Sweet Potato Casserole is a holiday favorite, combining creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. This dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty, making it a crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a small family dinner or a big Thanksgiving feast.
And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make with just a few ingredients and easy steps. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Filling:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or cream for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional but recommended)
- Pinch of salt
Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup softened butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Optional:
- Mini marshmallows for an extra layer of gooey goodness!
Instructions
1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Peel and dice the sweet potatoes, then place them in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.Pro Tip: Ensure the sweet potatoes are soft enough before mashing to avoid lumps.
2. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer for a smoother texture.
- Add the melted butter, milk, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.Pro Tip: Taste the filling before baking. Add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter dish.
3. Prepare the Pecan Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans. Stir with a fork or your hands until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the pecan topping generously over the sweet potatoes.
- Optional: Add a layer of mini marshmallows on top of the pecan topping for extra sweetness.
5. Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. If you’ve added marshmallows, they should be puffed and lightly toasted.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.Pro Tip: The toasted spices and roasted pecans will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sweet -potato filling and pecan topping up to 1-2 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator, then bake as directed on the day of serving.
- Sweetness Balance: Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling for a less sweet version. Skip the marshmallows if you prefer a more savory dish.
- Texture Options: Leave some chunks of sweet -potato for a rustic feel, rather than mashing completely smooth.
- Nut Substitution: You can swap pecans with walnuts for a slightly different flavor.
Variations to Try:
- Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole:
- Swap butter for coconut oil, use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk, and reduce the sugar. You can also use chopped oats in place of flour for the topping.
- Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole:
- Use plant-based butter, almond or coconut milk, and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of regular eggs.
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Syrup:
- Add a touch of maple syrup to the mashed sweet -potatoes and pecan topping for a richer, caramel-like flavor.
- Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole:
- Layer thinly sliced apples between the mashed sweet -potatoes and pecan topping for a tart-sweet twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
- Yes! Just make sure to drain them thoroughly and reduce the sugar, as canned sweet -potatoes are usually packed in syrup.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Can I freeze Sweet Potato Casserole?
- Absolutely! Freeze the casserole before or after baking for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake or reheat as directed.
- How can I prevent a soggy topping?
- To keep the pecan topping crispy, bake the casserole without the topping first, and add it in the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Wrapping It Up:
There you have it—a simple and delicious Sweet -Potato Casserole that’s perfect for the holidays or any family gathering. The creamy sweet-potato filling and buttery pecan topping make it the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it’s so easy to make!
Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or just making a cozy meal at home, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Give it a try and enjoy all the compliments!