Sweet Potato Casserole (Creamy, Crunchy & Comforting)

Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting, soul-soothing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, dreamy sweet potato base and a sweet, crunchy topping, this casserole offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, a cozy family gathering, or simply a weekday treat, Sweet Potato Casserole brings warmth and joy to your table.

What is Sweet Potato Casserole?

Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved side dish that highlights the rich, natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, often enhanced with butter, milk, and spices. It has its roots in traditional Southern cuisine, where sweet potatoes have been celebrated for generations. This dish shines not only for its deliciousness but also for its versatility—sometimes topped with crunchy pecans or gooey marshmallows, it surprises with every bite. The combination of warmth and sweetness makes Sweet Potato Casserole a dish that feels like a warm hug, inviting everyone to indulge and reminisce about family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This

This Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is super easy to whip up—perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dish that’s ready in under an hour, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones. Plus, who wouldn’t love a dish that marries comfort food with a touch of decadence?

Not to mention, it’s affordable! Sweet potatoes are budget-friendly, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe delightful for your wallet as well as your palate. Trust me, each scoop of this casserole is an invitation to take a moment to savor life’s simple pleasures.

How to Make

Quick Overview

Making Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful experience that requires just a large pot, some basic mixing bowls, and a baking dish. You’ll need around 60 minutes, from start to finish, to create this heartwarming meal.

Ingredients

. 4-5 large sweet potatoes (orange yams)
. 3 large eggs
. 1/2 cup evaporated milk (or substitute cream, or half and half)
. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
. 1/2 teaspoon salt
. 1/4 cup butter, melted
. 3 tablespoons butter (for topping)
. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
. 1 cup light brown sugar
. 1 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

1. Begin by cooking the sweet potatoes in a large pot filled with enough water to cover them halfway. Bring them to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until they’re tender, about 20-40 minutes.
2. Drain the sweet potatoes and allow them to cool. Once cool, peel them and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
5. For the topping, mix the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and chopped pecans in a separate bowl. Cut in the remaining butter until the mixture becomes crumbly, then sprinkle this topping over the sweet potato base.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden and crispy.
7. If you want a fun twist, add miniature marshmallows on top and bake for about 25 minutes until puffy and browned.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Casserole

This Sweet Potato Casserole pairs beautifully with main dishes like roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or even a hearty bean salad for a vegetarian option. A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the sweetness, while apple cider or a refreshing lemonade brings a lovely complement to the flavors on your table. If you’re looking for synonymous inspiration, consider serving a sweet potato bake that’s equally delicious with cinnamon and brown sugar.

Top Tips for Perfecting Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
2. Don’t Overboil: Keep an eye on the sweet potatoes as they simmer. You want them tender, not mushy!
3. Mash with Love: For a smoother consistency, use a potato ricer or food processor to mash the sweet potatoes.
4. Taste as You Go: Before pouring the mixture into the casserole dish, taste it and adjust sweetness if needed.
5. Butter the Dish: Ensure your dish is well-greased to prevent sticking and for easier serving.
6. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or cinnamon to elevate the flavor profile.
7. Cool Before Storing: Allow leftovers to cool completely before placing them in the fridge for storage.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To store leftovers, let your Sweet Potato Casserole cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. Alternatively, for longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Sweet Potato Casserole

A comforting dish featuring creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy topping, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Sweet Potato Base

• 4-5 large large sweet potatoes (orange yams) Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes.
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk Can substitute with cream or half and half.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Topping

• 3 tablespoons butter For topping.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the sweet potatoes in a large pot filled with enough water to cover them halfway. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 20-40 minutes.
2. Drain the sweet potatoes and allow them to cool. Once cool, peel them and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Topping

1. Mix all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and chopped pecans in a separate bowl. Cut in remaining butter until crumbly, then sprinkle over the sweet potato base.

Baking

1. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden and crispy.
2. Optional: Add miniature marshmallows on top and bake for an additional 25 minutes until puffy and browned.

Notes

Allow leftovers to cool completely before placing them in the fridge for storage. It can be prepared a day ahead and baked before serving. Can substitute pecans with crushed graham crackers or oats.

FAQs

Conclusion

Incredibly easy to make and simply irresistible, this Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-try for your next family gathering or weeknight dinner. With its creamy filling and crunchy topping, every bite is a testament to why this dish has stood the test of time. So, gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and create a memorable meal with this fantastic Sweet Potato Casserole. You won’t regret it!

More Resources

• Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole
• Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
• Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
• Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole
• Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole (Rich, Creamy & Comforting)
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes
• Sweet Potato – Wikipedia
• Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes – Harvard Health
• Casserole – Wikipedia
• Healthy Comfort Food Ideas – Cleveland Clinic