The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

There’s nothing like the smell of a Sweet Potato Casserole baking in the oven to bring everyone into the kitchen. Creamy, spiced sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel (or gooey marshmallows, if that’s your style) create a dish that’s as cozy as it is irresistible.

This recipe is a family favorite, inspired by countless Thanksgiving dinners and perfected over the years. Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal or just to satisfy a craving, this casserole will quickly become a staple on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

This Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, creamy and crunchy. It’s a dish that will steal the spotlight, no matter when you serve it.

Easy to Make

With just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time. You don’t need fancy equipment or culinary expertise to make it perfect.

Crowd-Pleaser

Whether your family loves sweet potatoes with marshmallows or prefers a nutty streusel topping, this recipe can do both—or combine them!

Perfect for Holidays or Anytime

This casserole is a must-have at Thanksgiving, but it’s also simple enough to make for weeknight dinners. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are a bonus!

Customizable

From toppings to flavor tweaks, this dish is endlessly adaptable. It’s easy to make it dairy-free, nut-free, or even less sweet if that’s your preference.

Ingredients Notes

The key to this dish’s magic lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Filling

• Sweet Potatoes: The base of the casserole. Choose firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness. Use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor or light brown for a more delicate sweetness.
• Butter: Creates a creamy, velvety texture. Use unsalted butter to control the salt level.
• Eggs: Bind the casserole and give it structure while keeping it light and fluffy.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices bring out the earthy sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

For the Topping

• Pecans: Provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling. You can substitute walnuts or skip them for a nut-free version.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the topping.
• Flour: Gives the streusel its crumbly texture.
• Butter: Makes the topping rich and golden as it bakes.
• Optional: Marshmallows: A classic choice for those who love a gooey, nostalgic topping.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

This recipe is simple, and the steps are easy to follow. Here’s how to create the ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole:

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and chop 4-5 medium sweet potatoes into large chunks. Boil them in a pot of salted water for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly before mashing.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Mix in brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir until well combined. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. If using marshmallows, add them during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is heated through. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Storage Options

This casserole is ideal for making ahead and storing leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F or in the microwave.
• Freezer: Assemble the casserole without the topping, then freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the filling and topping separately up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the fridge and assemble just before baking.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Sweet Potato Casserole is how customizable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Nut-Free: Skip the pecans and use crushed graham crackers or oats in the topping.
• Marshmallow & Streusel Combo: Can’t decide? Use both! Add marshmallows halfway through baking for a gooey and crunchy combo.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter, and substitute almond or oat milk for any cream in the filling.
• Savory Twist: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the filling for a sweet-and-savory kick.
• Healthier Version: Reduce the sugar and swap the butter in the filling for Greek yogurt.

This Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, whether you’re serving it for a holiday or just because. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to delight every time. Give it a try, and watch it disappear from the table faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

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