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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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