Name: Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed); 1/4 cup butter (melted); 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping); 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for topping); 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

Sweet Potato Casserole is one of those dishes that effortlessly becomes the star of any meal. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday gathering, this recipe brings all the warm, comforting flavors of sweet potatoes combined with a deliciously crunchy topping. I remember the first time I tried it—it was love at first bite! The perfect balance between creamy sweet potatoes and the nutty, cinnamon-spiced topping makes it irresistible.

If you’ve ever craved something both hearty and comforting, this dish is the answer. It’s sweet, savory, and the ideal addition to any meal. You can even make it ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. If you’re ready to dive into the warm, gooey goodness of this casserole, keep reading!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole combines the earthy sweetness of the potatoes with a rich, velvety texture that’s impossible to resist. But what really makes this dish stand out is the topping—it’s a beautiful, crunchy mix of pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This casserole is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s versatile too! You can serve it as a side dish or as a dessert, and it pairs well with so many other foods. From Thanksgiving turkey to a simple roasted chicken, this casserole will complement nearly any main course.

What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?

When making a sweet potato casserole, it’s important to choose the right kind of sweet potato to get the best flavor and texture. I recommend using orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, often labeled as “yams.” These are the traditional choice for casseroles because they have a natural sweetness and creamy texture once baked. Avoid the white-fleshed varieties as they are drier and not as sweet, which can affect the overall dish.

If you’re in a pinch, pre-cooked sweet potatoes (either canned or frozen) can be a suitable substitute, but fresh sweet potatoes will give you the best results in terms of flavor and consistency.

Options for Substitutions

While this recipe is delicious as-is, there are some substitutions you can consider depending on dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Dairy-Free or Vegan Option: You can substitute the butter and milk with non-dairy alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk to make this casserole vegan or dairy-free.
Topping Variations: If you don’t have pecans on hand, feel free to swap them out for walnuts, almonds, or even granola for a different crunchy texture.
Sweetener Alternatives: For a healthier twist, you can replace the brown sugar with maple syrup or honey, though this may change the texture of the topping slightly.
Spice Adjustments: For those who like a bit of extra kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or nutmeg along with the cinnamon for added warmth and depth of flavor.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potatoes: The star of this dish, sweet potatoes provide the creamy, sweet base that gives the casserole its signature flavor and texture.
Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the mashed sweet potatoes, helping them achieve a smooth consistency.
Milk: A small amount of milk helps make the mashed sweet potatoes extra creamy and helps to achieve the perfect texture for the casserole.
Brown Sugar: This brings a touch of sweetness and depth to the sweet potatoes while balancing the natural flavors.
Eggs: The eggs help bind the casserole together, giving it structure and a slight custard-like texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a layer of fragrance and sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
Cinnamon: This classic spice adds warmth and complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes, giving the casserole that cozy, comforting feel.
Pecans: For the topping, chopped pecans provide crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes.
Marshmallows (optional): Some people love adding marshmallows on top for a sweet, toasted finish that adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in making this casserole a perfectly balanced dish, combining sweetness, richness, and texture. They work together to create a dish that everyone will reach for again and again.

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them into a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Allow the sweet potatoes to cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. Drain the water and transfer the sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Using a potato masher or a hand mixer, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. For an extra creamy texture, you can use a hand blender. Add the butter, milk, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the mashed potatoes. Mix until fully combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the mashed sweet potato mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly to fill the bottom.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans, additional brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. For an optional extra touch, you can add marshmallows on top of the casserole for the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve a golden, toasted finish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The sweet and savory flavors combined with the crunchy topping will have everyone asking for seconds!

How Long to Cook Sweet Potato Casserole

The total cooking time for this sweet potato casserole is about 30 to 35 minutes. This includes baking the casserole for 25-30 minutes to achieve the golden, crunchy topping, and if you’re adding marshmallows, another 5 minutes of baking to toast them to perfection. Make sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the casserole—it should come out clean when the casserole is fully cooked.

Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Casserole

Don’t Overcook the Sweet Potatoes: Be sure not to overcook the sweet potatoes when boiling them. You want them soft and tender but not falling apart into mush.
Blend Until Smooth: For a super creamy texture, blend the mashed sweet potatoes well. Using a hand mixer or potato masher will give you the best results.
Customize the Topping: If you prefer a bit more crunch, feel free to add extra nuts or a sprinkle of oats to the topping. Some even love adding a few extra dashes of cinnamon or brown sugar to make it sweeter!
Prepare Ahead: If you’re making this for a holiday or special occasion, you can prepare it a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This will make your day-of prep much easier!
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking, especially if you’re using marshmallows. They can burn quickly, so just let them brown lightly for a perfect finish.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking Sweet Potato Casserole

Overcooking the Sweet Potatoes: If you boil the sweet potatoes for too long, they can become too soft and waterlogged, which will make the casserole watery. Aim for fork-tender potatoes to get the perfect consistency.
Not Mashing Enough: Leaving chunks of sweet potato in the mash can result in a less smooth casserole. Ensure the mixture is well-mashed and smooth for the best texture.
Underseasoning: Sweet potatoes naturally have a mild flavor, so don’t skimp on the spices! Cinnamon, vanilla, and a little salt are key to enhancing the overall flavor profile. Taste as you go!
Topping Burnt: The topping can brown too quickly if the casserole is left in the oven for too long, especially if you’re adding marshmallows. Be sure to check it frequently, and if needed, cover the casserole loosely with foil to prevent overbrowning.
Not Letting It Set: After baking, allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

What to Serve With Sweet Potato Casserole?

Roasted Turkey

Sweet potato casserole and turkey are a classic pairing, particularly for holiday meals. The savory, slightly salty turkey perfectly complements the sweet, rich flavors of the casserole.

Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken with a smoky flavor balances the sweetness of the casserole, making this a great option for a lighter meal.

Stuffing

Pairing sweet potato casserole with a hearty stuffing is a must for Thanksgiving or any festive dinner. The savory stuffing contrasts nicely with the sweet potatoes.

Green Beans Almondine

A fresh, crispy vegetable like green beans with toasted almonds provides a satisfying crunch and a healthy element to balance the richness of the casserole.

Cranberry Sauce

The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the sweetness of the casserole, providing a refreshing contrast and a pop of color on your plate.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The slightly bitter taste of roasted Brussels sprouts provides a savory element that complements the sweet and creamy casserole.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

For those who can’t get enough of mashed potatoes, this pairing is unbeatable. The garlic mashed potatoes will add an extra layer of comfort to the meal.

Cornbread

Nothing says comfort food like cornbread! Its slightly sweet flavor works beautifully alongside the sweet potato casserole, and its crumbly texture adds a nice contrast to the creamy dish.

Storage Instructions (and Reheating)

If you have leftover sweet potato casserole, you’re in luck—it stores wonderfully for later! To keep it fresh:

Storing: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until it’s heated through. If the topping is getting too dark, you can cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from burning.
If you’ve frozen it, let the casserole thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen, which will take about 40 minutes.

Estimated Nutrition

While this sweet potato casserole is undeniably delicious, it’s also a rich dish. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition per serving (assuming 12 servings):

Calories: 250-300 kcal
Fat: 12-15g
Carbohydrates: 35-40g
Protein: 3-4g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 15-20g (mostly from sweet potatoes and brown sugar)

Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on substitutions like using non-dairy milk or adjusting the sweetness level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed, and it will be just as delicious!

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

While regular potatoes can work in a pinch, they won’t provide the same sweet, creamy texture that sweet potatoes do. For the best results, stick with sweet potatoes.

Can I add marshmallows on top of the casserole?

Absolutely! Adding marshmallows to the top gives the casserole a lovely toasted, gooey finish. Add them in the last 5 minutes of baking so they brown without burning.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this sweet potato casserole is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any flour. Just make sure any toppings you add (like granola) are also gluten-free if you need it to be entirely gluten-free.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?

While fresh sweet potatoes are preferred for the best flavor and texture, canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch. Be sure to drain them thoroughly and mash them well before continuing with the recipe.

Can I make this casserole vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegan by swapping out the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk. You can also skip the eggs and use a flaxseed mixture as a binder if needed.

How do I keep the topping from getting too dark?

To prevent the topping from burning, you can cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil during the first part of the baking. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to let it brown nicely.

Can I freeze Sweet Potato Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole! After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Casserole is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether it’s for a holiday feast, a family dinner, or any occasion where comfort food is needed, it’s sure to impress. Save it on Pinterest to keep it handy, and share it with your family and friends—they’ll love you for it!