If there’s one classic comfort food that deserves a spot on every holiday table, it’s an Easy Sweet Potato Casserole. With its creamy sweet potato base, irresistibly crunchy pecan topping, and the subtlest hint of warm cinnamon, this crowd-pleaser is a must for festive gatherings, Sunday dinners, and everything in between. Whether you’re making it for a big family Thanksgiving or just because you’re craving something soul-soothing, this dish is proof that a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love can create something truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fussy or complicated here—the secret to the irresistible taste of Easy Sweet Potato Casserole lies in the perfect balance of these pantry-friendly ingredients. Each brings out the natural sweetness, creaminess, and crunch that makes this casserole so special.
- Mashed sweet potatoes: About 4 large, cooked and mashed sweet potatoes create the creamy foundation that’s naturally sweet and loaded with color.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the base without overpowering the earthy flavor of the potatoes.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and give the casserole a light, soufflé-like texture.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Melted goes into the filling for richness; softened helps form the crumbly topping.
- Milk: Adds silkiness and brings the batter together for extra creaminess.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the flavors and adds that comforting bakery aroma.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and highlight all the flavors.
- Cinnamon (optional): For those who love a warm, spicy note laced through their casserole.
- Brown sugar: Gives the topping a caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the nuts.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create the perfect crumb for the crunchy pecan topping.
- Pecans (chopped): The star of the topping—they toast up beautifully for the perfect nutty crunch.
How to Make Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by cooking and mashing your sweet potatoes until they’re perfectly smooth and silky. This is your chance to make sure there are no lumps—take your time on this step and enjoy the pop of color! (In a pinch, canned sweet potatoes work too. Just be sure to drain them well and mash thoroughly.)
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, blend the mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth. You want the ingredients to become one creamy, dreamy mixture!
Step 3: Pour and Spread
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the sweet potato mixture. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly into the corners, creating a level surface ready for its crunchy topping.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the brown sugar and flour, then work in the softened butter with a fork or your fingertips until the mixture resembles chunky, delicious crumbs. Fold in the chopped pecans so each bite is studded with toasty, buttery goodness.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer, making sure every inch gets a bit of crunchy love. This will bake up to a glorious golden brown crust that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Slide the dish into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and a gentle wobble in the center tells you it’s set. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—you want it to be warm but not scorching for that perfect first bite.
How to Serve Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra pecans or a dusting of cinnamon right before serving adds a lovely finishing touch, making this dish look as irresistible as it tastes. If you want a classic holiday twist, add mini marshmallows in the last 10 minutes and let them toast to gooey, caramelized perfection.
Side Dishes
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole truly shines alongside roasted turkey, ham, or chicken at big gatherings. For a vegetarian feast, pair it with braised greens, garlicky green beans, or a crisp holiday salad. Don’t be surprised if it quietly steals the spotlight from the main course!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, bake and serve in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. Or spoon leftovers into a warm breakfast bowl with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup—you’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors seem to blend and deepen overnight, making Easy Sweet Potato Casserole a delicious next-day treat!
Freezing
If you want to get ahead for a holiday meal, assemble the casserole (without baking) and freeze it, tightly wrapped, for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed when you’re ready to wow your guests.
Reheating
Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. Tent with foil if you want to keep the topping from over-browning. Enjoy it just as hot and comforting as the day you made it!
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for Easy Sweet Potato Casserole?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes work wonderfully. Just be sure to drain them well and mash thoroughly before using so your casserole is perfectly creamy.
How do I make it nut-free?
If you need a nut-free topping, simply swap out the pecans for rolled oats or sunflower seeds, or leave them out altogether—the topping will still be delicious and crisp.
Can I make Easy Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the topping the night before and store in the fridge. Add the topping right before baking, or add both and cover tightly. Bake when it’s mealtime, and it’ll taste just as fresh.
What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes?
After boiling or baking the sweet potatoes until tender, peel and use a potato masher, fork, or hand mixer to achieve a smooth, lump-free base.
How can I make it even sweeter or more decadent?
For extra indulgence, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the pecan topping in the last 10 minutes of baking, or add a drizzle of maple syrup to the sweet potato mixture before baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like gathering around the table and sharing a bubbling dish of Easy Sweet Potato Casserole. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it year after year—it’s that special blend of simple, nostalgic, and guaranteed to please. Enjoy every sweet, crunchy, comforting bite!
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Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic holiday side dish that will be the star of your table. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a sweet pecan crumble, it’s a comforting and delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Sweet Potato Layer: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and spread in the baking dish.
- Make Pecan Topping: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and flour. Cut in softened butter until crumbly, then add chopped pecans. Sprinkle this topping over the sweet potatoes.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is set.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- To save time, canned sweet potatoes can be used—just drain and mash well.
- For a sweeter version, add mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
