The holidays have always been a special time for me. I love the warmth, the gatherings, and especially the food! And nothing says “holiday” quite like a classic sweet potato casserole. I’m excited to share my family’s favorite sweet potato casserole recipe, one that’s both incredibly easy and utterly delicious. From start to finish, you can have this comforting dish on your table in about an hour. Get ready to make an easy sweet potato casserole that will become a holiday tradition!
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
This isn’t just any sweet potato casserole, it’s the sweet potato casserole. I’ve perfected it over the years, and I know you’ll adore it too.
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe is designed for busy lives. The instructions are simple, straightforward, and easy to follow, even for beginner cooks!
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a crunchy pecan topping creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and irresistible.
- Customizable Toppings: While I love the classic pecan topping, this recipe is versatile! You can easily adapt the toppings to suit your preferences, from marshmallows to a streusel topping.
- Crowd-P\leasing: This casserole is always a hit at gatherings, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. For other crowd-pleasing sides, consider crispy oven-baked green beans.
Amazing Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot. Add enough water to the pot to cover the potatoes a little more than half way. Bring the water to a boil and then turn the heat to a medium simmer. Cover and simmer until they feel tender when poked with a fork. It may take 20-40 minutes to cook your sweet potatoes depending on the size of the potatoes, but you don’t want them to be mushy.
- Peel Potatoes: Drain water and place sweet potatoes on a plate or cutting board to cool down. Once they are cool enough to handle, peel and discard the skin from the potatoes and place potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix: Add eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, sugar, salt, and butter and mash everything together until smooth. I start with a potato masher, and then use an electric mixer on low speed, for about 45 seconds, to get the mixture smooth.
- Pour: Pour mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish. Anything around the size of an 8×11″, 9×13″ or even a deep dish 10″ pie pan will work.
- Make Topping: Add flour, brown sugar and pecans to a mixing bowl. Add butter and cut in with a fork or pastry blender until well combined. Sprinkle topping over sweet potato mixture.
- Bake: Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes.
- Store: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Notes
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish. Remember, I always aim for simplicity, so you won’t find any complicated ingredients here.
- 4-5 large sweet potatoes (orange yams)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk (or substitute cream, or half and half)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
Topping
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
I prefer using orange yams for their vibrant color and naturally sweet flavor. For those of you needing a substitute for evaporated milk, cream or half and half work beautifully.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious sweet potato casserole in no time.
- Cook Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot. Add enough water to the pot to cover the potatoes a little more than half way. Bring the water to a boil and then turn the heat to a medium simmer. Cover and simmer until they feel tender when poked with a fork. It may take 20-40 minutes to cook your sweet potatoes depending on the size of the potatoes, but you don’t want them to be mushy.
- Peel Potatoes: Drain water and place sweet potatoes on a plate or cutting board to cool down. Once they are cool enough to handle, peel and discard the skin from the potatoes and place potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix: Add eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, sugar, salt, and butter and mash everything together until smooth. I start with a potato masher, and then use an electric mixer on low speed, for about 45 seconds, to get the mixture smooth. Don’t over-mash the sweet potatoes, or they will become gluey.
- Pour: Pour mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish. Anything around the size of an 8×11″, 9×13″ or even a deep dish 10″ pie pan will work.
- Make Topping: Add flour, brown sugar and pecans to a mixing bowl. Add butter and cut in with a fork or pastry blender until well combined. Sprinkle topping over sweet potato mixture.
- Bake: Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes.
- Store: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Common Mistakes When Making Sweet Potato Casserole (and How to Avoid Them)
Even with an easy recipe, things can sometimes go awry. I’m here to help you troubleshoot!
- Why your casserole might be too watery: This usually happens if the sweet potatoes are not drained well enough after boiling. Make sure to let them sit in a colander for a few minutes to get rid of excess water before mashing.
- Why your topping is soggy: Soggy topping can result from too much moisture in the sweet potato mixture or from adding the topping too early. Ensure your sweet potatoes aren’t overly wet, and add the topping just before baking.
Sweet Potato Casserole Variations
I love that this recipe is so adaptable! Here’s a vegan twist you might enjoy:
Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
To make this recipe vegan, here are the substitutions you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 3 flax eggs (3 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 9 Tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) |
| Evaporated Milk | Full-fat coconut milk |
| Butter (in filling) | Vegan butter |
| Butter (in topping) | Vegan butter |
You can also experiment with different flavor combinations. A pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cloves can add a lovely warmth to the casserole.
Topping Options for Sweet Potato Casserole
Don’t feel limited to pecans! The topping is where you can really get creative. Here are a few ideas:
- Streusel: A classic streusel topping made with flour, butter, and sugar adds a delightful crunch.
- Coconut: Toasted coconut flakes bring a tropical twist to the casserole.
- Other Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of nuts can be used in place of pecans.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
One of the best things about sweet potato casserole is that you can make it ahead of time!
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
While sweet potato casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side, it’s delicious year-round! If you’re looking for another amazing potato side, consider these. I love serving it alongside:
- Roasted Chicken: The sweetness of the casserole complements savory roasted chicken perfectly.
- Pork Tenderloin: A tender pork tenderloin with a balsamic glaze is a fantastic pairing.
- Vegetarian Options: For a vegetarian meal, try serving it with a hearty lentil loaf or a butternut squash risotto. And don’t forget quick and easy glazed carrots for another vibrant side.
Ingredient Deep Dive: Sweet Potatoes
Let’s talk sweet potatoes! Beyond their delicious taste, sweet potatoes are also packed with essential nutrients, offering impressive health benefits. While I typically use orange yams, there are other varieties you can use.
- Orange Yams: These have a vibrant color, soft texture, and naturally sweet flavor.
- Garnet Sweet Potatoes: Similar to yams, but slightly less sweet and a bit drier.
- Japanese Sweet Potatoes: These have a purple skin and white flesh, with a subtly sweet, nutty flavor.
The type of sweet potato you use will impact the final taste and texture of the casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep sweet potato casserole from being watery?
Ensure sweet potatoes are well-drained.
Can you freeze sweet potato casserole with marshmallows?
Marshmallows can become soggy when frozen. Freeze before adding them, then add fresh marshmallows before reheating.
What is sweet potato casserole made of?
Typically, sweet potatoes, eggs, milk, sugar, butter, and spices, topped with pecans or marshmallows.
What can I substitute for evaporated milk in sweet potato casserole?
Cream or half and half.
What’s the best way to cook the sweet potatoes? (boiling, baking, microwaving)
Boiling is quick, but can make them watery. Baking intensifies the flavor but takes longer. Microwaving is fastest but can result in uneven cooking.
Can you use canned sweet potatoes? How does it affect the taste and texture?
Yes, but they tend to be softer and sweeter. Reduce the added sugar if using canned.
How can I make a smaller batch?
Halve or quarter the recipe, using a smaller baking dish.
Can this recipe be doubled or tripled?
Yes, adjust the baking time accordingly.
How do you prevent the marshmallow topping from burning?
Add the marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking or broil for a minute or two, watching closely.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (estimated):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 5g
Conclusion
I hope you feel inspired to try this easy sweet potato casserole recipe! It’s a dish that’s close to my heart, and I know it will bring joy to your table. Now, I want to hear from you! What are your favorite holiday traditions? Are you going to give this recipe a try? Leave a comment below and let’s chat! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you.
