This Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole is a family favorite at every holiday meal! Creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan topping create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make this dish irresistible. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this casserole is a must-have on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering. One bite of this traditional sweet potato casserole recipe will make it your new holiday staple.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 12
Yield: 1 (9×13-inch) casserole
Why Sweet Potato Casserole Is a Must-Have Holiday Side Dish
Sweet potato casserole combines the smooth, natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a touch of brown sugar and vanilla, topped with a buttery pecan crumble. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings a comforting taste to every holiday table. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable, and can even be made in advance, which is perfect for busy holiday cooking.
Ingredients for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
This holiday sweet potato casserole comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 4 cups peeled, cubed sweet potatoes: Boiled until tender for easy mashing.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Adds richness and helps bind the casserole.
- ½ cup white sugar: Adds sweetness to complement the potatoes.
- ½ cup milk: Creates a smooth, creamy texture.
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened: Adds richness and flavor.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the natural sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
Pecan Topping:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Sweetens the topping for a caramelized flavor.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the topping.
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened: Adds richness and helps bind the topping.
- ½ cup chopped pecans: Adds a crunchy, nutty flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions for Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole
Follow these simple steps to make this delicious sweet potato casserole with pecan topping:
Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Cook over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture
Mash the sweet potatoes with a fork until smooth. Add the beaten eggs and mix until fully combined. Stir in the sugar, milk, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is creamy. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter (or fork) until the mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse peas. Add the chopped pecans and mix gently. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the topping is lightly browned and the casserole is heated through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors that make this dish a holiday classic.
Make-Ahead Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole
If you want to prepare this casserole in advance, simply prepare the sweet potato filling and the topping separately. Store the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish and keep the pecan topping in an airtight container. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate both for up to two days. When ready to bake, sprinkle the topping over the filling and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
Storing and Reheating Sweet Potato Casserole
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a little milk or broth if it seems dry.
Freezing Sweet Potato Casserole
You can freeze sweet potato casserole for up to 3 months. Bake the sweet potato filling without the topping, then let it cool completely. Wrap the casserole tightly in foil and place in the freezer. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the pecan topping, and bake as directed.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole
This Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole is packed with creamy, comforting flavors that everyone at your table will love. The combination of smooth sweet potatoes and crunchy pecans creates a perfect texture, while the vanilla and brown sugar bring out the natural sweetness of the potatoes. It’s an easy, make-ahead dish that will be a staple at every holiday meal!
FAQs
Can I make sweet potato casserole without pecans?
Yes! You can skip the pecans or substitute with walnuts, or even try a marshmallow topping for a different twist.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to drain them well. You may need to adjust the sugar to balance the sweetness.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative, and use almond or coconut milk in place of regular milk.
How do I keep the casserole moist?
Adding milk to the sweet potato mixture and baking it covered (or adding foil) helps retain moisture.
Can I use another type of nut for the topping?
Yes, walnuts or even almonds work well as a substitute for pecans.
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 226
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 50mg 17%
Sodium 188mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 20g
Protein 3g 6%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 43mg 3%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 213mg 5%
Conclusion
This Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole is a holiday classic that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Creamy sweet potatoes combined with a crunchy pecan topping make it the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. With a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a flavorful casserole that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy this traditional treat, and make your holidays a little sweeter!