Welcome to your new favorite holiday side dish! This classic sweet potato casserole offers an incredible balance of creamy, velvety sweet potato goodness and a delightfully crunchy pecan topping. It’s a true celebration of comforting flavors, making it an essential addition to any festive table. Best of all, you can easily prepare this dish in advance, making your holiday hosting stress-free and enjoyable.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole
This exceptional sweet potato casserole recipe brings joy to every plate with its perfect blend of textures and tastes. It’s truly a standout dish that everyone will adore.
- Irresistible Pecan Topping: You’ll love the golden, buttery, and brown sugar-infused crunch this topping provides.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: Prepare the base and topping separately a day or two in advance for stress-free holidays.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe consistently wins over family and friends with its comforting and delicious flavors.
- Simple & Straightforward: Our easy-to-follow steps ensure a perfectly delicious result every time, even for beginners.
Ingredients
Creating the ultimate sweet potato casserole requires simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have. This recipe features a rich, creamy sweet potato base perfectly complemented by a buttery, crunchy pecan topping. Gather these items to make your holiday masterpiece.
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 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)
For the Pecan Topping:
- 3 Tablespoons butter (cold, cut into pieces)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
Notes & Substitutions
When selecting your ingredients for this glorious sweet potato casserole, a few considerations can enhance your results. Always choose firm, unblemished produce.
- Sweet Potatoes: Use firm, orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Jewel for the best color and texture.
- Evaporated Milk: Heavy cream or half-and-half are excellent substitutes if you don’t have evaporated milk on hand.
- Sugar Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of granulated sugar to match your personal sweetness preference.
- Nut-Free Topping: For a delicious nut-free option, replace the pecans with rolled oats or simply omit them for a delightful streusel.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools to make a magnificent sweet potato casserole. Basic kitchen items will get the job done beautifully and efficiently.
- Large pot for boiling potatoes
- Potato masher
- Electric mixer (optional, for an extra smooth texture)
- Large mixing bowls
- Casserole dish (e.g., 8×11, 9×13, or a deep 10-inch pie dish)
Instructions
Let’s create this delicious sweet potato casserole together! Follow these clear, step-by-step directions to achieve a perfectly creamy base and a wonderfully crunchy topping. This recipe simplifies the process, making it easy for anyone to bake a holiday classic.
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them before or after boiling, depending on your preference. Peeling after cooking often makes it easier.
- 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. (You will need at least 3-4 inches of water but the water will not completely cover the potatoes!) 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.
- Mash Sweet 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.
- Make the Base: Add eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, granulated sugar, salt, and melted butter to the bowl with the sweet potatoes. 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.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Lightly grease your chosen casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Anything around the size of an 8×11, 9×13, or even a deep dish 10 pie pan will work perfectly.
- Spread Base: Evenly spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Ensure it’s distributed in a consistent layer for even baking.
- Make the Topping: In a separate mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Add the cold butter, cut into small pieces. Use a fork or a pastry blender to cut in the butter until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the entire sweet potato base in the dish. Make sure it covers the surface uniformly.
- Bake: Bake the casserole at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes. The topping should be golden brown and the sweet potato base should be bubbly around the edges when finished. For optimal food safety and doneness, the USDA recommends a safe minimum internal temperature for casseroles of 165°F (73.9°C).
- Serve: Let the sweet potato casserole cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set for easier serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
Achieving a truly outstanding sweet potato casserole is easy with a few expert tricks. These tips will help you perfect your dish every time.
- Choosing Sweet Potatoes: Always select fresh, firm sweet potatoes that are free of soft spots or blemishes.
- Cooking Consistency: Cook your sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender, but stop before they become waterlogged or overly mushy.
- Mashing Technique: Mash the potatoes thoroughly. For an extra smooth, lump-free base, briefly use an electric mixer.
- Perfectly Crumbly Topping: Use cold butter for the streusel topping. Cold butter creates a more distinct, crumbly texture.
- Preventing Burnt Topping: If your pecan topping starts browning too quickly during baking, gently tent the casserole with aluminum foil.
- Even Baking: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in your casserole dish. This ensures every bite bakes consistently.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This versatile sweet potato casserole is perfect for any festive occasion, not just holidays. Learn how to serve it, store leftovers, and explore exciting variations to suit every taste.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any large family gathering. It pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib.
- Storage: Store any leftover sweet potato casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: Prepare the sweet potato filling up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Make the pecan topping and store it separately at room temperature. Assemble and bake just before serving.
- Freezing Instructions: To freeze, prepare the unbaked casserole base and spread it into a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the topping and baking as directed.
- Marshmallow Topping: For a classic alternative, skip the pecan topping. Instead, top the casserole with miniature marshmallows during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Bake until they are golden brown and puffy.
- Half & Half Topping: Can’t decide? Create a half-and-half topping! Apply the pecan topping to one side of the casserole and miniature marshmallows to the other for the best of both worlds.
- Nut-Free Variation: If nuts are an issue, replace the pecans with rolled oats, a good quality granola, or simply make a plain brown sugar streusel.
Nutrition Information
This sweet potato casserole offers a delightful balance of energy and flavor. Understanding the nutritional breakdown can help you enjoy this dish as part of a balanced diet. For a detailed look at the health advantages this root vegetable offers, the N.C. Cooperative Extension provides insights into the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 20g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients, preparation methods, and serving sizes. This information is intended for general guidance only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions about making the perfect sweet potato casserole? We’ve got answers to help you bake with confidence!
- What kind of sweet potatoes should I use? Use firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Jewel or Beauregard for the best flavor and creamy texture.
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Yes, you can. Ensure they are well-drained and rinsed, then reduce the added sugar slightly as canned varieties are often sweeter.
- Is this sweet potato casserole overly sweet? No, the recipe balances sweetness. You can always adjust the granulated sugar to your personal preference.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the base and topping separately, then assemble and bake closer to serving time.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven until warmed through.
- Can I swap evaporated milk for regular milk? While evaporated milk provides richness, you can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the casserole might be slightly less creamy.
- What other toppings can I use? Beyond marshmallows and pecans, try crushed cornflakes mixed with butter, or a simple cinnamon-sugar sprinkle.
Conclusion
This ultimate sweet potato casserole recipe truly delivers on flavor and ease, making it a beloved classic that stands the test of time. With its creamy, sweet base and irresistible crunchy pecan topping, it’s bound to become a highlight of your holiday table. This dish is not just a side; it’s a memorable experience. We encourage you to try this incredibly delicious recipe and make it a cherished tradition for your family and friends. Share your experience with us or tell us about your other favorite holiday dishes!