Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a holiday classic that brings creamy, sweet, and buttery goodness to the table. With its velvety mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices, and crunchy pecan topping, this beloved side dish often steals the show at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning ahead, this easy sweet potato casserole can be made in advance, frozen, or customized to your liking. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious—everything you want in a festive dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🧡 Creamy and rich mashed sweet potatoes
• 🌰 Crunchy pecan topping for texture and flavor
• 🥄 Perfect balance of sweet and savory
• 🧊 Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
• 🍽️ Crowd favorite for holidays or Sunday dinners

Ingredients

For the sweet potato base:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 large sweet potatoes)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt

For the pecan topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare sweet potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Assemble: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the baking dish and smooth the top.
4. Make the topping: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and flour. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans.
5. Add topping: Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until topping is golden and filling is set. Let cool slightly before serving.

Recipe Details

this recipe

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 8–10
• Estimated Cost: $8–$10

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 140mg

Estimates will vary based on exact ingredients used

Tips & Variations

• 🍌 Add banana: Mix in a ripe mashed banana for a hint of fruitiness.
• 🍫 Chocolate twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the topping for a dessert-style version.
• 🥥 Make it dairy-free: Use almond milk and vegan butter.
• 🧊 Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance.
• ❄️ To freeze: Freeze unbaked (without topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw, top, and bake.

Sweet Potato Casserole

A classic holiday side dish—creamy sweet potatoes under a crisp brown sugar pecan topping. The ultimate comfort casserole.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• **Sweet Potato Filling**
• – 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• – ¾ cup white sugar
• – 2 eggs lightly beaten
• – ½ cup milk
• – ½ cup melted butter
• – 1 tsp vanilla extract
• – ½ tsp salt
• **Pecan Topping**
• – ½ cup brown sugar
• – ⅓ cup flour
• – ⅓ cup melted butter
• – 1 cup chopped pecans

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• – 9×13″ baking dish
• Spatula
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix all filling ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour into baking dish and smooth the top.
4. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and flour. Stir in butter, then fold in pecans.
5. Sprinkle topping evenly over sweet potatoes.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Let rest before serving.

Notes

– Make ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days unbaked
– Swap topping with marshmallows if desired
– Reduce sugar for a more savory version

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, just drain well and mash before using. Avoid pre-sweetened versions.

Can I make it nut-free?
Yes! Swap pecans for oats or streusel made with flour and butter only.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through.

Can I double the topping?
Absolutely—it’s the best part for many people!

Conclusion

This sweet potato casserole is everything you want from a holiday side dish: creamy, crunchy, sweet, and satisfying. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a hit on the holiday table. Whether served alongside turkey, ham, or just enjoyed on its own, it brings warmth and tradition to every bite.