Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

This Sweet Potato Casserole is a rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced dish, topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan streusel. It’s a classic holiday side dish that pairs perfectly with savory mains like turkey or ham, but it’s so good, you’ll want to enjoy it year-round. The sweet, mashed potatoes with a crisp topping create a delightful texture contrast that will have everyone coming back for more.

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Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

• Rich & Creamy: The mashed sweet potatoes are buttery, smooth, and full of flavor.
• Perfect for Holidays: This classic casserole is a must-have at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
• Crunchy Pecan Topping: The sweet and buttery pecan topping adds a wonderful texture to the soft potatoes.
• Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is easy to put together.

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Key Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Sweet Potatoes

• Fresh sweet potatoes give the casserole its rich, naturally sweet flavor. Baking or boiling them before mashing works perfectly.

2. Butter

• Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency in the mashed sweet potatoes.

3. Brown Sugar

• Brown sugar sweetens the potatoes and gives the pecan topping its delicious caramel flavor.

4. Pecans

• Chopped pecans are mixed with butter and brown sugar to create a crunchy, flavorful topping.

5. Eggs

• Eggs help bind the mashed sweet potatoes together, giving the casserole structure.

6. Milk

• A splash of milk or cream adds extra creaminess to the sweet potatoes.

7. Cinnamon & Nutmeg

• Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

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How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

This classic sweet potato casserole is easy to prepare and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and cut 4-5 large sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil or steam the sweet potatoes in a large pot until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

• In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes. Stir in 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Topping

• In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup melted butter, and 1 cup chopped pecans. Stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy, and the sweet potato filling is hot and set.

Step 6: Serve

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy as a side dish to your favorite holiday meal.

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Tips for Making the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes

• Fresh, whole sweet potatoes work best for this recipe. They have a rich, natural sweetness that enhances the flavor of the casserole.

2. Make It Ahead

• You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and the topping separately a day ahead. Store them in the fridge, then assemble and bake the casserole when ready.

3. Add Marshmallows for a Twist

• If you love the classic marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole, add a layer of mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

4. Don’t Overmix the Sweet Potatoes

• When mashing the sweet potatoes, mix just until smooth to avoid a gummy texture.

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Recipe Variations

1. Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

• Replace the pecan topping with a layer of mini marshmallows. Bake until the marshmallows are golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.

2. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

• Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk, and skip the eggs for a vegan-friendly version of this dish.

3. Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

• Substitute the brown sugar in the mashed sweet potatoes with maple syrup for a rich, maple-flavored twist.

4. Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

• Skip the sugar and spices, and add herbs like thyme and rosemary along with some Parmesan cheese for a savory version of the casserole.

5. Nut-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

• Omit the pecans and use a streusel made with oats, flour, and butter for a crunchy, nut-free topping.

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FAQs: Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Can I Make Sweet Potato Casserole Ahead of Time?

• Yes! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and the pecan topping a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake the casserole when you’re ready to serve.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

• Store leftover sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. Can I Freeze Sweet Potato Casserole?

• Yes! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. You can also freeze leftover baked casserole; just reheat it in the oven when ready to serve.

4. What Can I Serve with Sweet Potato Casserole?

• Sweet potato casserole pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roast turkey, ham, stuffing, or green beans. It’s perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

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