Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe — Holiday Side Dish
I still remember the first time I made this Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for Thanksgiving: my kitchen smelled like warm cinnamon and butter, and my family kept sneaking tastes before it even reached the table. Sweet potato casserole has always been the cozy, comforting centerpiece of our holiday meals — and it’s one of those dishes that connects food and memories across generations. This recipe is rooted in Southern-American traditions where sweet potatoes have been a staple for centuries, often served at harvest- and holiday-time to celebrate abundance. If you love nostalgic comfort food that doubles as a showstopper, you’re in the right place. For a lighter sweet-potato side, try these crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries for weeknight dinners too.
Who is this recipe for?
- This dish is perfect for busy parents, holiday hosts, and anyone who loves a warm, sweet-savory side dish that’s easy to prepare.
Core ingredients overview:
- This casserole combines 4 cups sweet potatoes (cooked and mashed) with brown sugar, milk, butter, vanilla, eggs, and a pinch of salt, then tops it with a buttery pecan streusel made from pecans, flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon to create a cozy, crowd-pleasing side.
Tools & Ingredients:
Tools (what you’ll need)
- Oven
- 9×13-inch (or similar) baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl (for streusel)
- Potato masher or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork (for eggs)
- Spatula
- Baking spray or butter (for greasing)
Ingredients (with small benefits)
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed — rich in beta-carotene and provides a naturally sweet, creamy base
- 1/2 cup brown sugar — adds caramelized sweetness and depth of flavor
- 1/2 cup milk — helps create a smooth, silky texture in the filling
- 1/4 cup butter, melted — adds richness and a tender mouthfeel
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — enhances sweetness and aroma
- 2 eggs, beaten — binds the filling and gives a light, custardy structure
- 1/2 teaspoon salt — balances sweetness and brightens flavors
- 1 cup pecans, chopped — brings crunch and nutty contrast to the creamy filling
- 1/2 cup flour — helps the streusel hold together and crisp up
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping) — creates a caramelized streusel when baked
- 1/4 cup butter (for topping), melted — binds the streusel and promotes browning
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon — warms the dish with classic holiday spice
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- In another bowl, mix the 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping), 1/4 cup melted butter (for topping), and 1 teaspoon cinnamon together until the streusel is crumbly and evenly combined.
- Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the sweet potato mixture, covering it completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve warm, spooning portions onto plates and enjoying while still cozy and fragrant.
FAQ:
- Can I freeze this recipe?
- Yes. You can assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake an extra 10–15 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is crisp.
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
- Yes — ensure they’re drained well and mashed smoothly. Adjust sweetness if your canned potatoes are already sugared.
- What can I use instead of pecans?
- Walnuts or almonds work well for a similar crunch; for a nut-free version, try toasted oats or crushed pretzels for texture.
- Is this recipe too sweet for dinner?
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar in the filling by 2–3 tablespoons and add a touch more salt to balance flavors.
Tips & Tricks:
- Don’t overmix: Stir the sweet potato filling until smooth but avoid overworking it; overmixing can make it dense.
- Toast your pecans: Briefly toasting pecans in a dry pan (2–3 minutes) before adding them to the streusel boosts their flavor and crunch.
- Adjust moisture: If your sweet potatoes are very dry, add an extra tablespoon or two of milk to reach a creamy consistency.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate (covered); add the streusel just before baking for maximum crispness. For another easy make-ahead meal idea, check these sweet chili chicken wraps.
Conclusion
This Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a reliable, heartwarming side that brings comfort to holiday tables and weeknight dinners alike. For inspiration and variations, you might enjoy the classic take at Sweet Potato Casserole – Tastes Better From Scratch, a marshmallow-topped version at Sweet Potato Casserole {with Marshmallows} – Spend With Pennies, and a straightforward guide at Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (THE Best!) | The Kitchn to help you find the perfect twist for your family.
Enjoy this cozy casserole with loved ones — and don’t forget to share the recipe and the memories it creates. Always add
tag after Directions.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed Rich in beta-carotene and provides a naturally sweet, creamy base.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Adds caramelized sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk Helps create a smooth, silky texture in the filling.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted Adds richness and a tender mouthfeel.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances sweetness and aroma.
- 2 large eggs, beaten Binds the filling and gives a light, custardy structure.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and brightens flavors.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped Brings crunch and nutty contrast to the creamy filling.
- 1/2 cup flour Helps the streusel hold together and crisp up.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping) Creates a caramelized streusel when baked.
- 1/4 cup butter (for topping), melted Binds the streusel and promotes browning.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Warms the dish with classic holiday spice.
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- In another bowl, mix the 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping), 1/4 cup melted butter (for topping), and 1 teaspoon cinnamon together until the streusel is crumbly and evenly combined.
- Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the sweet potato mixture, covering it completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve warm, spooning portions onto plates and enjoying while still cozy and fragrant.
