Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

This Sweet Potato Casserole is the kind of comfort food that draws everyone to the table, thanks to its velvety mashed sweet potatoes, irresistible brown sugar-pecan topping, and that gentle hint of vanilla warmth. It’s sweet, nutty, and perfectly balanced—a showstopper that steals the spotlight at holidays, but honestly, deserves a spot in your year-round rotation. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving or whipping it up for a Sunday supper, this casserole brings together friends and family in the most delicious way.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these familiar, wholesome ingredients, and you’re halfway to sweet potato bliss! Each item plays an essential role: caramelizing, adding crunch, or ensuring the ultimate creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Sweet Potato Casserole shine:

• Sweet potatoes: The star of the show, lending color and naturally sweet flavor—choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for the silkiest mash.
• Brown sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness and enhances the crust’s caramelization.
• Butter: A little richness goes a long way—use real butter for the best aroma and silkiness.
• Milk: Just enough to lighten and smooth out the sweet potato mash, giving it that perfect texture.
• Eggs: These help bind the casserole and give it a structure while keeping everything pillow-soft.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and adds a bakery-style signature.
• Salt: A pinch brings out all the sweet flavors without making the dish salty.
• Pecans: For crunch! Toasted pecans in the topping are pure magic.
• All-purpose flour: This helps the topping stay crumbly and crisp instead of melting away.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Begin by peeling and chopping your sweet potatoes into even chunks, then simmer them in boiling water until fork-tender—usually 15 to 20 minutes. Once drained, mash them until completely smooth using a potato masher or hand mixer. The silkier the mash, the dreamier your Sweet Potato Casserole will be.

Step 2: Mix in Eggs, Milk, Sugar, and Flavorings

Stir in the brown sugar, room-temperature butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the mashed potatoes. Mixing while the sweet potatoes are still warm helps everything combine seamlessly and infuse those luscious flavors throughout. Make sure to taste and adjust for sweetness before moving on!

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Topping

In a medium bowl, combine chopped pecans, flour, extra brown sugar, and just enough melted butter to bind. This mixture should feel chunky and crumbly—like a dessert-style streusel. It’s the golden, crunchy layer that sets Sweet Potato Casserole apart from the rest.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the sweet potato mixture into a buttered casserole dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the pecan crumble generously over the sweet potatoes, making sure it covers edge to edge for even crunch. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, until set and golden. The aroma alone will have everyone hovering nearby.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole

Garnishes

For an extra special finish, try adding a handful of fresh thyme leaves, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, or even a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. These add a pop of freshness and aroma, giving your Sweet Potato Casserole that homey, made-with-love vibe.

Side Dishes

Sweet Potato Casserole is a natural partner for classic roasted turkey, braised greens, honey-glazed carrots, or a crisp, leafy salad. Its richness pairs beautifully with savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser that balances the holiday table in the loveliest way.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to mix things up, bake your Sweet Potato Casserole in individual ramekins for personalized servings—or even try layering it in mason jars for a fun, rustic twist at potlucks! For a fancier dinner, use a piping bag to swirl the sweet potato mash before topping with pecans.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover Sweet Potato Casserole completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, still tasting wonderfully fresh and comforting with every reheated bite.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble everything (except the pecan topping) in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the topping just before baking for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover the casserole (or portion) with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot, about 20 minutes. For leftovers, microwave gently, but the oven does the best job at reviving that caramelized pecan crunch.

FAQs

Can I make Sweet Potato Casserole without nuts?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the pecans in the topping and substitute with rolled oats, crushed pretzels, or even sunflower seeds for a different kind of crunch.

What’s the difference between Sweet Potato Casserole and candied yams?

Sweet Potato Casserole uses mashed sweet potatoes with a topping (usually pecan or marshmallows), while candied yams feature sliced yams baked in a syrupy glaze. They’re both sweet but have very different textures and presentations!

Can I prepare Sweet Potato Casserole in advance?

Yes, and it’s a life-saver for busy holiday prep! You can assemble everything the day before and refrigerate it, then just bake off the day you plan to serve.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Sure, canned sweet potatoes are a great shortcut. Just be sure to drain and rinse them, and reduce the added sugar—canned varieties are often packed in syrup.

How do I keep the topping crisp?

Bake uncovered and don’t overdo the butter in the topping. If you’re reheating, pop the casserole under the broiler for a minute or two to restore crunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something a little magical about sharing a Sweet Potato Casserole with people you love. It’s sweet, satisfying, and always the dish everyone goes back for seconds. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised if your friends start asking for the recipe before dessert is even served!

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