How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Like a Pro
There’s just something about a warm, rich, and slightly sweet Sweet Potato Casserole that screams comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or just because you’re craving something cozy, this dish is always a hit. What makes it even better? That buttery, crunchy topping that combines brown sugar, flour, and either pecans or marshmallows. (I say, why not both?!)
In this blog post, I’m going to walk you through an easy and oh-so-delicious recipe for Sweet Potato Casserole that will have your family coming back for seconds (and thirds). Trust me, it’s that good!
Why Sweet Potato Casserole?
1. A Perfect Holiday Side Dish
This classic casserole is often found at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, but honestly, it’s good any time of year. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory that complements just about any main dish.
2. Easy to Make
This recipe is super simple, with most of the ingredients likely already in your kitchen. Plus, it only takes a few steps to prepare. Mash the sweet potatoes, mix everything together, and pop it in the oven. The hardest part? Waiting for it to bake!
3. Family-Friendly
Kids and adults alike love this dish. The sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, and the crunchy topping adds a satisfying texture that’ll have everyone digging in.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 medium sweet potatoes)
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter (melted)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ⅓ cup milk
For the Topping:
- ⅓ cup butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans (or marshmallows, or a mix of both!)
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
First, you’ll need to cook your sweet potatoes. You can either boil them until soft (about 15–20 minutes) or bake them at 400°F for 45–60 minutes until tender. Once they’re done, peel the skin off and mash them in a large bowl.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients
In the bowl with the mashed sweet potatoes, add the sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk. Stir everything together until well combined. It should be smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Spread in a Baking Dish
Pour the sweet potato mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Make the Topping
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. (If you’re using marshmallows, hold off on adding them until after the casserole has baked for about 20 minutes.) Sprinkle the topping mixture over the sweet potatoes.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. If you’re adding marshmallows, pull the casserole out at the 20-minute mark, sprinkle them on top, and bake for the remaining 10 minutes. When it’s done, the topping will be golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s baked and slightly cooled, serve your sweet potato casserole alongside your favorite dishes. It’s especially great with turkey, ham, or roast chicken.
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
1. Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes
While canned sweet potatoes will work in a pinch, fresh sweet potatoes give this casserole a more vibrant flavor and texture. Plus, they’re easy to cook—either by boiling or baking.
2. Customize the Topping
The topping is where you can get creative! Some people love the classic brown sugar and pecan combination, while others prefer a marshmallow topping. I say, why not do both? You can also swap out pecans for walnuts or even add in a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
3. Make It Ahead
Sweet potato casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and topping separately, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble the casserole and pop it in the oven.
4. Try It with Sweetened Condensed Milk
For a richer, more indulgent flavor, you can substitute the milk with sweetened condensed milk. It will make the casserole extra creamy and sweet.
Variations on Sweet Potato Casserole
This recipe is a classic, but there are lots of ways you can tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
1. Coconut and Pineapple Twist
For a tropical spin, mix in ½ cup shredded coconut and ½ cup crushed pineapple into the sweet potato mixture before baking. It adds a nice sweetness and a hint of fruity flavor.
2. Gluten-Free
If you’re gluten-free, simply swap the flour in the topping for a gluten-free flour blend, or use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats instead.
3. Spiced Up
Want to add a little spice to your casserole? Try mixing in ½ teaspoon of nutmeg or ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the sweet potato mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
4. Lower Sugar
If you want to cut back on the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the sweet potato mixture or topping. You can also use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and topping separately and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble the casserole and bake it as directed.
Can I freeze sweet potato casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole without the topping, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight, add the topping, and bake as usual.
What’s the best way to reheat sweet potato casserole?
To reheat leftovers, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings if you’re in a hurry.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or margarine, and use a non-dairy milk like almond milk in place of the regular milk.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Potato Casserole is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday meal or just as a comforting weeknight side, it’s always a hit. The sweet, creamy potatoes combined with the crunchy topping make this dish irresistible. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, you can easily make it your own.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those sweet potatoes and get cooking—you’re going to love this one!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes about 3-4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup milk
For the Topping
- 1/3 cup butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans or marshmallows, or a mix of both
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- First, you’ll need to cook your sweet potatoes. You can either boil them until soft (about 15–20 minutes) or bake them at 400°F for 45–60 minutes until tender. Once they’re done, peel the skin off and mash them in a large bowl.
- In the bowl with the mashed sweet potatoes, add the sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. (If you’re using marshmallows, hold off on adding them until after the casserole has baked for about 20 minutes.) Sprinkle the topping mixture over the sweet potatoes.
- Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. If you’re adding marshmallows, pull the casserole out at the 20-minute mark, sprinkle them on top, and bake for the remaining 10 minutes.
- Once it’s baked and slightly cooled, serve your sweet potato casserole alongside your favorite dishes.