This Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish—rich, creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a buttery brown sugar and pecan crumble. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it a standout on any Thanksgiving or Christmas table. Whether you’re serving this for the first time or carrying on a beloved family tradition, this comforting casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍠 Classic Holiday Favorite – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or potlucks
- 🧈 Buttery and Rich – Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crisp topping
- 🥧 Dessert-Like Flavor – But still a side dish!
- ⏱️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep a day in advance and bake fresh
- 🥄 Crowd-Pleasing Texture – Smooth base + crunchy pecan topping
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Filling
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 large sweet potatoes)
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Pecan Crumble Topping
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel, cube, and boil sweet potatoes until fork tender (15–20 minutes). Drain and mash until smooth.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer to Dish: Pour sweet potato mixture into prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, pecans, and softened butter. Mix until crumbly.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle crumble evenly over the sweet potatoes. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Estimated Cost: ~$10
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 17g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: ~160mg
Values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion size.
Tips & Variations
- Marshmallow Topping: Swap the pecan topping for mini marshmallows—add in the last 10 minutes of baking
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the filling and topping separately and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and vegan butter
- Add Spice: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm holiday flavor
- No Nuts? Replace pecans with oats for a nut-free crumble
Sweet Potato Casserole
Equipment
- – Mixing bowls
- – Potato masher or mixer
- – 9×13” baking dish
- – Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- **For the base:**
- – 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- – ½ cup sugar
- – 2 eggs beaten
- – ½ cup milk
- – ½ cup melted butter
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – ½ tsp cinnamon optional
- – Pinch of salt
- **For the topping:**
- – ½ cup brown sugar
- – ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- – ⅓ cup softened butter
- – 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13” baking dish.
- Mix sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour mixture into baking dish and smooth the top.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and flour. Cut in butter. Stir in pecans.
- Sprinkle topping over sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and set.
Notes
– Double the topping for extra crunch
– Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days
– Can be made ahead and frozen
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes! Drain them well and mash. Use about 2 (15 oz) cans to equal 4 cups.
Can this be frozen?
Yes. Assemble (unbaked) and freeze tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and bake as directed.
Is this a dessert or side dish?
Traditionally, it’s served as a side—especially at Thanksgiving. But it absolutely tastes like dessert!
How do I make it lighter?
Cut back on sugar or replace with maple syrup. Use skim milk and reduce butter slightly if desired.
Conclusion
This Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved staple for a reason—creamy, comforting, and topped with that irresistible brown sugar crunch. Whether it’s your first time making it or a dish you’ve cherished for years, it’s sure to bring warmth and joy to your holiday table.