This Delicious Sweet Potato Casserole is a perfect blend of creamy, flavorful sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel, making it the ideal side dish for any festive occasion. With smooth mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and aromatic spices, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy dinner.
Why You’ll Adore This Dish
- Creamy and Comforting – The velvety mashed sweet potatoes create a rich, buttery texture that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
- Crispy Pecan Streusel Topping – A perfect combination of sweet and savory, this topping brings a delightful crunch to every bite.
- Simple to Prepare – No complicated methods or ingredients—just easy steps for a delicious result.
- Perfect for the Holidays – This classic casserole is a must-have side dish for holiday gatherings, pleasing everyone around the table.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – It’s easy to prep in advance and bake when you’re ready to serve, making your holiday cooking a breeze.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Sweet Potato Filling:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3-4 medium sweet potatoes)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
For the Pecan Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Optional Marshmallow Topping:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Begin by either boiling or baking the sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender. This should take about 15-20 minutes if boiling or about 45 minutes in the oven. Once done, peel off the skin and mash the sweet potatoes until they are smooth and lump-free.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Filling
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, packed brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Once ready, evenly spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Streusel
In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and the ingredients are well incorporated.
Evenly sprinkle this pecan streusel topping over the sweet potato filling, ensuring that it covers the surface completely.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Step 5: Add Marshmallows (Optional)
If you choose to include marshmallows, sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking. Allow them to melt and become slightly toasted for a perfect, gooey topping. You can even broil them for 1-2 minutes to achieve that golden, crispy texture.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Once the casserole is done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will give the flavors time to meld and the casserole to firm up just slightly for easier serving. Enjoy this dish warm as the star side of your meal!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Version – Skip the pecans and try crushed graham crackers for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, topping.
- Vegan Option – Swap out dairy butter for a vegan butter substitute, use almond milk, and replace the eggs with flax eggs.
- Extra Spiced – For a festive twist, add a touch of pumpkin spice or allspice to the sweet potato mixture to ramp up the warmth.
- Savory Twist – If you prefer a more savory version, cut down on the sugar and instead add grated Parmesan cheese and chopped rosemary for a completely different flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the casserole, assemble it but don’t bake. Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
- Reheating: Reheat the casserole in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave it in 30-second intervals until warm.
Delicious Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes about 3-4 medium sweet potatoes
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups mini marshmallows optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until fork-tender. Once done, peel and mash them until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until smooth and combined.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Mix until the topping is crumbly.
- Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
- Optional: If using marshmallows, sprinkle them on top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking and broil for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day before and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it until hot and bubbly.
Do I have to use eggs?
While eggs help to bind the casserole together, you can substitute them with ½ cup of applesauce or mashed banana as a suitable alternative.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch for time, you can use two 29-oz cans of sweet potatoes. Be sure to drain and mash them before using.
How do I keep the topping from becoming soggy?
To prevent the topping from becoming soggy, bake the casserole uncovered and only add marshmallows near the end of the baking process.
Can I add other toppings to the casserole?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Try adding crushed gingersnaps, shredded coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor.
What dishes does this casserole pair well with?
This sweet potato casserole complements a variety of main dishes, from roast turkey to glazed ham, and is also a great match with stuffing and cranberry sauce.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, if you’re looking for a lower sugar alternative, monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar are excellent options.
How can I make the filling ultra-smooth?
For an extra creamy filling, consider using a hand mixer or food processor to achieve a silky-smooth texture.
What’s the best method to toast marshmallows?
If you’re using marshmallows, broil them for 1-2 minutes after baking to get them golden brown and crispy on top.
Conclusion
This Delicious Sweet Potato Casserole is a holiday must-have that combines creamy, mashed sweet potatoes with a crisp, sweet topping. Whether you prefer it with or without marshmallows, this dish is sure to win the hearts of your guests. Its perfect balance of textures and flavors makes it the ultimate side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering. Try it today and bring a taste of comfort and tradition to your table!
Quick Recipe Summary:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
This casserole will be your new favorite side dish for any special occasion!