The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

There’s nothing like the warm, comforting taste of a classic Sweet Potato Casserole to bring everyone to the table. This recipe combines creamy, cinnamon-spiced sweet potatoes with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping for the ultimate holiday side dish that’s both cozy and crowd-pleasing.

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I first tried this recipe at a family Thanksgiving, and it was love at first bite. The smooth, sweet potatoes contrast perfectly with the crisp topping, making every forkful a delight. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or just craving something comforting, this Sweet Potato Casserole will be a memorable addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

This Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a crowd-pleaser with a range of irresistible flavors and textures. Here’s why you’ll want to make it every year:

For starters, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this casserole is a no-fuss recipe that you can whip up even on busy holiday mornings.

It’s also perfectly sweet and spiced, thanks to a blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. This brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes without overpowering them, making it a lovely complement to savory main dishes.

The texture contrast is unbeatable. Soft, creamy sweet potatoes meet a crunchy, nutty pecan topping, creating a bite that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. This casserole is bound to be one of the first dishes to disappear at the table.

And finally, it’s versatile and customizable. Whether you’re cooking for guests with dietary restrictions or want to try different toppings, this recipe adapts easily to suit your needs.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this Sweet Potato Casserole plays a key role in making it an unforgettable dish. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make it shine:

• Sweet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes with orange flesh for the best flavor and texture. They’re naturally sweet and become tender and creamy when baked.
• Brown Sugar: This adds a hint of caramel sweetness that balances the potatoes perfectly. For the topping, brown sugar caramelizes and creates a beautiful, golden crust.
• Butter: Butter adds richness and depth to both the sweet potato mixture and the topping. Unsalted butter is best, allowing you to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, giving the sweet potato layer a light and fluffy texture. Let them come to room temperature before mixing for a smoother consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a touch of vanilla adds warmth and enhances the flavors in the dish without overpowering the sweet potatoes.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices are classic in sweet potato casseroles. They bring a cozy, warm flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the potatoes and brown sugar.
• Pecans: Pecans add crunch and a subtle nuttiness to the topping. If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute with crushed gluten-free granola or oats for a similar texture.

For equipment, you’ll need a 9x13 baking dish and a potato masher or mixer to achieve the perfect smooth texture.

How to Make This Sweet Potato Casserole

Making this Sweet Potato Casserole is as easy as it is delicious. Here’s how to do it step-by-step for the perfect result every time:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes, then place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Mash the Potatoes: Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl. Add in the butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Use a potato masher or mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice if needed.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9x13 baking dish and spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish. This will form the soft, creamy base of the casserole that everyone will love.
4. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well combined and crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes to create the crunchy, sweet topping.
5. Bake Until Golden: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges of the casserole are bubbling slightly. The sweet potato layer should be set and the topping crisp.

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The warm, sweet aroma and golden topping make it absolutely irresistible!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though they won’t last long!), this Sweet Potato Casserole is easy to store and reheat.

• Refrigerator: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Freezer: You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. To serve, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this casserole up to one day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, then bake as directed.

Variations and Substitutions

This Sweet Potato Casserole is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to make a few tweaks to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Marshmallows: For a traditional twist, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking. They’ll puff up and turn golden, adding a gooey sweetness that pairs beautifully with the crunchy pecan topping.
• Make It Nut-Free: If you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy, you can substitute the pecans with gluten-free oats or crushed graham crackers for a similar texture without the nuts.
• Use Maple Syrup: Swap the brown sugar in the filling for pure maple syrup for a hint of natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Spice It Up: Add a touch of ground ginger or allspice to the sweet potato mixture for extra warmth and depth of flavor. These spices add a unique twist while staying true to the traditional taste.
• Lighter Version: For a lighter option, replace some or all of the butter with coconut oil and use less sugar. This will create a slightly healthier version without sacrificing flavor.

No matter how you prepare it, this Sweet Potato Casserole is sure to become a beloved staple at your family gatherings. With its rich, spiced filling and irresistible pecan topping, it’s a classic side that brings comfort and warmth to any table. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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