to the pan and bakes evenly. Cook and peel the sweet potato as well as mash it.

Step 1 – Prepare the Sweet Potato Casserole

Combine all the casserole ingredients in a bowl and use an electric mixer to beat them until they are smooth. Once combined, pour this mixture into your greased 9×13 baking pan.

Step 2 – Prepare the Casserole topping

In a separate bowl, mix together all the topping ingredients using a fork. Once they are well combined, sprinkle this topping over the sweet potato mixture in your baking pan.

Step 3 – Bake the Casserole

Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake it for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.

Step 4 – Serve the Sweet Potato Casserole

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet potatoes and crunchy pecans.

Expert Tip

Bake the sweet potatoes the day before to make this recipe a snap to put together.  Wash the sweet potatoes and poke them with a fork. Bake in a 350˚ F oven for 60-90 minutes depending on the size. Let cool and remove the skins. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to make the casserole.

Recipe Variations

• Marshmallow topping: If you’re a fan of sweet treats, try adding a layer of marshmallows on top of the sweet potato casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking. It will add a gooey, sweet contrast to the crunchy pecan topping.
• Spices: Feel free to play around with the spices in this recipe. Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice to the sweet potato mixture for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Coconut: Mix some shredded coconut into the pecan topping for a tropical twist. It’s a delicious addition that pairs well with sweet potatoes.

What to Serve With

• Like candied yams, this casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish, so it pairs well with roasted turkey, gravy, and all your other favorite holiday fixings.
• For a cozy weekend brunch, serve this casserole alongside your favorite egg dishes and some crispy bacon. The sweet and savory flavors are a perfect match.
• This casserole is a real crowd-pleaser if you’re hosting a potluck or a large family gathering. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Recipe FAQs

Storing and Reheating

• Storing: This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before covering it in an airtight container.
• Freezing: If you’d like to make this ahead of time, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy the casserole, let it thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
• Reheating: You can reheat it in the oven at 350˚F for 20-25 minutes.

Serving Size

• What to Expect: This sweet potato casserole recipe yields enough for a 9×13 inch baking dish, serving about 12 people.
• How to Scale: If you’re expecting a larger crowd or just want leftovers, you can easily double this recipe. Make sure to use a larger mixing bowl to accommodate the increased quantity of ingredients. Follow the rest of the instructions as directed.