Sweet potato casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s often seen on holiday tables, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas. With its rich, sweet flavor and velvety texture, it’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it an irresistible side dish for any festive meal.
The base of sweet potato casserole starts with mashed sweet potatoes, which are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients. The potatoes are cooked until tender, then mashed and mixed with butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance their natural flavor. A little cream or milk is added to make the mixture creamy and smooth, giving the casserole a luscious texture.
What makes sweet potato casserole truly special, however, is its topping. A classic version often includes a crunchy, sweet topping made from a combination of brown sugar, butter, and either chopped pecans or marshmallows. The crunchy pecans add a lovely nutty flavor and texture, while the marshmallows, when baked, become golden and gooey, adding sweetness and a bit of chewiness.
The casserole is baked until bubbly and golden on top, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a delightful contrast between the creamy sweet potato filling and the crispy, sugary topping. This dish is a great way to showcase the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes while adding depth with the warm spices and the rich, buttery finish.
These casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, ham, or pork, as well as other classic holiday side dishes like stuffing, green beans, or mashed potatoes. It also works well as a hearty side for family dinners or casual gatherings.
For drinks, a glass of sparkling cider, a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or a slightly sweet dessert wine can balance the richness of the casserole.
Sweet potato casserole is a timeless and beloved dish that brings warmth and sweetness to any meal, offering both comfort and indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups sweet potatoes cooked and mashed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed (for streusel)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans (for streusel)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (for streusel)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter to make the streusel topping.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Great recipe! My family loved it. Pecan topping was a hit!
I followed the recipe, but my casserole turned out too sweet. Maybe less sugar next time?
Just okay. Didn’t blow my mind or nothing. I’ll stick to regular potatoes.
Yum! This is a hit at my potluck every year. People are always askin for the recipe!
Did I read sweet potatoes? I thought it was yams. Confused! But still made it and was good.
It didn’t turn out golden brown for me. Just mushy. I might be doing something wrong? Help!
Maybe your oven temperature is off? Sometimes they don’t heat as they should. I usually check mine with an oven thermometer. Good luck!
I always get mushy too. It might be the sweet potatoes you used. Were they fresh or canned? That can make a big difference.
Um, where’s the marshmallows? This isn’t a real casserole without them!
Easy recipe, but why so much butter? I’m trying to eat healthy here.
I don’t know about this. Sweet potatoes and sugar together? Sounds weird.
Sweet potatoes? Yuck! Who eats that stuff? Not for me.
I think it could be too sweet with all that sugar. Maybe less sugar next time?
Wow! Going to try this for Thanksgiving, hope it impresses! 😍
Idk, I followed the instructions but it came out kinda mushy. Maybe I overmixed?
Casserole? Plz. just gimme the sweet potatoes! Yummy!
Why bother with all those extra ingredients? I just boil them and eat. Casseroles are kinda overrated.
Sweet potatoes are the best! I could eat them raw too, haha. But this casserole sounds fantastic!
Made it for Thanksgiving! Everyone loved it! Sweet potato casserole is a must on the table!
This is the best recipe ever! So sweet and yummy. I could eat the whole thing myself!
Quick and easy instructions! I actually added marshmallows on top too! 😋
Sweet potatoes are actually a vegetable but somehow tastes like dessert? Confused but happy!
Confused? It’s just sweet potatoes with sugar, how is that a dessert? 🤔
Sweet potatoes are like a hidden treasure! I love how they can be so versatile! 😍
easy to make, and it came out good. Just like my mom used to make!
This is the best sweet potato casserole I’ve ever made! So creamy and delicious! Definitely a 5!
My grandma use to make this but she said not to add that much sugar. Too sweet for me.
This is one of my favorite recipes! My family loves it. Just the right amount of sweetness. 😊