Name: Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the sweet potato base:; 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 large sweet potatoes); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; For the topping:; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 cup chopped pecans

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Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic comfort dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family meals. With creamy mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a crunchy pecan topping, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. I love how it feels like a dessert, but still earns its place on the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love making this dish because it’s nostalgic, easy to prepare, and always gets cleaned out at the table. The mashed sweet potatoes are buttery and smooth, with just the right amount of sweetness, and the crunchy topping adds a delightful texture. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just making a cozy dinner, it never disappoints. Plus, I can prep it in advance and bake it fresh when I’m ready.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 large sweet potatoes)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the topping:

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, I mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
I spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a separate bowl, I stir together the brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans to make the topping.
I sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.
I bake it for about 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crisp.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 8 people. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in just under an hour. It’s a great make-ahead dish, too—I often prepare it the night before and bake it the next day.

Variations

Sometimes I like to add mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a more dessert-like twist. I’ve also swapped pecans for walnuts or left the nuts out entirely when cooking for people with allergies. To lighten it up, I’ve used maple syrup instead of sugar or almond milk in place of dairy milk. It’s easy to adapt to my preferences or what I have on hand.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I store them in an airtight container and reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. If the topping softens, I sometimes toast a few extra pecans and sprinkle them on top before serving again.

FAQs

Can I make Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. I just add the topping right before baking to keep it crisp.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

Yes, I always peel them before mashing to get a smooth texture. It’s easiest to peel them after boiling when the skins slip off easily.

Can I freeze Sweet Potato Casserole?

I’ve frozen it before baking and it held up well. I just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake it fresh. I wouldn’t freeze it after baking, as the texture changes a bit.

Can I make it without eggs?

Yes, I’ve used mashed banana or a flax egg as a substitute when cooking for someone with allergies. It still binds well and tastes great.

What’s the best way to cook the sweet potatoes?

I usually boil them, but roasting brings out a deeper flavor. If I have the time, I roast them at 400°F until soft and caramelized.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Casserole is one of those dishes that brings warmth, comfort, and just the right touch of sweetness to any meal. I love how it’s both simple and special, whether I’m serving it for the holidays or just as a side to a cozy dinner. With its creamy base and crunchy topping, it’s a recipe I find myself coming back to again and again.