There's nothing quite like the comforting warmth of sweet potato casserole, especially when the holidays roll around. This classic dish combines creamy, buttery sweet potatoes with a perfectly golden topping, making it a must-have on any festive table.
My love affair with this recipe began during a Thanksgiving dinner years ago. I was captivated by its rich flavors and delightful textures, and since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen for special occasions and cozy family dinners.
Ready to discover why this sweet potato casserole is a crowd-pleaser? Let’s dive in.
Why You'll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Get ready to enjoy a side dish that steals the spotlight every time. This sweet potato casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare.
First and foremost, it’s a dish that appeals to all ages. From the creamy, lightly spiced sweet potato base to the crisp, sweet topping, it has something for everyone to love.
It’s also surprisingly versatile. While traditionally a holiday favorite, this casserole works beautifully as a side for any comfort-food-inspired dinner.
Another reason to adore this recipe? It can be made ahead of time, saving you precious moments during busy cooking days. Simply prepare it in advance and bake it when you’re ready.
Finally, the combination of flavors and textures is unbeatable. The balance of sweet and savory, soft and crunchy, makes every bite a delight. You’ll find yourself coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this sweet potato casserole lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one contributes to the dish’s incredible flavor and texture.
Sweet potatoes form the heart of this recipe. Choose medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin for the best results. They’ll roast up perfectly tender and mash easily into a creamy base.
Butter adds richness and a velvety smoothness to the sweet potatoes. I recommend unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
Brown sugar brings a warm, caramel-like sweetness to both the sweet potatoes and the topping. For an extra depth of flavor, you can use dark brown sugar.
Pecans are a star in the crunchy topping. Their nutty flavor and satisfying texture perfectly complement the creamy base. Toasting them lightly before adding them to the casserole enhances their natural nuttiness.
If you’re a fan of marshmallows, you can include them as part of the topping. They melt into a gooey, golden layer that’s simply irresistible. Special equipment like a potato masher or a hand mixer can make the mashing process quicker and smoother.
How To Make This Sweet Potato Casserole

Making this casserole is simpler than you might think, and the results are so worth it. Follow these easy steps to create a dish that will wow your guests.
Start by roasting your sweet potatoes. Preheat the oven to 400°F, pierce the potatoes with a fork, and roast them for about 45-60 minutes until they’re soft. This step enhances their natural sweetness and makes peeling a breeze.
Once cooled slightly, peel the potatoes and mash them in a large bowl. Add melted butter, brown sugar, a splash of milk, and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Prepare the topping by combining brown sugar, flour, butter, and chopped pecans in a separate bowl. Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re adding marshmallows, save them for the final bake.
Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly distribute the pecan topping over the surface. If you’re using marshmallows, sprinkle them on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Bake the casserole at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbling. Serve warm and enjoy the compliments pouring in.
Storage Options
Sweet potato casserole is just as wonderful the next day, making it an excellent candidate for leftovers.
To store, let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you’d like to freeze it, prepare the casserole up until the baking step. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
Reheating is easy. Pop individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to get creative.
For a slightly healthier version, you can reduce the amount of butter and sugar in the sweet potato mixture. The natural sweetness of the potatoes will still shine through.
Want to add a touch of citrusy brightness? Stir in a teaspoon of orange zest to the mashed sweet potatoes.
If pecans aren’t your favorite, try swapping them out for walnuts or even a crunchy granola topping.
Prefer a savory twist? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sweet potatoes for a subtle kick.
Finally, for a dairy-free option, substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter.
This sweet potato casserole is a canvas for your culinary creativity, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your unique spin on it, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
PrintThe Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
The best sweet potato casserole recipe combines creamy sweet potatoes with a buttery pecan topping for a classic holiday side dish that everyone will love.
- 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 whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- For the topping, mix brown sugar, flour, and melted butter in a bowl until crumbly. Stir in the pecans.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use canned sweet potatoes for convenience, or roast fresh ones for richer flavor.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred.
- Add mini marshmallows for a sweet twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about ⅛ of the dish)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
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