Sweet Potato Casserole

There’s something magical about sweet potato casserole. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and crunchy that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday spread, hosting a cozy family dinner, or simply craving comfort food, this sweet potato casserole will steal the show. With a buttery pecan topping and the option to add gooey marshmallows, this dish hits all the right notes.

I first stumbled upon this gem of a recipe during my first Thanksgiving as the designated cook. I was nervous, trying to please everyone at the table—traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike. This casserole became the surprise star of the night. It was the first dish to disappear, and even the picky eaters went back for seconds (and thirds). Now, it’s a family tradition that we look forward to every year.

Ready to make this casserole your family favorite? Let’s dive into what makes it so special and how you can whip it up with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

1. The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

The natural sweetness of the baked sweet potatoes is enhanced by a touch of sugar and vanilla, while the pecan topping adds a hint of cinnamon spice. The salty butter brings it all together, making each bite a medley of flavors.

2. A Textural Delight

The casserole itself is silky smooth, while the brown sugar pecan topping offers a delightful crunch. If you opt to add marshmallows, you get an extra layer of gooey, caramelized goodness.

3. Kid-Approved and Crowd-Pleasing

Even if you’re not a fan of traditional casseroles, this one is a game-changer. It’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting—perfect for kids, adults, and picky eaters alike.

4. Easy to Make

The ingredients are simple, and the steps are straightforward. You can even prepare parts of it in advance, making it stress-free during the holiday rush.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: Serves 8–10 generously.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole

For the Brown Sugar Pecan Topping:

• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup salted butter, softened
• ½ cup chopped pecans

For the Casserole:

• 5 prebaked sweet potatoes (see notes below)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, slightly melted
• ⅓ cup evaporated milk (or substitute with milk or cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• Optional: 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or an 11×8-inch dish for a thicker casserole) with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Brown Sugar Pecan Topping

• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon.
• Add the softened butter, mixing it in with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use your hands for better control.
• Stir in the chopped pecans. This topping will add the signature crunch that makes this casserole so irresistible.

3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes

• Scoop the flesh from 5 prebaked sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl. You should have approximately 3 cups of sweet potato mash.
  Pro Tip: Baking the sweet potatoes beforehand (instead of boiling) intensifies their natural sweetness and prevents them from becoming watery.
• Use a potato masher or fork to mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Don’t worry about making it perfect—some texture is okay.

4. Mix the Casserole Base

• To the mashed sweet potatoes, add granulated sugar, eggs, melted unsalted butter, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and kosher salt.
• Stir everything together until smooth and well-combined. The mixture should be creamy and slightly fluffy.

5. Assemble the Casserole

• Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.
• Sprinkle the brown sugar pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.

6. Bake the Casserole

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and caramelized. The casserole should be hot and bubbling around the edges.

7. Optional Marshmallow Layer

• If you’re adding marshmallows, remove the casserole from the oven after 25 minutes. Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top.
• Switch your oven to broil and place the dish back in the oven for 1–2 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and gooey. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole

This casserole is versatile and pairs beautifully with almost any main dish. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Holiday Feasts: Serve alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or beef for a complete festive meal.
• Casual Dinners: Pair with grilled chicken, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a comforting family dinner.
• Potluck Favorite: Bring it to your next gathering—trust me, it’ll be the first dish to disappear!

For extra flair, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped pecans or a light drizzle of maple syrup.

Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Bake, Don’t Boil the Potatoes
   Baking the sweet potatoes retains their natural sweetness and prevents excess moisture, giving you a creamier casserole.
2. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
   Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
3. Make It Ahead of Time
   Prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.
4. Customize the Sweetness
   If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the sugar slightly in both the topping and the sweet potato mixture.
5. Experiment with Spices
   Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange juice for a unique flavor twist.

Variations on Sweet Potato Casserole

• Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans and add toasted oats or granola for crunch.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace the butter with plant-based butter, the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg), and the evaporated milk with almond or coconut milk.
• Extra Crunch: Mix crushed cornflakes or crispy rice cereal into the topping for added texture.

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Potato Casserole

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through.

Special Equipment

• Potato Masher: Makes mashing sweet potatoes a breeze.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: A classic casserole dish for even cooking.
• Pastry Cutter: For effortlessly blending the topping ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, but be sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid. Fresh baked sweet potatoes yield the best flavor and texture.

2. What’s the best way to bake sweet potatoes?

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake on a lined baking sheet for 45–60 minutes, or until tender.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without the topping) and store it in the fridge. Add the topping and bake just before serving.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time slightly.

5. What if I don’t have pecans?

Walnuts are a great substitute, or you can omit the nuts entirely.

Final Thoughts

This sweet potato casserole isn’t just a side dish—it’s a celebration of comfort, flavor, and tradition. Whether you’re new to making it or it’s already a staple in your home, it’s bound to become a cherished part of your recipe collection. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to make the BEST sweet potato casserole your family has ever tasted. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your creation—I’d love to see how it turns out!

Happy cooking!

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