This sweet potato casserole is a family favorite, rich and creamy, with a crunchy pecan topping. It’s an easy side dish that’s loved by everyone, especially during holiday dinners or special occasions.
This sweet potato casserole recipe resolves issues of bland flavor and missing texture often found in typical holiday side dishes.
I know cooking can be a bit intimidating, especially when you’re trying to get the flavors just right. I’ve faced my share of challenges, like having a runny filling or dried-out toppings before. It’s good to know there’s a way to achieve that ideal fluffy texture without the fuss.
What works so well with this recipe is that it takes just 10 minutes to prep and only 35 minutes in the oven. It gives you that comforting feeling everyone craves while being a reliable choice for gatherings.
If you want to pair this with something equally comforting, check out my Sweet Potato Turnovers Recipe.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Creaminess , The mashed sweet potatoes create a velvety texture that makes each serving feel indulgent. This combination ensures every forkful is satisfying and hearty, elevating any meal.
- Crispy Pecan Topping , The crunchy pecan crumble adds a delightful contrast to the smooth sweet potato layer. This element not only enhances flavor but also adds an inviting texture that’s hard to resist.
- Make-Ahead Ease , Since the casserole can be prepared in advance, it’s a stress-free option for busy days. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, making it a great addition to meal prepping.
- Seasonal Appeal , This dish shines during fall celebrations or family gatherings, filling the home with warm aromas while also making it a stand-out side that truly embodies the comforts of the season.
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for Everyone
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic sweet potato casserole topped with a pecan brown sugar crumble. Vegetarian side dish baked to golden perfection, yields 10 servings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup (43 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups (690 g) cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, cooled to room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) white sugar
- 1/21/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
- 11/2 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, well beaten, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375 degrees F. Generously spray the casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray for easy release.
- Step 2: Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, stir together 1 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup chopped pecans, and 1/3 cup melted butter until crumbly. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up, which helps create a perfect crumble topping.
- Step 3: Mash Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (at room temperature), 1 cup sugar, 1/21/2 teaspoon salt, 11/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 well-beaten eggs, and 1/2 cup melted butter in the order listed. Using a hand mixer, beat thoroughly for 3 to 4 minutes to achieve a fluffy texture without lumps.
- Step 4: Bake Sweet Potato Mixture: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Bake uncovered (do not tightly cover) at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes. This allows the mixture to set with some steam but prevents sogginess.
- Step 5: Add the Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the pecan crumble topping over the surface. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, watching carefully until the pecans turn golden brown.
- Step 6: Cool Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for about one minute after baking. This resting time allows flavors to meld and the topping to firm up for easier serving.
Notes
- Storage Tips – Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep covered to prevent drying.
- Storage Tips – Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40 degrees F for up to 4 days. Let sit at room temperature before reheating.
- Storage Tips – Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer container. Freeze at 0 degrees F for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Expert Tips: Use firm, smooth, starchy sweet potatoes without blemishes for creamy texture.
- Expert Tips: Beat mashed sweet potatoes while warm for 3 to 4 minutes before mixing other ingredients to enhance creaminess.
- Expert Tips: To thicken a runny sweet potato mixture, add 2 tablespoons of extra flour and mix well before baking.
- Expert Tips: Ensure butter is fully melted when preparing the crust, mix until crumbly, and chill for at least 30 minutes to help the topping hold together.
- Expert Tips: If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
- Expert Tips: For make-ahead convenience, refrigerate the casserole before adding the topping, and bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before finishing the bake to ensure even cooking.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through. For best results, allow the casserole to come to room temperature before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for a colorful plate.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a simple mixed greens salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Serving Suggestions: Top with a drizzle of maple syrup or sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt to complement the flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: Use as a base for sweet potato shepherd’s pie or as filling for crepes accompanied by fresh fruit.
- Recipe Variations: For gluten-free variation, substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend.
- Recipe Variations: Alternative nuts such as walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans in equal quantities for different flavor and texture.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose light brown sugar for a mild molasses flavor that caramelizes well in the crust.
- Ingredient Notes: Use unsalted butter to better control seasoning and enhance sweetness.
- Ingredient Notes: Select large eggs at room temperature to help bind the casserole smoothly.
- Ingredient Notes: Use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation to add depth to the flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Sweet potatoes: Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes without any blemishes. They need to be starchy for that creamy texture we crave in a casserole.
- Brown sugar: Use light brown sugar for a nice hint of molasses flavor. It helps create that sweet, caramelized topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
- Butter: Go for unsalted butter to control your seasoning. It brings out the richness in the sweet potatoes and helps with the creaminess when mixed.
- Eggs: Choose large eggs at room temperature for better binding and moisture. They help create that smooth texture when mixed with the sweet potatoes.
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract instead of imitation. It enhances the overall flavor profile and adds depth to the sweetness of the casserole.
- Sweet potatoes: Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes without any blemishes. They need to be starchy for that creamy texture we crave in a casserole.
- Brown sugar: Use light brown sugar for a nice hint of molasses flavor. It helps create that sweet, caramelized topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
- Butter: Go for unsalted butter to control your seasoning. It brings out the richness in the sweet potatoes and helps with the creaminess when mixed.
- Eggs: Choose large eggs at room temperature for better binding and moisture. They help create that smooth texture when mixed with the sweet potatoes.
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract instead of imitation. It enhances the overall flavor profile and adds depth to the sweetness of the casserole.
Recipe Tips
- If the sweet potato mixture is too runny, add 2 tablespoons of extra flour to thicken it, mixing well before pouring into the baking dish.
- When the crust doesn’t hold together, ensure your butter is completely melted and mix the ingredients until crumbly, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- If your casserole is browning too fast, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning the pecan topping.
- For a creamier texture, mash the sweet potatoes while they are still warm for about 3-4 minutes before mixing in other ingredients.
- If you make the casserole ahead, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and avoid texture issues.
Serving Suggestions
Serve sweet potato casserole alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for a colorful plate. A simple mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette also complements the dish well.
Add to your Thanksgiving feast by incorporating sweet potato casserole into holiday meals. Use as a base for sweet potato shepherd’s pie or as a filling for crepes topped with fresh fruit.
Top with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth. Consider serving alongside whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt to enhance the flavors.
Recipe variations
- You can use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh if you prefer a quicker preparation for this sweet potato casserole recipe.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mashed sweet potato mixture for a warm, spicy flavor twist that complements the brown sugar pecan topping.
- Either chopped pecans or walnuts work well in the crumble topping, giving a crunchy texture and nutty taste to this dish.
- If doubling the recipe to serve twenty people, use a 4-quart casserole dish and extend baking time by about 10 minutes for thorough cooking.
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How to Store?
To keep your sweet potato casserole fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place in an airtight container, store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep covered to prevent drying out.
Refrigeration: Use an airtight container, refrigerate at 40°F for up to 4 days. Let sit at room temperature before reheating.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer container. Freeze at 0°F up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
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