Easy Sweet Potato Casserole (Creamy, Crunchy & Perfect for the Holidays)

Nothing warms the heart quite like a cozy dish of Easy Sweet Potato Casserole. This delightful recipe combines the sweetness of tender mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping, making it a perfect treat for holiday gatherings or a comforting family dinner. Once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on its heavenly flavor and irresistible texture!

What is Easy Sweet Potato Casserole?

Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is a delectable blend of creamy mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, and sugar, topped with a crunchy pecan crumble. This dish has roots in Southern American cuisine but has become a beloved staple across many households, especially during Thanksgiving. The surprising part? It’s not only a side dish but also a dessert-like treat that can easily steal the show, making it a warm and memorable highlight of any festive meal.

Why You’ll Love This

You’re going to love how quick and simple this recipe is! With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a scrumptious casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly, using affordable ingredients that bring the best flavors together.

Plus, the sweet potato base makes this casserole not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s an easy way to get some vitamins in while indulging your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned home chef, this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole will quickly become a cherished recipe in your lineup.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This delightful casserole comes together in just a few easy steps, using basic kitchen tools like a pot, large bowl, and casserole dish. Cooking time is around 45-55 minutes, allowing you to prepare other dishes or relax while it bakes!

Ingredients

. 4 lbs sweet potatoes
. 6 cups mashed
. 3 large eggs
. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
. 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
. 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
. 1 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
. 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
. 1/3 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour substitute
. 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, cold, diced
. 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

Instructions

1. Cook Sweet Potatoes: Start by peeling and chopping the sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place them in a large pot, covering them with enough water. Bring it to a boil and cook uncovered at a medium/low boil until tender, about 10–15 minutes. Drain and then mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
2. Make Sweet Potato Filling: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir this mixture into the cooked sweet potatoes, followed by the craisins. Spread this sweet potato mixture evenly into a 9×13 casserole dish.
3. Make Pecan Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour. Add the cold diced butter and use your hands to rub the mixture together until it forms pea-sized crumbs. Finally, stir in the chopped pecans.
4. Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the pecan crumble topping over the sweet potato filling. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the edges of the sweet potatoes start to puff.

What to Serve with Easy Sweet Potato Casserole

This lovely dish pairs wonderfully with savory sides like roasted Brussels sprouts or green bean almondine. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. You could even enjoy it with a glass of spicy apple cider to balance the sweetness—perfect for a fall gathering or holiday feast!

Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, unblemished potatoes; they’ll yield the best flavor and texture.
2. Test for Doneness: Make sure the sweet potatoes are tender enough to mash easily; this ensures a creamy filling.
3. Don’t Skip the Vanilla: A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and brings out the best in the sweet potatoes.
4. Chill the Butter: Ensure the butter for the topping is cold, which helps create that perfect crumbly texture.
5. Use a Casserole Dish: A 9×13 dish is ideal; it helps distribute heat evenly for a perfectly baked casserole.
6. Add Spice: Feel free to mix in some ground nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra flavor kick!
7. Make Ahead: You can prepare the sweet potato filling a day in advance; just store it in the fridge and bake the next day.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers (which we hope you do, since it’s so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3–5 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quick fix. You can also freeze the casserole—wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and it’ll last up to 3 months! Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Easy Sweet Potato Casserole

A delightful blend of creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan crumble, perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Sweet Potato Filling

• 4 lbs sweet potatoes peeled and chopped
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
• 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup craisins dried cranberries

For the Pecan Crumble Topping

• 2/3 cup brown sugar packed
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour substitute
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter cold, diced
• 1 cup pecans coarsely chopped

Method

 

Preparation

1. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place them in a large pot, covering them with enough water.
2. Bring it to a boil and cook uncovered at a medium/low boil until tender, about 10–15 minutes. Drain and then mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.

Mixing the Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Stir this mixture into the cooked sweet potatoes, followed by the craisins.
4. Spread this sweet potato mixture evenly into a 9×13 casserole dish.

Making the Pecan Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour.
2. Add the cold diced butter and use your hands to rub the mixture together until it forms pea-sized crumbs.
3. Finally, stir in the chopped pecans.

Baking

1. Sprinkle the pecan crumble topping over the sweet potato filling.
2. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the edges of the sweet potatoes start to puff.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, use the oven or microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
While white potatoes can work in a pinch, they’re not as sweet or rich in flavor. Sweet potatoes bring a unique taste to this casserole.

2. How can I make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water, and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative to create a delicious vegan version.

3. Can I prepare Easy Sweet Potato Casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble it fully the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!

This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is not just a recipe; it’s an experience—one that’s sure to create warmth and joy around your dinner table. Whether you’re sharing with family or enjoying it all to yourself, it’s a dish that embodies comfort and togetherness. So go ahead, grab those sweet potatoes, and create your own delicious masterpiece! You won’t regret trying this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole!

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