Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Crafting the most delectable sweet potato casserole recipe promises a culinary adventure that’ll transport you straight to comfort food heaven.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this creamy, indulgent dish as a seasonal favorite.

Marshmallow clouds and buttery pecan crumbles create a magical texture that dances across your taste buds.

Families gather around tables, eagerly anticipating each decadent spoonful of this classic side dish.

Rich, caramelized sweet potatoes blend perfectly with warm spices and a crunchy topping that adds irresistible depth.

Layers of flavor tell a story of tradition and pure deliciousness.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering masterpiece that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Sweet Potato Casserole: What’s to Love

• Delivers a creamy, sweet, and indulgent experience that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates at any family gathering or holiday meal.
• Beginner-friendly recipe with simple steps like boiling, mashing, and baking, allowing even novice cooks to create a professional-looking side dish with confidence.
• Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or potluck events, this casserole adds a warm, nostalgic touch to any special occasion and impresses guests with its rich, comforting flavors.

Ingredients Checklist for Sweet Potato Casserole

Main Ingredients:

Sweet Potatoes: A classic holiday side dish staple with natural sweetness and creamy texture. Choose firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without bruises or soft spots.

Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create smooth, creamy consistency. Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.

Topping Ingredients:

Pecans: Provides crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the casserole. Look for fresh, whole pecans without any rancid smell.

Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create crispy topping. Dark brown sugar offers more intense flavor.

Marshmallows: Creates a golden-brown, fluffy layer that adds sweetness and visual appeal. Mini marshmallows melt more evenly.

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness. Use kosher or sea salt for best taste.

Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements sweet potato’s natural flavor. Fresh ground cinnamon has more potent aroma.

Eggs: Help bind the casserole and create a stable, creamy texture. Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps create soft, creamy consistency. Whole milk provides richer flavor.

Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the dessert. Pure vanilla extract offers better flavor than imitation.

Simple Steps for the Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Sweet Potatoes

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Drop in whole sweet potatoes and bring to a rolling boil. Cook until a fork slides through easily, typically 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Transform Potatoes

• Potato masher
• Electric mixer
• Fork

Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

• Butter
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Brown sugar

Step 5: Prepare Crunchy Topping

• Chopped pecans
• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Melted butter

Step 6: Assemble Casserole

Pour the smooth sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly across the surface.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Cool And Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the casserole to set and makes serving easier. Enjoy warm as a decadent side dish or dessert.

Sweet Potato Casserole Tips Straight from the Kitchen

• Soften Potatoes Perfectly: Let boiled sweet potatoes cool slightly before mashing to prevent burning your hands and achieve a smoother texture.
• Customize Topping Crunch: Mix chopped pecans with brown sugar for extra depth and crunch in the streusel topping, creating a more complex flavor profile.
• Control Moisture Levels: If sweet potatoes seem too watery, drain thoroughly and let them sit in the colander for a few minutes to remove excess liquid.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the mashed sweet potatoes for a warmer, more aromatic taste.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

Keeping Sweet Potato Casserole Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the sweet potato casserole fresh and delicious.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 23 weeks, ensuring a convenient make-ahead option for busy families.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350F for 1520 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Quickly reheat individual portions on medium power for 12 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and preserve the casserole's creamy texture.

Pairing Ideas for Sweet Potato Casserole

• Boost Sweet Potato Casserole's Flavor Profile
• Sprinkle toasted pecans on top for a crunchy contrast to the creamy sweet potato texture, adding rich nutty complexity.
• Create a warm bourbon drink with cinnamon and vanilla notes that complement the casserole's sweet and comforting flavors.
• The sweet and savory combination elevates both dishes, providing a balanced and satisfying main course experience.
• A chilled, slightly tart apple cider cuts through the richness of the casserole, refreshing the palate between bites.

Sweet Potato Casserole Twists to Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional flour-based toppings with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond meal for a crunchy, celiac-friendly topping.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs to create a dairy-free and egg-free casserole.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce brown sugar by half and use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, adding extra cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the sweet flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Substitute pecans with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a crunchy topping suitable for those with nut allergies.

Sweet Potato Casserole FAQ Quick Guide

• Why use marshmallows in this casserole?

Marshmallows create a delightful golden-brown topping that adds sweetness and a fun, crispy texture to the classic sweet potato dish, making it extra special for holiday meals.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato base up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the marshmallow topping just before baking to ensure maximum crispiness.

• Are there any alternative toppings if I don't like marshmallows?

Absolutely! You can use a crunchy pecan streusel topping made with chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and butter for a more nutty and textured alternative to marshmallows.

• What type of sweet potatoes work best for this recipe?

Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (often labeled as yams in grocery stores) are ideal because they’re naturally sweeter and create a creamier, more flavorful casserole.

Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Sweet potato casserole brings comfort straight from Southern kitchens, melding creamy mashed potatoes with a crispy pecan topping that promises pure deliciousness. This classic side dish delivers warmth and satisfaction with each delectable spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Sweet Potato Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds or 1.36 kilograms)

Wet & Binding Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Spices & Topping Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup (85 grams) chopped pecans
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

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Instructions

1. Submerge whole sweet potatoes in generously salted water, bringing liquid to a rolling boil and cooking until potatoes yield effortlessly when pierced with a sharp fork, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. Carefully drain potatoes in a colander, allowing excess moisture to evaporate, then transfer to a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Pulverize the cooked sweet potatoes using a potato masher or electric mixer, transforming them into a silky, uniform consistency with minimal lumps.
4. Preheat the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C), ensuring even temperature distribution throughout the cooking chamber.
5. Select a rectangular 9×13-inch baking vessel and thoroughly coat interior surfaces with a thin layer of butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent adherence.
6. Incorporate the remaining ingredients into the mashed sweet potatoes, blending thoroughly to create a harmonious mixture with balanced flavors and textures.
7. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading the contents evenly with a spatula to create a smooth, level surface.
8. Craft the streusel topping by combining the specified dry ingredients, ensuring a crumbly, interconnected texture that will provide delightful crunch.
9. Sprinkle the streusel topping across the sweet potato base, covering the entire surface with a generous, uniform layer.
10. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the topping transforms into a golden-brown, crisp landscape and the interior becomes heated throughout, typically 25-30 minutes.
11. Remove from oven and permit the casserole to rest for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and ensuring stable serving consistency.

Notes

• Ensure sweet potatoes are completely tender to achieve a silky, creamy texture without lumps.
• Consider roasting sweet potatoes instead of boiling for a deeper, caramelized flavor that enhances the natural sweetness.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional marshmallows with coconut flakes or chopped nuts as a crunchy topping alternative.
• Experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to elevate the casserole’s warmth and complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 383
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg