Sweet Potato Casserole

Created on November 3rd, 2025 at 04:50 pm

A warm, comforting dish

….perfect for gatherings and family dinners.

Sweet potato casserole is a true staple of comfort food, bringing warmth and familiarity to our tables. This dish combines the natural sweetness of velvety sweet potatoes with a buttery, crunchy topping, creating a delightful contrast in texture. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is akin to a nostalgic hug, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Each bite is creamy and rich, making it a side dish that stands out during special occasions.

What makes sweet potato casserole particularly special is its versatility. It can be served alongside savory meats at a holiday feast or enjoyed as a comforting dish on a quiet evening. The vibrant orange of the sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the golden, crisp topping, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sweet potato casserole is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The sweet, tender potatoes meld beautifully with the buttery, crunchy topping, offering both sweetness and a satisfying crunch in every forkful. It’s simple to prepare, which allows you to enjoy time with loved ones rather than being stuck in the kitchen. This dish also has a depth of flavor that builds with each ingredient, from the brown sugar that caramelizes beautifully to the pecans that provide toasty notes. Leftovers are even better the next day, as the flavors intensify, making it a perfect meal prep option.

Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

Main:

• 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping:

• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Kitchen Tools

Preparing sweet potato casserole is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment. A few essential items will get the job done seamlessly.

• Large pot for boiling sweet potatoes
• Mixing bowls for combining ingredients
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Potato masher or ricer
• Baking sheets for toasting nuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 
   

   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warm environment will provide the perfect backdrop for your casserole to cook, filling your kitchen with rich aromas.

   
   
2. 
   

   Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with water and bring to a gentle boil. Boil for about 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender and bright orange.

   
   
3. 
   

   Once softened, drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher or ricer to mash them until smooth. The warm, fluffy texture will create a luscious base for the casserole.

   
   
4. 
   

   In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until you achieve a creamy consistency. The sweetness of the mix is balanced by the rich butter, creating an inviting base.

   
   
5. 
   

   Next, take your baking dish and transfer the sweet potato mixture into it, spreading it evenly. The mixture should have a glossy sheen and beautiful orange hue, promising great flavor.

   
   
6. 
   

   Now, make the topping. In a separate bowl, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon together. The mixture should be crumbly, with large nutty pieces visible, ready to bring a satisfying crunch.

   
   
7. 
   

   Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato base. The contrast in colors will be striking, with the brown topping enhancing the vibrant orange.

   
   
8. 
   

   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. The smell wafting through your home will be enticing and comforting.

   
   
9. 
   

   Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors settle and enhances the dish’s overall appeal.

   
   
10. 
    

    Serve warm, ideally alongside roasted meats or as part of a festive spread. Each spoonful is a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and crunchy.

    
    

Pro Tips

• For a richer flavor, add a dash of nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• To make this dish dairy-free, use a plant-based butter and milk alternative.
• If you like your topping sweeter, increase the brown sugar slightly.
• This casserole can be prepared a day in advance; simply cover and refrigerate before baking.

Sweet Comfort, Made Simple

Sweet potato casserole is a dish that brings warmth, flavor, and a bit of nostalgia to your dining table. Its creamy interior contrasts beautifully with the crunchy topping, while the inviting aroma fills your space with comfort. Whether it graces your holiday table or serves as a beloved family meal, this casserole is a reminder that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

This dish proves that gourmet comfort can be simple and satisfying.

Nutrition Table

Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sorrel Calver

A warm and comforting sweet potato casserole with a buttery, crunchy topping, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping

• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover them with water, and bring to a gentle boil. Boil for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
• Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them until smooth.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until creamy.
• Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
• In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon for the topping.
• Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato base.

Baking

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
• Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve warm, ideally as a side dish.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add a dash of nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture. Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor. To make this dish dairy-free, use plant-based butter and milk. Leftovers are even better the next day.

Keyword Comfort Food, holiday side dish, Sweet Potato Casserole, Vegetarian