Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: Your Cozy Autumn Comfort Classic

Sweet potato casserole brings comfort and warmth to any autumn table with its rich, creamy texture and irresistible marshmallow topping.

Southern kitchens have perfected this delectable side dish that balances sweet and subtle flavors.

Tender sweet potatoes meld perfectly with a buttery, brown sugar base that creates a decadent foundation.

Topped with golden, puffy marshmallows, this casserole offers a delightful contrast of textures that dance on your palate.

Each spoonful promises a nostalgic journey through childhood memories and holiday gatherings.

The simple ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing dish that connects generations around the dinner table.

Sweet Potato Casserole to Satisfy All

• Whip Up Holiday Comfort: This sweet potato casserole delivers pure comfort food magic that brings families together around the dinner table with its warm, inviting flavors.
• Conquer Effortless Baking: Requiring basic cooking skills and simple ingredients, anyone from novice cooks to seasoned chefs can create this delightful dish without stress.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Memories: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, this recipe guarantees smiles and second helpings from guests of all ages.
• Transform Humble Ingredients: Turning ordinary sweet potatoes into a decadent side dish that feels like a luxurious dessert, this recipe elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Must-Have Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: The star ingredient that provides the creamy, rich base for this classic casserole.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety texture in the sweet potato mixture.
• Milk: Helps to soften and blend the sweet potato mixture for a creamy consistency.
• Sugar: Brings sweetness and enhances the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create a custard-like texture in the casserole.

• Flour, Brown Sugar, Pecans: Create a crunchy, sweet streusel-like topping that adds texture and flavor contrast.
• Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweet potatoes.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the sweet flavors in the dish.

Steps for a Classic Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Sweet Potatoes

Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot of water until they become super soft and easily pierced with a fork, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Once done, drain completely and mash them until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Mix Sweet Potato Base

• Melted butter
• Whole milk
• Granulated sugar
• Pure vanilla extract
• Beaten eggs
• Ground cinnamon

Stir everything together until the mixture looks silky and well-blended.

Step 4: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Create Crunchy Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Softened butter

Mix until the texture becomes wonderfully crumbly, then fold in chopped pecans.

Step 6: Add Topping

Sprinkle the pecan crumb mixture over the sweet potato base, covering the entire surface.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping that looks irresistibly crispy.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving, which helps it set and makes cutting easier.

Tips for Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole

• Boil sweet potatoes until they're fork-tender but not mushy, checking every few minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Use a hand masher or electric mixer to blend sweet potatoes until completely smooth, eliminating any lumps for a creamy consistency.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the sweet potato mixture for a subtle warming spice that complements the natural sweetness.
• Lightly toast pecans before adding to the crumble topping to intensify their nutty flavor and provide extra crispness.
• Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

Ways to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Unique

• Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole: Replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend in the topping. Use gluten-free oats for added crunch.
• Marshmallow Topping Alternative: Skip the pecan topping and cover the sweet potato mixture with mini marshmallows for a classic kid-friendly version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and add mashed ripe bananas for natural sweetness.

Sweet Potato Casserole Serving Inspiration

• Holiday Feast Companion: Pair this sweet potato casserole with roasted turkey, ham, or glazed chicken for a complete festive meal.
• Brunch Delight: Serve as a decadent side dish alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a weekend breakfast treat.
• Dessert Alternative: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to transform this dish into a delectable dessert that satisfies sweet cravings.
• Potluck Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to family gatherings or community events, where its rich flavors will make you the culinary hero of the day.

How to Store Sweet Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal completely to prevent moisture and odor absorption from other foods.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute warmth evenly. Stop when heated through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent topping from burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil during last 5 minutes to crisp topping.

FAQs

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute fresh sweet potatoes with canned sweet potatoes. Just drain them well and mash thoroughly before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add the topping right before baking and extend the cooking time by 5-10 minutes if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour in the topping with gluten-free flour or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting sweet potato casserole brings Southern hospitality to your holiday table with creamy mashed potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping. Warmth and nostalgia blend perfectly in this classic side dish that promises to delight everyone gathering around your festive meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Sweeteners and Liquids:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup milk

Seasonings and Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Submerge whole sweet potatoes in boiling water, cooking for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
3. Drain potatoes and carefully peel off the skin while warm, then mash completely using a potato masher or electric mixer.
4. Incorporate melted butter, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and ground cinnamon into the mashed sweet potatoes, blending until uniformly smooth.
5. Spread the creamy sweet potato mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a level surface.
6. Create the crumble topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and softened butter, mixing until a coarse, sandy texture forms.
7. Fold chopped pecans into the crumble mixture, ensuring even distribution.
8. Generously sprinkle the pecan-studded topping across the entire sweet potato base.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and slight bubbling around the edges.
10. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving, which helps the casserole set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Swap regular milk with coconut or almond milk for a dairy-free version that keeps the creamy texture intact.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for a healthier twist without compromising flavor.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty depth and create a more complex, roasted flavor profile in the topping.
• Make ahead and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making holiday meal preparation easier and more streamlined.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 312 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg