If you’re searching for pure comfort in casserole form, look no further than this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole. Bursting with the natural sweetness of creamy sweet potatoes and finished with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping, this classic dish transforms any holiday table—or simple dinner—into a festive delight. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving or just because, you’ll fall in love with its satisfying blend of flavors and textures, and the ease with which it all comes together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great Easy Sweet Potato Casserole starts with simple, honest ingredients, each one delivering its own special something—sweetness, richness, or crunch. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why they matter in making this casserole irresistibly good.
- Mashed sweet potatoes (4 cups): These are the heart and soul of the dish, offering creamy texture and natural sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): A little extra sugar deepens the overall sweetness and balances the earthy flavors.
- Large eggs, beaten (2): Eggs bind everything together, giving the casserole lift and a custard-like feel.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Butter adds a luxurious richness and keeps the casserole moist.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Just enough to make the filling extra luscious without making it runny.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla brings out the warmth and depth in each bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Salt is key for balancing flavors—it makes all the sweetness sing.
- Light brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Essential for the crumble topping, it caramelizes and adds chewiness.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Helps create those classic, crisp brown sugar crumbles on top.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/3 cup): Makes the topping irresistible, binding everything together for a crumbly texture.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): For nutty crunch and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coat of nonstick spray or butter, so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze later.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine those creamy mashed sweet potatoes with the granulated sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Don’t be shy—use a sturdy spoon or handheld mixer to blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. This is where the base of your Easy Sweet Potato Casserole comes together, so take a moment to admire how velvety it gets!
Step 3: Spread in the Baking Dish
Pour the sweet potato filling into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly from corner to corner. Smoothing out the top ensures an even layer for the topping to rest on—every bite should have a perfect mix of filling and crunch.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Pecan Topping
In a second bowl, stir together the brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans. Mix with a fork or your fingers until the topping is crumbly and textured, and holds together when you pinch it. This golden crumble gives the Easy Sweet Potato Casserole its signature crackly top.
Step 5: Add Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan crumble generously and evenly over the sweet potato layer. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is shiny, golden, and set, and the casserole is bubbling just a bit around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so slices hold together beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
While the pecan topping is plenty gorgeous, you can make each serving special with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a handful of mini marshmallows (toasted under the broiler for a couple minutes). Each garnish adds another layer of flavor and makes your Easy Sweet Potato Casserole the star of any meal.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with savory mains like roast turkey, grilled chicken, or glazed ham. Round out the table with fresh greens or a bright cranberry salad for balance—the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes works especially well with tangy, herby, or zesty dishes on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling festive, serve Easy Sweet Potato Casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party. Or, pipe the sweet potato mixture into baked puff pastry shells for a surprising appetizer. Even a drizzle of caramel sauce or toasted coconut sprinkled over the top can give this classic a brand new personality.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep any leftover casserole tasting fresh, cover your dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. It will stay delicious in the fridge for up to four days—simply reheat and enjoy.
Freezing
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is a champion for planning ahead! Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, then cover tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. You can also freeze baked portions; just be sure to wrap them well to retain freshness.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, place your casserole (or individual servings) in a 325°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until nicely heated through—usually 15–20 minutes. If you want to crisp up the topping again, uncover for the last few minutes of heating.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just drain canned sweet potatoes well and mash thoroughly. They’re a fantastic shortcut, though fresh sweet potatoes do deliver a fuller flavor and a silkier texture in your Easy Sweet Potato Casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
It sure is. Swap in a plant-based butter and use your favorite non-dairy milk—such as almond, cashew, or oat. The results will still be rich, creamy, and satisfying for everyone.
What if I don’t have pecans for the topping?
No problem! Walnuts make a great substitute, or simply omit the nuts and increase the crumble portion. For an allergy-friendly version, try a mixture of oats and seeds instead.
Can the Easy Sweet Potato Casserole be made ahead?
Yes, and it’s one of its best qualities! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, keep it in the fridge, and just bake before serving. It’s a lifesaver for busy holidays or big family meals.
Why did my topping turn out soft instead of crunchy?
This sometimes happens if too much butter is used or the topping mixture is packed down tightly rather than sprinkled loosely. Make sure the topping is well mixed and gently spread over the casserole for the ultimate golden crunch.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole a spot at your table soon—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears! It’s an absolute favorite in my kitchen for its cozy flavor, crave-worthy topping, and how effortlessly it brings a smile to everyone who tries it. Don’t wait for a holiday—treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this heartwarming classic any time of year.
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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 side dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a sweet pecan crumble, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time.
Ingredients
Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Pecan Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Sweet Potato Base: In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Spread into the baking dish.
- Make Pecan Crumble: Combine brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans in a bowl. Sprinkle the crumble over the sweet potato layer.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and heated through. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- For a marshmallow topping, add mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- This casserole can be made a day ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
