There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of sweet potato casserole baking in the oven. The soft sweetness of the potatoes combined with a rich, buttery topping makes this dish an instant classic on any table. Whether it's Thanksgiving or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
My love for sweet potato casserole started with family gatherings, where this dish always stole the spotlight. It's the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a crunchy topping that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to make your own? Let’s dive in.
Why You'll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort food. Sweet potato casserole is not just a holiday dish; it's a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
First, it's incredibly easy to make. Even if you're not a seasoned cook, the simple steps and readily available ingredients make this recipe approachable for everyone.
This dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. Sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness and pack a nutritional punch, loaded with vitamins and fiber.
The versatility of this recipe is another reason to love it. You can customize the topping to suit your preferences, from classic marshmallows to a nutty crumble that adds the perfect crunch.
Finally, it's a time-saver. You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, making it ideal for busy days when you want a dish that's both convenient and impressive.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this sweet potato casserole lies in its combination of simple yet carefully selected ingredients. Each one contributes to the dish's rich flavor and irresistible texture.
The sweet potatoes are the star of the show. Choose medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin for the best results. Their natural sweetness shines through after roasting and mashing.
Butter is a key ingredient in both the mashed sweet potatoes and the topping. Use unsalted butter for better control of the dish's flavor, and let it soften to room temperature for easier mixing.
Brown sugar brings a warm, caramel-like sweetness that complements the earthiness of the sweet potatoes. If you're watching your sugar intake, you can substitute it with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
For the topping, pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty depth. Toasting the pecans beforehand enhances their flavor, making every bite even more delicious.
Finally, a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg ties everything together with a cozy, spiced aroma. Adjust the amounts to your taste, but don't skip them—they're essential for that classic flavor.
You'll also need a large mixing bowl, a potato masher, and a casserole dish for assembly.
How To Make This Sweet Potato Casserole

Creating this sweet potato casserole is a straightforward process that delivers exceptional results. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing your sweet potatoes. Peel and chop them into chunks, then boil in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth, then mix in softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of vanilla extract. This creates a rich, flavorful base that forms the heart of the casserole.
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Now it's time for the best part—the topping.
In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. Stir until crumbly, then sprinkle the mixture generously over the sweet potatoes. For an extra touch, add mini marshmallows on half the dish if you want to please multiple preferences.
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is heated through. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
From start to finish, this recipe takes about an hour, making it an excellent choice for busy schedules.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though that's rare!), storing this casserole is easy and ensures it tastes just as good the next day.
To refrigerate, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh for up to four days.
For longer storage, transfer the casserole to an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating is simple. Pop the casserole into a preheated 350°F oven and heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If the topping looks dry, cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
Variations and Substitutions
This sweet potato casserole recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ideas to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
For a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of milk. Skip the marshmallows or use a vegan variety.
If you're looking to reduce sugar, try using maple syrup in place of brown sugar for a more natural sweetness. It pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Want to add a twist? Incorporate shredded coconut into the topping for a tropical flair, or mix in dried cranberries for a pop of tartness.
For a savory take, skip the sweet topping and use a breadcrumb and herb mixture instead. It creates a dish that's just as satisfying but less sugary.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
Sweet potato casserole is more than a dish; it's an experience of comfort and flavor that brings people together. Whether you're serving it as a holiday side or a weekday treat, it’s a guaranteed hit. Ready to make it your own? Gather your ingredients and give it a try!
PrintSweet Potato Casserole Recipe
This sweet potato casserole recipe combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping for the ultimate holiday side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and melted butter to create the topping.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or almond milk instead of regular milk.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
- Make ahead by preparing the casserole a day in advance and baking it before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅛ of casserole
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
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