Sweet Potato Casserole

Name: Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark); 2 eggs, lightly beaten; ½ cup half and half or whole milk; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt; ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark); ½ teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 cups pecans (about 8 ounces), roughly chopped; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 to 2 cups miniature marshmallows (optional)

By:

Marry

Published:

November 25, 2025

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Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved dish that can bring warmth and joy to any gathering. Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, drawing friends and family in from every corner of the house. The blend of creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy streusel topping makes for a delightful combination that hits all the right notes. Whether it’s a festive holiday dinner or a cozy family meal, this casserole is a comforting staple that never fails to impress. Have you ever noticed how food can spark memories and create bonds? Sharing a dish like Sweet Potato Casserole can turn an ordinary day into something truly special. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on this delicious recipe together!

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this Sweet Potato Casserole lies in the perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors. You have the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, which pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery streusel topping. This harmony makes every bite feel like a warm hug.

Sweet potatoes aren’t just delicious; they’re also packed with nutrition. They bring a wonderful creaminess to the casserole, making it feel indulgent without being overly heavy. Plus, with their vibrant orange color, they make the dish visually appealing as well.

Now, let’s not forget the streusel topping. This part is essential! It adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smoothness of the sweet potato filling. The mix of pecans, flour, sugar, and cinnamon creates a texture that you just can’t resist.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

Who can resist comfort food, especially during the holidays? This Sweet Potato Casserole is always a hit at gatherings. Its appeal lies in its versatility; you can serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family get-together.

Cooking brings joy, and sharing this casserole with loved ones makes it even more special. Imagine gathering around the table, passing the dish around, and hearing compliments from everyone. It’s one of those recipes that not only fills bellies but also warms hearts.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole

To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup half and half or whole milk
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
⅔ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
⅔ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
½ teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups pecans (about 8 ounces), roughly chopped
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 to 2 cups miniature marshmallows (optional)

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get down to the cooking!

Preparing Sweet Potato Casserole

Boil Sweet Potatoes Until Tender

First, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add the cut sweet potatoes in there and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take about 20 minutes. Afterward, drain the sweet potatoes well and return them to the hot pot (off the heat). This helps any extra moisture evaporate.

Create the Sweet Potato Filling

Next, take a large bowl (or you can use the pot you just boiled the sweet potatoes in) and mash them using a potato masher or a hand mixer until they’re creamy. Mix in the softened butter until it’s well incorporated. Then, add brown sugar, eggs, half and half, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Mash everything together until combined to your desired consistency. Spread this wonderful sweet potato filling evenly into your prepared baking dish.

Make the Crunchy Streusel Topping

In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. This mix will create that fantastic topping! Next, add in the chopped pecans and melted butter. Stir until everything is well combined. Now, simply and evenly spread the streusel topping over the sweet potato filling.

Bake and Serve

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once it’s ready, bake the casserole for about 25 to 35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. If you like, sprinkle some miniature marshmallows on top during the last 15 minutes of baking for that sweet treat and return to the oven until they turn golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Potato Casserole is best served warm, making it a fantastic side dish for holiday meals. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or you can serve it as a delightful vegetarian main alongside other dishes.

Tips for Success

When choosing your sweet potatoes, look for those that are firm with smooth skin. It’s always good to watch your casserole closely as it bakes, especially if you plan to add marshmallows on top to avoid burning.

Variations

Want to switch things up a bit? Consider adding a pinch of orange zest for a bright citrus twist. You can also substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds to add different flavors and textures to the topping.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven to keep that great texture, or you can quickly microwave it if you’re in a hurry.

Pairing Ideas

This casserole pairs great with other holiday classics like green bean casserole and cranberry sauce. You can also serve it alongside a creamy mac and cheese dish for a comforting meal that everyone will love.

FAQs

1. Can I make this Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute butter with vegan options and use plant-based milk.

3. Can I add marshmallows without baking?
For an alternative texture, toast the marshmallows separately and add them on top just before serving.

4. How can I make the filling smoother?
For a creamier texture, use an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth.

5. What are some gluten-free options?
Just swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour in the streusel topping.

This Sweet Potato Casserole is not just a delicious treat but a dish that captures the warmth of home-cooked meals. Its creamy filling, combined with the crunchy streusel topping, turns it into a delightful centerpiece for any holiday table. Enjoy the joy of cooking and let this casserole help create memories with family and friends, celebrating the flavors that bring everyone together.