The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

There’s something magical about the creamy, spiced goodness of a Sweet Potato Casserole topped with a golden, crunchy streusel—or gooey marshmallows, if that’s your preference. It’s the ultimate comfort food that bridges the gap between sweet and savory, making it perfect for everything from holiday feasts to cozy weeknight dinners.

this Recipe

I first tried this dish at a family Thanksgiving, and it was love at first bite. Since then, it’s become my signature dish, delighting friends and family with its warm spices and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Trust me—this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, too!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

Prepare to fall head over heels for this easy-to-make and irresistibly delicious Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s everything you need in a side dish (or dessert, depending on who you ask!).

It’s simple yet impressive. This dish comes together with just a few ingredients, yet it has that “wow” factor when it hits the table.

The texture is perfect. The smooth, creamy sweet potato base is balanced by a crunchy, buttery topping that adds just the right amount of contrast.

It’s endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer a classic pecan streusel, marshmallows, or both, this recipe adapts to your taste buds.

It’s make-ahead friendly. Save time during busy holidays by prepping this dish in advance—just bake it before serving!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this casserole is how it transforms basic ingredients into something extraordinary. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Sweet Potatoes: The heart of the dish, sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and a velvety texture. Choose firm, medium-sized potatoes for the best results.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor to both the filling and the topping. Use dark brown sugar for a richer caramel taste, or light brown for a subtler sweetness.
• Butter: Brings richness to the filling and helps create a buttery, crunchy topping.
• Eggs: Help bind the casserole and give it a light, fluffy consistency.
• Spices: A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla extract enhances the warm, cozy flavors.
• Pecans: Add a nutty crunch to the streusel topping. You can substitute with walnuts or omit entirely for a nut-free option.
• Marshmallows (Optional): For those who love a gooey, nostalgic topping, mini marshmallows are a must!

You’ll also need a 9x13-inch casserole dish, a mixing bowl, and a potato masher or electric mixer to get the sweet potatoes perfectly smooth.

How To Make Sweet Potato Casserole

Making this dish is as easy as 1-2-3! Let’s break it down step by step:

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and chop 4-5 medium sweet potatoes into even chunks. Boil them in a large pot of salted water for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly before mashing.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth, either by hand or with an electric mixer. Add in brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy and well combined. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter to form a crumbly streusel. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. If using marshmallows, add them during the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid burning.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. The sweet potato base should be set but soft. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Storage Options

This Sweet Potato Casserole is a great make-ahead dish and stores beautifully.

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 300°F.
• Freezer: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Pro Tip: Freeze the casserole without the topping for the best texture. Add the topping fresh before baking.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the joys of this dish is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Nut-Free Version: Skip the pecans and replace them with crushed graham crackers or oats for a nut-free topping that still delivers crunch.
• Marshmallow + Streusel Combo: Can’t decide between marshmallows and streusel? Use both! Add a layer of marshmallows halfway through baking for a double-layer topping.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for the butter, and use almond or oat milk in place of cream.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the sweet potato base for a savory-sweet blend.
• Healthier Option: Reduce the sugar in the filling and use whole wheat flour in the topping.

This Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a dish—it’s a tradition waiting to happen. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, you’ll end up with a crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Try it this week and let the warm, comforting flavors win you over!

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