Homemade Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort Bliss

Nestled in the heart of comfort cooking, this sweet potato casserole delivers pure culinary magic.

Warm spices and creamy textures invite memories of cozy gatherings around the dinner table.

Rich, velvety sweet potatoes create a delectable base that whispers comfort with every bite.

Marshmallow toppings add a playful crunch that connects generations of food lovers.

Minimal ingredients combine to craft a dish bursting with nostalgic flavors.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this beloved side that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Prepare to experience a recipe that will become your new holiday tradition.

Why Sweet Potato Casserole Is A Must On The Table

• Savor Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This sweet potato casserole brings warmth and joy to any gathering, with its creamy base and irresistible crunchy pecan topping that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
• Master Simple Cooking Skills: Perfect for home cooks of all levels, the recipe requires basic kitchen techniques like boiling, mashing, and mixing, making it an approachable dish that builds culinary confidence.
• Celebrate Seasonal Deliciousness: Packed with warm spices and rich flavors, this casserole shines during holiday meals and family celebrations, transforming humble sweet potatoes into a show-stopping side dish that feels special and indulgent.

What You’ll Need For Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Fresh root vegetables that provide the creamy base and natural sweetness for the casserole.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps create a smooth and cohesive texture in the sweet potato mixture.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and enhances the natural flavor of sweet potatoes.
• Milk: Helps create a softer, more spreadable texture in the sweet potato mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet potato's natural taste.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that brings depth and traditional flavor to the casserole.

• Pecans, Flour, Brown Sugar, Softened Butter: Create a crunchy, sweet, and textured layer that adds contrast to the creamy sweet potato base.

Steps To Make Sweet Potato Casserole With Ease

Step 1: Boil and Mash Sweet Potatoes

Grab your sweet potatoes and give them a good wash. Peel and chop them into bite-sized cubes. Toss the cubes into a pot of salted water and let them bubble away until they’re super soft and can be easily squished with a fork. Once done, drain the water and transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Use a masher or electric mixer to transform them into a silky smooth puree.

Step 2: Create a Luscious Sweet Potato Base

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Milk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon

Blend everything until it’s perfectly combined and looks like a heavenly orange cloud.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter. Pour your sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Craft the Crunchy Pecan Topping

• Chopped pecans
• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Softened butter
• Ground cinnamon

Stir until the ingredients form a delightful, crumbly mixture.

Step 5: Add the Pecan Crunch

Sprinkle the pecan mixture across the top of the sweet potato base. Aim for an even, rustic layer that will turn gloriously golden when baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and looks irresistibly crisp.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This little break helps the layers set and intensifies the flavors. Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Helpful Tips For Sweet Potato Casserole

• Mash Mindfully: Use a potato masher or electric mixer for ultra-smooth sweet potato texture without lumps.
• Boost Sweetness Naturally: Replace some brown sugar with maple syrup for deeper, richer caramel-like flavor notes.
• Prevent Topping Burning: Cover the casserole with foil halfway through baking to maintain golden-brown pecan crunch without scorching.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use almond milk for a lactose-free version that's equally delicious.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole a day before, refrigerate, and bake directly from the cold state, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.

Tasty Ways To Switch Up Sweet Potato Casserole

• Marshmallow Delight: Top the sweet potato base with a layer of mini marshmallows before baking, creating a gooey, caramelized topping that adds sweetness and a classic holiday touch.
• Coconut Crunch: Replace pecans with shredded coconut in the topping, adding a tropical flair and extra crispy texture to the traditional casserole.
• Maple Pecan Fusion: Drizzle pure maple syrup over the sweet potato mixture before adding the pecan topping, intensifying the rich, autumnal flavors and creating a more complex taste profile.
• Spiced Orange Zest: Mix orange zest and a pinch of nutmeg into the sweet potato base, bringing a bright, citrusy note that complements the warm cinnamon and creates a more sophisticated flavor.

What Pairs Well With Sweet Potato Casserole

• Pair Roasted Turkey: Complement the sweet and creamy casserole with a classic roasted turkey, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that screams traditional holiday meal.
• Match Spiced Mulled Wine: Elevate the dining experience with a warm, aromatic mulled wine featuring cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest that mirrors the casserole's warm spices and enhances its rich sweetness.
• Serve Maple-Glazed Ham: Introduce a savory-sweet protein option that echoes the casserole's caramelized brown sugar notes, providing a delightful counterpoint to the dish's creamy consistency.
• Accompany Cranberry Sauce: Add a tangy, bright cranberry sauce to cut through the richness of the sweet potato casserole, bringing a refreshing acidic contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.

How To Store Sweet Potato Casserole Properly

• Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole securely in aluminum foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap, storing flat in the freezer for up to 2 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Consider dividing the casserole into individual serving portions before storing, allowing easier reheating and maintaining optimal freshness for quick meal preparation.

FAQs About Sweet Potato Casserole

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work well. Just drain and mash them thoroughly before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add an extra 10 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Reduce brown sugar, use less butter, substitute with Greek yogurt, or use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.

• What if I have a nut allergy?

Simply omit pecans or replace with rolled oats, crushed graham crackers, or sunflower seeds for a similar crunchy topping texture.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50-60 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets holiday magic in this luscious Sweet Potato Casserole, blending creamy mashed potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. Comfort seekers and dessert enthusiasts will savor each spoonful of this irresistible classic that brings warmth to any gathering.

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Ingredients

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main ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

supporting ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

topping ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Peel and cube sweet potatoes, then boil in salted water until tender and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain potatoes and transfer to a large mixing bowl, mashing until smooth and creamy.
3. Incorporate melted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon into the mashed sweet potatoes, blending until well combined.
4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour the sweet potato mixture evenly into the pan.
5. Prepare the crunchy topping by combining chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, softened butter, and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl.
6. Sprinkle the pecan mixture uniformly across the top of the sweet potato base, creating a rustic, textured layer.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and crisp.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving, which helps the layers set and enhances the flavor profile.

Notes

• Choose firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for maximum flavor and creamy texture when mashed.
• Mash potatoes while still warm to achieve smoother, lump-free consistency without overworking the mixture.
• Control sugar levels by adjusting brown sugar quantity, making the dish suitable for diabetic-friendly or low-sugar diets.
• Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk and vegan butter for lactose-intolerant or plant-based dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg