Best Sweet Potato Casserole — The Ultimate Comfort Food
I grew up in a kitchen where the aroma of cinnamon and butter meant family was about to gather. My grandmother’s sweet potato casserole was always the dish that disappeared first — a warm, caramelized blanket of sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. I still make this recipe every year for holidays and weeknight comforts alike because it’s forgiving, crowd-pleasing, and perfectly nostalgic. Sweet potato casseroles have roots in American holiday tables and Southern cooking traditions, where sweet potatoes have long been celebrated for both their flavor and nutrition. This version balances a silky, slightly spiced sweet potato base with a buttery, nutty topping — it’s pure comfort food.
For other easy sweet potato ideas, try this recipe for crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries.
Who is this recipe for?
This recipe is for busy parents, holiday hosts, and anyone who loves classic comfort food with minimal fuss.
Core ingredients overview:
This casserole is built on 4 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup butter, melted, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup butter, softened — a simple, balanced mix that creates a creamy sweet potato base and a crunchy streusel topping.
Tools & Ingredients
Tools
- 9×13-inch (or similar) baking dish — even baking and easy serving
- Large mixing bowl — for combining the sweet potato filling
- Medium mixing bowl — for making the streusel topping
- Measuring cups and spoons — for accuracy and consistent results
- Potato masher or ricer — for smooth, lump-free mashed sweet potatoes
- Wooden spoon or spatula — for mixing without scratching bowls
- Baking sheet (optional) — to roast sweet potatoes if you prefer
- Fork or pastry cutter — to crumble the streusel topping
Ingredients (with benefits)
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed — rich in beta-carotene and gives a naturally sweet, creamy base
- 1/2 cup brown sugar — adds warmth and moist sweetness to the filling
- 1/4 cup milk — helps create a smooth, silky texture in the mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup butter, melted — adds richness and helps bind the filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — enhances sweetness and deepens flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon — provides warm, aromatic spice that complements sweet potatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt — balances sweetness and brings out other flavors
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped — offers crunch and nutty flavor plus healthy fats
- 1/2 cup flour — creates structure in the streusel topping for a crumbly bite
- 1/2 cup sugar — sweetens and caramelizes the topping as it bakes
- 1/4 cup butter, softened — binds the streusel and adds buttery flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well mixed.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- In another bowl, mix together the chopped nuts, flour, sugar, and softened butter to create the streusel topping. Use your fingers or a fork to combine until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Let it cool slightly before serving so the topping sets and the flavors meld.
Remember to tag after Directions.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if still cold.
Q: What can I use instead of milk?
A: You can substitute any milk alternative (almond, oat, soy) or even cream for a richer texture.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a holiday dinner?
A: Absolutely. Prepare and assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, keep refrigerated, then bake before serving. For longer prep, freeze assembled (see above).
Q: Can I use marshmallows instead of the streusel?
A: Yes — if you prefer a sweeter, traditional holiday topping, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top during the last 5–10 minutes of baking until they’re golden.
Tips & Tricks
- Roast or boil sweet potatoes until very tender for the smoothest mash; roasting concentrates flavor.
- Don’t overmix the sweet potato filling — mix until just combined for the best texture.
- If you like extra crunch, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the streusel.
- To prevent a soggy bottom, allow the casserole to rest 10 minutes before serving so the filling firms up.
For a savory twist or to pair this side with something hearty, try these sweet chili chicken wraps for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
If you’d like more variations and inspiration, check out this classic Sweet Potato Casserole – Tastes Better From Scratch for a traditional take, this Sweet Potato Casserole {with Marshmallows} – Spend With Pennies to see a marshmallow-topped holiday version, and this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (THE Best!) | The Kitchn for another excellent, straightforward approach.
Enjoy this cozy dish with loved ones — and always add
tag after Directions.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed Rich in beta-carotene and gives a naturally sweet, creamy base
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Adds warmth and moist sweetness to the filling
- 1/4 cup milk Helps create a smooth, silky texture in the mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup butter, melted Adds richness and helps bind the filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances sweetness and deepens flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Provides warm, aromatic spice that complements sweet potatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and brings out other flavors
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped Offers crunch and nutty flavor plus healthy fats
- 1/2 cup flour Creates structure in the streusel topping for a crumbly bite
- 1/2 cup sugar Sweetens and caramelizes the topping as it bakes
- 1/4 cup butter, softened Binds the streusel and adds buttery flavor
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well mixed.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- In another bowl, mix together the chopped nuts, flour, sugar, and softened butter to create the streusel topping.
- Use your fingers or a fork to combine until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Let it cool slightly before serving so the topping sets and the flavors meld.
