Sweet Potato Casserole
A classic Southern comfort dish featuring a creamy, spiced sweet potato filling under a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel topping. The perfect side for Thanksgiving or any holiday feast, beloved for its sweet and savory flavors.
For 8 servings
7 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (or 2-quart) baking dish.
- 2
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes
- a.Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, until they are very tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes thoroughly.
- 3
Prepare the sweet potato filling
- a.In a large bowl, mash the hot, drained sweet potatoes with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth.
- b.Melt 1/2 cup of the unsalted butter and add it to the potatoes.
- c.Add 1/2 cup of the packed brown sugar, milk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- d.Mix until just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
- e.Pour the filling into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- 4
Make the pecan streusel topping
- a.In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and the remaining 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
- b.Cube the remaining 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter and add it to the flour mixture.
- c.Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- d.Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato filling in the baking dish.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown and fragrant.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes serving easier.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper, more caramelized flavor, roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. Pierce them with a fork, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes until tender. Scoop the flesh from the skins.
- 2Ensure the butter for the streusel is very cold. This is key to creating a crumbly, crisp topping rather than a greasy one.
- 3Do not overmix the sweet potato filling after adding the eggs, as this can result in a dense, heavy texture.
- 4This casserole can be assembled a day ahead. Prepare the filling and topping separately, store covered in the fridge, then assemble and bake just before serving.
- 5For extra richness, you can substitute the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
Adapt it for your goals.
Classic Marshmallow Topping
Omit the pecan streusel topping. Bake the casserole for 20 minutes, then top with 2 cups of mini marshmallows and bake for another 5-10 minutes until they are puffed and golden.
Spiced Up VersionSpiced-Up Version
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of ground cloves to the sweet potato filling for a warmer spice profile.
Nut Free ToppingNut-Free Topping
Replace the pecans with 1/2 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats and 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds for a crunchy, nut-free alternative.
Vegan FriendlyVegan-Friendly
Use a plant-based butter, full-fat oat milk or coconut milk, and a vegan egg substitute (like a flax egg) to make the recipe vegan.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are one of the best natural sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for healthy vision, immune function, and skin health.
Good Source of Fiber
Both sweet potatoes and pecans contribute dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Provides Antioxidants
The orange flesh of sweet potatoes is packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene, which help protect your body from free radical damage and reduce inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
While sweet potatoes themselves are nutritious, this casserole is considered an indulgent treat due to the significant amount of butter and brown sugar. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a holiday meal.