I still remember the first time I tasted this Sweet Potato Casserole—it was at a cozy family gathering, just as the autumn leaves were starting to fall. The warm, inviting aroma filled the room, and the first bite surprised me with its perfect balance of sweet and savory. This wasn’t your ordinary side dish; it felt like a warm hug on a plate. What made this Sweet Potato Casserole unforgettable was the way the creamy sweet potatoes paired beautifully with a crunchy topping that added just the right amount of texture.

This recipe truly embodies my philosophy of approachable, comforting meals. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, sparking smiles and sharing stories. Over time, I’ve refined this sweet potato recipe to be both satisfying and simple, perfect for busy kitchens seeking to create memorable moments without fuss.

I’m genuinely excited to share this Sweet Potato Casserole because it’s a dish that turns an ordinary meal into something special. Whether you’re looking for a holiday sweet potato casserole that dazzles or a weekday comfort food that feels like a treat, this recipe fits the bill beautifully. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions so you can bring this homemade comfort to your table!

Ingredients

This Sweet Potato Casserole ingredient list is surprisingly simple but delivers incredible comfort! Here’s what you’ll need to create this soul-soothing dish:

For the Sweet Potato Base:

4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large sweet potatoes)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
1/3 cup melted unsalted butter (for richness)
2 large eggs (to bind the casserole)
1/4 cup milk (whole or 2% works great)
1 tsp vanilla extract (adds a subtle warmth)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for that cozy flavor)
1/4 tsp salt (to balance sweetness)

For the Sweet Potato Casserole Topping:

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (or a mix if you prefer)
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for a caramel-like sweetness)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (to hold the topping together)
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (to bring it all together)
1 to 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (optional but classic for holiday sweet potato casserole lovers)

If you want to splurge on one Sweet Potato Casserole ingredient, make it the pecans—their toasty crunch combined with buttery sweetness makes all the difference.

You’ll find the best ingredients for this Sweet Potato Casserole at your local farmers’ market or the grocery store’s produce aisle. Look for firm, bright-orange sweet potatoes with smooth skin, and fresh nuts with no musty smell.

For customization, if you prefer savory over sweet, reduce the sugar and swap cinnamon for fresh herbs like rosemary. To accommodate dietary preferences, coconut milk replaces dairy beautifully, and maple syrup is a friendly substitute for sugar.

Preparing your sweet potatoes ahead helps speed up the cooking process—bake or microwave them until tender, then cool before mashing. Set everything out before you start; it makes assembling your Sweet Potato Casserole joyful and stress-free.

Let’s Make This!

Ready to turn these beautiful ingredients into a comforting Sweet Potato Casserole? Follow along with these friendly steps, and don’t worry—your casserole is going to turn out beautifully.

Prep Your Sweet Potatoes: Start by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil or steam them until they’re fork-tender—this takes about 20 minutes. Drain and mash them smooth.
Mix the Sweet Potato Base: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is well blended. The mixture should feel creamy and silky. This is where your Sweet Potato Casserole starts to come alive!
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together chopped nuts, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until crumbly. If you love a sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top now or wait until the last few minutes of baking to add them – that way, they toast nicely without over-melting.
Bake the Casserole: Place your Sweet Potato Casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and the edges bubble slightly. If you’re adding marshmallows at the end, switch the oven to broil in the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully so they brown perfectly without burning.
Enjoy the Goodness: Your kitchen will fill with the amazing aroma of sweet potatoes, maple notes, and toasted pecans. The texture will be creamy and fluffy underneath with a crispy, sweet topping that creates the perfect contrast.

Here’s a helpful tip for Sweet Potato Casserole success: don’t overmix the potatoes in step 2, or your casserole might get gluey. A gentle combination results in a silky texture that makes every bite melt in your mouth.

In my kitchen, this Sweet Potato Casserole takes exactly 40-45 minutes total from start to finish, making it feasible for both holiday feasts and weeknight dinners.

While your Sweet Potato Casserole is cooking, take a moment to enjoy that amazing aroma—it’s the smell of comfort in progress!

Not sure about marshmallows? Check out the Sweet Potato Casserole {with Marshmallows} from Spend With Pennies for a delightful alternative topping idea.

Serving & Presentation

People always smile when I serve this Sweet Potato Casserole at family dinners or holiday gatherings. It creates a cozy atmosphere and invites warm conversations.

Present this Sweet Potato Casserole in its baking dish for a rustic, homey feel, or scoop it into pretty ramekins for individual servings. Sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans on top right before serving to add that extra touch of crunch and make your presentation pop.

Pair this dish with roasted turkey or ham, and a fresh green salad to balance out the richness. It also complements soups beautifully—if you’re looking for inspiration, try it alongside my Crockpot Potato Soup or Loaded Baked Potato Soup for a comforting meal.

This Sweet Potato Casserole shines bright during festive occasions like Thanksgiving, but it also makes a special side for Sunday dinners or even casual weeknight meals.

Leftover Sweet Potato Casserole? No worries! Warm it up gently in the oven or microwave, then add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for a sweet breakfast treat.

For a seasonal switch-up, try my Coconut, Cashews, & Marshmallows version from Show Me The Yummy to add a tropical twist with a nutty crunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?: Absolutely! You can prepare everything through step 4, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it as directed—just add a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Q: What if I don’t have pecans for my topping?: No worries—walnuts or even sliced almonds work beautifully. For a sweet twist, try coconut flakes or granola for texture.
Q: How do I know when my Sweet Potato Casserole is perfectly done?: Look for bubbling edges and a golden topping. If you’re using marshmallows, they should be toasted lightly and puffed. The center should feel set but still creamy when gently poked.
Q: Can I make an easy sweet potato casserole without marshmallows?: Definitely! The crumbly nut and brown sugar topping alone makes a wonderful sweet potato casserole topping that’s both easy and crowd-pleasing.
Q: Is there a dairy-free way to enjoy this casserole?: Yes. Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and a dairy-free butter substitute. For the topping, coconut oil works well, especially paired with the coconut-nut topping in some Sweet Potato Casserole variations.
Q: How do I keep the topping crunchy and not soggy?: Add the topping right before baking. Avoid covering the casserole with foil during baking, so moisture doesn’t build up on the topping.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Sweet Potato Casserole?: Yes, freeze it in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven.

For more ideas on sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and streusel toppings, see the beautiful recipe from Celebrating Sweets—it’s a wonderful inspiration for your next holiday meal.

Community feedback about this Sweet Potato Casserole has been so rewarding. Fellow food lovers tell me they feel confident making it, and the results create warm family moments every time!

Why This Sweet Potato Casserole Will Become Your New Favorite

This Sweet Potato Casserole is everything I stand for in cooking: approachable, comforting, and full of heart. It takes simple ingredients and turns them into a dish that creates connection and joy.

My Sweet Potato Casserole Success Tips:

Use fresh sweet potatoes and thoroughly mash them, but don’t overmix.
Toast your nuts before mixing for deeper flavor.
Add marshmallows at the end of baking for a perfectly toasted finish.

I’ve loved creating several Sweet Potato Casserole variations, like a savory herb version, a coconut-cashew topping inspired by Show Me The Yummy, and the classic marshmallow-streusel combo from Celebrating Sweets. The classic Sweet Potato Casserole with marshmallows tends to get the most smiles at my table—there’s something about that warming, sweet marshmallow crust everyone adores.

I encourage you to make this Sweet Potato Casserole part of your regular cooking repertoire. You’ll find it kind, straightforward, and satisfying, perfect for creating new memories with loved ones.

I’m confident your Sweet Potato Casserole will turn out beautifully. When you get a chance, share your delicious results—I can’t wait to hear how it brings your table together!

If this recipe brings you joy, you’ll love my Sweet Potato Rolls—another comforting classic perfect for fall gatherings.

Here’s to many cozy meals and delicious moments with your Sweet Potato Casserole!

Sweet Potato Casserole

Print Recipe

This Sweet Potato Casserole is a warm, comforting dish featuring mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings.

Author: Carmen
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup melted butter
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup melted butter (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until smooth.
Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and 1/4 cup melted butter until crumbly.
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture or top with mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking.