The Best Sweet Potato Casserole

The best sweet potato casserole is a classic holiday side dish that perfectly combines sweetness and crunch. This creamy, rich, and flavorful recipe features mashed sweet potatoes topped with a buttery brown sugar pecan crust. It’s a comforting addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup melted butter

Topping:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 1 1/2 to 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, milk, and melted butter. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
4. To make the topping, mix brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans in a small bowl until crumbly.
5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
6. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve your sweet potato casserole warm straight from the oven for the best flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or roasted chicken and makes a comforting addition to any holiday spread. To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For reheating, warm it in a 325°F oven until hot throughout, or use the microwave for individual servings. If preparing ahead of time, assemble the casserole (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. To freeze, wrap tightly before baking and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.

Variations

1. Marshmallow Topping: Replace the pecan topping with mini marshmallows for a gooey, caramelized finish.
2. Coconut Pecan Crunch: Add 1/4 cup shredded coconut to the topping for a tropical flavor twist.
3. Maple Syrup Infusion: Swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup for a rich, smoky sweetness.
4. Cinnamon Spice Blend: Mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg into the sweet potato filling for warmth.
5. Oatmeal Streusel Topping: Replace flour in the topping with rolled oats for a chewy texture.
6. Gluten-Free Version: Use almond or oat flour in the topping to make it gluten-free.
7. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, butter with vegan margarine, and milk with almond milk.
8. Mini Individual Servings: Portion the casserole into ramekins for elegant single servings.
9. Orange Zest Addition: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the filling for a citrusy brightness.
10. Honey Butter Drizzle: Drizzle honey and melted butter over the topping before baking for extra richness.
11. Savory Twist: Cut sugar in half and add shredded cheese and chopped chives for a sweet-and-savory combination.
12. Cranberry-Pecan Topping: Add 1/4 cup dried cranberries to the topping for a festive, tart kick.
13. Pumpkin Spice Casserole: Mix pumpkin pie spice into the filling for a fall-inspired variation.
14. Nut-Free Crumb Topping: Omit pecans and use crushed graham crackers or cornflakes instead.
15. Brown Butter Upgrade: Brown the butter before mixing it into both the filling and topping for a nutty depth of flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Yes, just drain and mash before mixing with other ingredients.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, assemble it a day ahead and bake just before serving.
3. Can I freeze sweet potato casserole? Yes, freeze before baking for up to 3 months and thaw before baking.
4. Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar? You can, but brown sugar gives a richer, caramel flavor.
5. Can I add both marshmallows and pecans? Absolutely—layer marshmallows halfway through baking for the best texture.
6. How do I keep the topping crisp? Bake uncovered to prevent moisture from softening the pecan topping.
7. Can I make it dairy-free? Yes, use plant-based milk and vegan butter alternatives.
8. What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes? Use a potato masher or hand mixer for a smooth texture.
9. How long should I bake if doubling the recipe? Add 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time and use a larger dish.
10. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Warm in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes until hot and crisp on top.

This best sweet potato casserole recipe is a timeless holiday favorite that delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Whether you prefer the classic pecan topping or want to try something new like marshmallows or coconut, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Make it ahead, bake it fresh, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this beloved dish.

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