Best Sweet Potato Casserole is the kind of comfort food that warms your kitchen and your heart. With creamy mashed sweet potatoes sweetened just right, topped by a crunchy pecan streusel, this dish brings together the best of smooth, rich texture and sweet, nutty crunch. Perfect for holiday dinners, cozy family meals, or even as a show-stopping side for your weekend cooking, this casserole hits all the right notes. It is easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to serve when friends come over. Once you try this recipe, it may become a holiday staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Best Sweet Potato Casserole
You will love this Sweet Potato Casserole because it strikes a perfect balance between sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors. The mashed sweet potatoes are light and fluffy thanks to butter, vanilla, and eggs, while the brown sugar pecan topping adds a crunchy contrast plus a warm caramel-like flavor. It is versatile too — you can bake it ahead of time or throw it together at the last minute. It works equally well as a side dish for turkey or ham at holiday dinners, or as a special treat alongside grilled chicken and vegetables. Plus, it is a comforting, crowd-pleasing option that gets rave reviews every time it hits the table.
Ingredients
For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the streusel topping:
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step: How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole
- Prepare the sweet potatoes using your preferred method. You can bake them at 400°F for about an hour, microwave (pierce with a fork) for about 15 minutes, depending on size, or peel and boil them for around 30 minutes — whichever method you prefer until the potatoes are soft and tender.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray (for a richer flavor, use coconut oil spray). Set the dish aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, eggs, and melted butter. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture for about 4 to 5 minutes, until it becomes fluffy and smooth.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the greased baking dish and smooth it out into an even layer. Bake for 25 minutes.
- As the sweet potatoes bake, prepare the streusel topping by combining brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a separate bowl. Use a fork to blend until a crumbly texture forms.
- After the initial 25 minutes of baking, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crumble is lightly browned and golden.
- Once done, you can serve immediately while hot, or cover the dish with foil and wait about 30 minutes before serving to allow things to settle a bit — perfect timing if you are also heating up other dishes or dinner rolls.
Helpful Tips
- For easier peeling and mashing, bake or microwave the sweet potatoes with their skins on, then scoop out the flesh once they are cool enough to handle.
- Use room-temperature eggs so the mixture blends smoothly without clumps.
- If you prefer a lighter topping, reduce the pecans by ¼ cup, or omit them entirely for a plain streusel.
- For a deeper flavor, let the sweet potato mixture rest in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking — it allows the sugar and butter to meld and yields a creamier texture.
- If you do not have coconut oil spray, butter the dish thoroughly or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Substitutions And Variations
- Maple syrup swap: Replace the granulated sugar with ⅓ cup maple syrup for a natural sweetness with a hint of earthy maple character.
- Spiced version: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for a warm, spiced flavor perfect for autumn or winter meals.
- Vegan option: Substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine, and replace eggs with two flax eggs (mix 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit until gelled). The topping stays the same if your butter substitute melts and holds.
- Gluten-free streusel: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend is suitable for baking and crumb toppings.
- Smaller portions: Halve the recipe and bake in a 1-quart dish, adjusting baking times slightly — start checking around after 15 minutes for the first bake and 8 minutes after the topping goes on.
Storage Instructions
Once cooled completely, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm covered for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. If you want the streusel topping to stay crisp, uncover during the last 5 minutes of reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave — about 1 to 2 minutes on medium power — though the topping may soften slightly.
Nutritional Information
(per serving, assuming 8 servings)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~44 g
- Dietary Fiber: ~5 g
- Sugars: ~28 g
- Protein: ~4 g
- Fat: ~14 g
- Saturated Fat: ~6 g
- Sodium: ~220 mg
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Potato Casserole pairs beautifully with rich mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or baked chicken thighs. For a holiday table, set alongside green beans almondine, glazed carrots, or a crisp salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. If you want to serve it as a standalone vegetarian main, add a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed kale and a scoop of cranberry sauce for a seasonal twist. For after-dinner indulgence, top a warm spoonful with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert-like treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Sweet Potato Casserole
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute canned sweet potatoes if you are short on time. Drain them well and mash thoroughly before mixing with the rest of the ingredients. Remember, fresh sweet potatoes typically provide a deeper flavor and creamier consistency, though canned versions are a convenient alternative when you’re short on time.
Can you prepare this casserole in advance?
Definitely — doing so helps you save time and keeps the topping perfectly crisp when served.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour in the streusel with a gluten-free flour blend that is labeled for baking. The rest of the ingredients remain the same. The texture may differ slightly depending on the flour blend used.
How do I avoid a soggy topping when reheating leftovers?
For best results, reheat in an oven at 350°F, uncovered, during the last few minutes to let the topping crisp up. Microwaving will warm the filling quickly, but may soften the streusel slightly.
Is there a dairy-free version of this casserole?
Yes, you can use coconut oil or plant-based margarine instead of butter, and flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) in place of regular eggs. The outcome will be slightly different in texture, but still delicious and creamy.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for trying this Best Sweet Potato Casserole recipe. I hope you enjoy how the creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan streusel come together in one comforting, flavorful dish. Whether you’re making it for a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or just because you crave something warm and satisfying, this casserole is one of those recipes that brings joy to the table. It is easy to prepare, versatile, and full of deliciousness. I love making it for friends and family, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too. Enjoy cooking and sharing this treat with loved ones. Happy cooking.
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Best Sweet Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, fluffy sweet potatoes topped with a buttery brown sugar pecan streusel. This Best Sweet Potato Casserole is an easy and crowd-pleasing holiday side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
4 large sweet potatoes
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes using your preferred method. You can bake them at 400°F for about an hour, microwave (pierce with a fork) for about 15 minutes depending on size, or peel and boil them for around 30 minutes — whichever method you prefer until the potatoes are soft and tender.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray (for a richer flavor, use coconut oil spray). Set the dish aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, eggs, and melted butter. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture for about 4 to 5 minutes, until it becomes fluffy and smooth.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the greased baking dish and smooth it out into an even layer. Bake for 25 minutes.
- As the sweet potatoes bake, prepare the streusel topping by combining brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a separate bowl. Use a fork to blend until a crumbly texture forms.
- After the initial 25 minutes bake, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crumble is lightly browned and golden.
- Once done, you can serve immediately while hot, or cover the dish with foil and wait about 30 minutes before serving to allow things to settle a bit — perfect timing if you are also heating up other dishes or dinner rolls.
Notes
You can use canned sweet potatoes if needed. For added flavor, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg. Make-ahead options available: either assemble ahead and bake the day of, or bake the base and add the topping later before reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Protein: 4 g