Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a classic dish that imparts warmth and comfort to any meal, especially during the holiday season. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the richness of butter, brown sugar, and vanilla, resulting in a creamy and flavorful base. Topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, this casserole offers a delightful contrast of textures that will have everyone returning for another helping.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for Thanksgiving or as a comforting treat for a family dinner, this sweet potato casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a crowd-pleaser!

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• Smooth, creamy sweet potato base. Cooking the sweet potatoes until fully tender and blending them thoroughly yields a silky, lump-free filling. The butter, milk, and eggs give structure without making the casserole dense or heavy.
• Crunchy, buttery pecan topping. The streusel topping adds essential texture and contrast. Cold butter worked into sugar and flour creates crisp, crumbly clusters, while pecans bring nutty depth and richness.
• Classic Southern comfort. This casserole fits right alongside turkey, ham, dressing, and gravy. It’s familiar, comforting, and exactly what guests expect on a traditional holiday table.
• Make-ahead friendly. The filling and topping can be prepared in advance, reducing last-minute stress and freeing up oven time when it matters most.

Ingredient Notes

• Sweet potatoes – Use fresh sweet potatoes rather than canned for best flavor and texture. Medium to large orange-fleshed sweet potatoes work well.
• Butter – Unsalted butter allows better control over seasoning. Softened butter blends smoothly into the filling, while cold butter is essential for a crumbly topping.
• Brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar both work. Dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses note.
• Milk – Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but lower-fat milk can be used if needed.
• Eggs – Eggs help set the casserole.
• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the sweetness without making the dish taste like dessert.
• Pecans – Provide crunch and a toasted, nutty flavor in the streusel topping.

Steps to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Cook the sweet potatoes until completely tender so they mash smoothly without graininess.
2. Let them cool slightly before handling, then remove the skins, which should slip off easily.
3. Blend the sweet potatoes with butter, sugar, salt, and milk until smooth and creamy.
4. Whisk the eggs separately before adding them to ensure even incorporation.
5. Spread the filling evenly in the baking dish so it bakes uniformly.
6. Prepare the topping by working cold butter into the sugar and flour until crumbly, then mix in the pecans.
7. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the filling and bake until the center is set and the top is golden.

Pro Tips

• Potato doneness – Sweet potatoes should be very tender; any firmness will show up as lumps in the filling.
• Mixing method – An immersion blender or electric mixer creates the smoothest texture, but don’t overmix once the eggs are added.
• Cold butter matters – Cold butter is essential for a crisp topping; warm butter will create a paste instead of crumbs.
• Topping coverage – Distribute the topping evenly so every bite gets some crunch.
• Browning control – If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil near the end of baking.

Recipe Variations

• Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole: Add a splash of bourbon to the sweet potato filling mixture. The alcohol will all but disappear, leaving a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs well with the brown sugar and pecans.
• Marshmallow and Pecans: Spread a layer of mini marshmallows over the pecan topping during the last 5 minutes or so of baking.
• Maple Pecan: Replace some of the brown sugar in the filling with maple syrup and drizzle maple syrup over the top of the baked casserole.
• Cranberry Pecan Topping: Incorporate some dried cranberries into the pecan topping to add a tart and chewy contrast to the sweet, crunchy topping.

What to Serve With Sweet Potato Casserole

• Poultry: It’s the perfect side dish for a holiday roast turkey or Sunday roast chicken. It’s also excellent with fried chicken.
• Ham: A sweet potato casserole complements ham’s salty, smoky flavors beautifully. Serve it with baked ham or ham steaks.
• Pork: Serve the casserole alongside pork tenderloin or a pulled pork meal.
• Beef: Add the dish to a roast beef dinner menu or serve it with steaks.
• Fish and Seafood: The sweet potatoes pair nicely with a fish like salmon. Or choose a milder fish like tilapia.

How to Store

• Refrigerate – Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before covering.
• Freeze – Freeze without the topping for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and add topping before baking.
• Reheat – Warm covered in the oven until heated through, then uncover briefly to re-crisp the topping.