Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Sally's Baking Addiction (2024)

Full of flavor and perfect for making ahead, this homemade sweet potato casserole will steal the show at your next holiday meal. Crunchy sweet brown sugar pecan crumble covers every bite of this buttery sweet potato mash. After your first forkful, you’ll already be thinking about going for seconds!

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Sally's Baking Addiction (1)

Side dishes are, without a doubt, the best part of a classic Thanksgiving meal. Don’t get me wrong—I love my Thanksgiving pies. But we’re talking creamy from-scratch green bean casserole, flaky soft dinner rolls, and flavorful cornbread stuffing.

Today’s recipe for homemade sweet potato casserole is a family favorite. Enjoy a smooth and creamy sweet potato mash topped with a crunchy, toasty, praline-esque pecan topping. Because it’s a little sweet, I like to serve this casserole with a sprinkle of sea salt and some savory fresh thyme or rosemary. A lovely balance of texture and flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

  • Creamy + crunchy = wonderful contrasting textures in every bite
  • Buttery sweet potato mash with a hint of vanilla
  • Cinnamon-spiced brown sugar pecan topping
  • Sweet + salty—a decadent way to get your vitamin A!
  • You can conveniently prep it a couple days in advance

One reader commented: “Very easy to make and was a big hit at Thanksgiving! Prepared the potatoes and topping the night before so was a quick dish to put together and bake on the day. The pecan topping and sweet potatoes together were divine! ★★★★★

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Sally's Baking Addiction (2)
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Sally's Baking Addiction (3)

10 Ingredients in This Thanksgiving Side Dish

  1. Sweet potatoes: You need 2 pounds (908g) for this casserole, which is 3 extra large sweet potatoes or 5 small/medium sweet potatoes. Don’t go overboard on the potatoes because the mash will end up tasting heavy and dense.
  2. Butter: For unparalleled buttery flavor.
  3. Brown sugar: I prefer dark brown sugar in this casserole, but light works too. You’ll use some in both the sweet potato mash and the pecan crumble topping.
  4. Eggs: For structurethey turn this into a casserole, rather than a pile of mashed sweet potatoes.
  5. Half-and-half: Half-and-half keeps this dish extra creamy. If you have heavy cream on hand for your other cooking and baking needs (like whipped cream & pumpkin pie), you can use that instead.
  6. Vanilla extract: For just a hint of delicate, aromatic flavor.
  7. Salt: Brings out all the flavors, and balances the sweetness.
  8. Flour: Gives structure to the crumbly topping.
  9. Cinnamon: Complements both the sweet potato and pecan flavors.
  10. Pecans: Buttery, nutty pecans are the jewels in the sweet potato casserole crown!

Plus, finishing touches like thyme or rosemary and a sprinkle of sea salt round out the entire dish. One reader commented: “The fresh rosemary and sea salt made it…*chef’s kiss*. ★★★★★

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Sally's Baking Addiction (4)

Boil & Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling the sweet potatoes with a vegetable peeler. Boil them in a large pot of water until they’re nice and tender. Let them cool for about 15 minutes, and then mash. You can use a potato masher and some arm muscle for this, but I usually just use my mixer. Once they’re as smooth as you’d like (feel free to leave some chunks if you prefer them that way!), beat in the eggs, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. These are all the ingredients you need for the sweet potato layer.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Sally's Baking Addiction (5)
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Sally's Baking Addiction (6)

FAQ: Can I Use Yams Instead of Sweet Potatoes in This Casserole?

For the best taste and texture, I recommend using sweet potatoes instead of yams.

The names of these two starchy root vegetables are often used interchangeably, but they are actually different, and originate from different continents. Native to Central and South America, sweet potatoes typically have orange flesh and a pinkish-brown skin, and are sweeter and creamier in texture when cooked. Native to Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, true yams have white flesh and a bark-like skin, with a drier, starchier texture—more like a regular baking potato.

You could, however, use purple sweet potatoes if you can find them!

Easy Crunchy Pecan Topping

We’re finishing this sweet potato casserole with a delicious crumbly, praline-esque pecan topping. The crunchy texture contrasts so beautifully with the creamy, buttery sweet potato mash. It comes together quickly and easily, and uses some of the same ingredients as the sweet potato layer.

If you love the cinnamon-y brown sugar pecan topping here, you’ll enjoy something similar on this pumpkin French toast casserole and this cranberry Christmas cake.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Sally's Baking Addiction (7)
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Sally's Baking Addiction (8)
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Sally's Baking Addiction (9)

Can I Use Marshmallows on This Sweet Potato Casserole?

Yes. If you love marshmallows on your sweet potato casserole, you can certainly add them. I wouldn’t leave off the pecan topping, though. (You’ll really miss that texture!) Add the marshmallows towards the end of the bake time. See recipe Note below for details.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Ahead of Time

This easy side dish can be prepared ahead of time, which we all know is a total lifesaver leading up to Thanksgiving dinner! Here’s how to get started:

  • 1–2 days before serving: Boil and mash the sweet potatoes, add the remaining ingredients to the sweet potatoes, and smooth into a baking dish. Prepare the topping in a separate bowl. Cover each separately and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  • Day of serving: Spoon the topping over the sweet potato layer and bake.
  • Freezing instructions: If assembled, the unbaked casserole can be frozen up to 2 months. Take it out of the freezer and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bring the casserole to room temperature and bake.
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Sally's Baking Addiction (10)

More Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

  • Cornbread Stuffing and
  • Green Bean Casserole
  • Dinner Rolls and Cornbread
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Candied Sweet Potatoes
  • Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Tarts

And of course… dessert. Here are our favorite Thanksgiving pie recipes, including classics like pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pecan pie. Don’t forget turkey pot pie for any leftover Thanksgiving turkey!

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Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Sally's Baking Addiction (11)

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Pecan Topping

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star5 from 31 reviews

  • Author: Sally
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
  • Yield: serves 8
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Creamy, comforting, and simple sweet potato casserole with a crunchy pecan crumble on top. Texture and flavors are spot on!

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds (908g) sweet potatoes, peeled (about 5 small/medium)
  • 1/3 cup (5 Tbsp; 71g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar (I prefer dark)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) half-and-half or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

  • 1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour ()
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar (I prefer dark)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup (5 Tbsp; 71g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 and 2/3 cups (210g) pecan halves or chopped pecans
  • optional: fresh rosemary or thyme, and sea salt for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot or dutch oven andcover them completely with water. Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Drain the water and allow the sweet potatoes to cool for 15 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (or a similar size casserole dish, or a 12-inch oven-safe skillet). Set aside.
  3. Place the cooked sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the potatoes until relatively smooth—I like to leave some chunks for texture. For your reference, you will have about 4 cups of mashed sweet potatoes. Add the butter, brown sugar, beaten eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, and salt. Spoon/pour the mixture into prepared pan.
  4. For the topping: In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Using a silicone spatula, fold in the melted butter and pecans until the mixture is totally combined. Spoon evenly over potatoes.
  5. Bake for 30–40 minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then top with a little fresh thyme or rosemary and a sprinkle of sea salt. Serve warm.

Notes

  1. Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: This is a great make ahead recipe! Here’s how to get started 1–2 days before: Prepare sweet potatoes through step 3, then prepare the topping. Cover each separately and refrigerate for up to 2 days. On the day of serving, assemble and bake. Assembled, unbaked casserole can be frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, bring to room temperature, and continue with step 5. Baked casserole can be frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, bring to room temperature, and bake at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.
  2. Special Tools (affiliate links): Large Pot (such as a Dutch oven) | Vegetable Peeler |9×13-inch Baking Pan | Glass Mixing Bowls | Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand) | Whisk | Silicone Spatula
  3. Adding Marshmallows: If you love marshmallows on top of your sweet potato casserole, you can certainly add them. Bake as directed above, but 5 minutes before it’s done, add 1 cup marshmallows on top and then finish baking.
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Sally's Baking Addiction (2024)

FAQs

Why do you put eggs in sweet potato casserole? ›

The egg is the all-important binder in a sweet potato casserole: it enriches and stiffens the mixture without making it heavy. Make sure to cool the mash slightly before adding the egg so it doesn't scramble, and to stir well so there are no streaks of cooked egg white in the finished dish.

Are candied yams and sweet potato casserole the same thing? ›

While both are sweet sides, they are different. Sweet potato casserole involves mashing the potatoes, turning them into a custard of sorts, and then topping them with marshmallows and/or pecans before baking. We don't do any of this when making candied sweet potatoes!

What's the difference between sweet potato pie and sweet potato casserole? ›

The difference is that sweet potato casserole can either have a toasted marshmallow top or a crunchy brown sugar/nut top and is made with brown sugar in the casserole. Sweet potato pie is made with white sugar, has nothing on top, but can be served with whipped topping.

Why do Americans put marshmallows on sweet potato casserole? ›

Most people point to a 1917 pamphlet by the Angelus Marshmallow Company as the first time sweet potatoes and marshmallows came together. This company is believed to be the first to commercially-produce and sell the squishy white marshmallows we know, roast, and snack on today.

Why do you soak sweet potatoes before baking? ›

The cold water bath helps rinse the starch off the sweet potatoes so they're a bit more crispy. That said, if you do not have the time, you can still get crispy baked sweet potato fries by using high heat and a little drizzle of olive oil.

How do you make a sweet potato casserole not runny? ›

Eggs and cream help stabilize the dish and prevent it from becoming too runny (a common complaint with many sweet potato casserole recipes). Make it as smooth or chunky as you like!

Which is healthier yam or sweet potato? ›

Although both veggies are very close in fiber, protein, vitamin C, and magnesium, sweet potatoes are the healthier option because they are lower in overall calories, lower in carbohydrates, and higher in beta carotene (vitamin A).

Can I substitute canned yams for sweet potatoes? ›

You may not want to substitute true yams in your Candied Yams recipe since their flavor isn't the same as the sweet potatoes in the dish. They can be substituted for sweet potatoes in more savory dishes. Treat them like potatoes to make mashed yams or yam fries.

What variety of sweet potato is best for casserole? ›

Jewel. With copper skin and deep-orange flesh that's moist and tender when cooked, the jewel is a go-to potato for traditional baking and casseroles.

Do sweet potatoes taste better baked or boiled? ›

Like David Wilcox says, baking the sweet potato produces a deeper flavor. I find that baking them brings out a sweeter flavor as well. But what you need to do is experiment and bake a pie using sweet potatoes that have been prepared both ways. You might find that you like it better when they are boiled.

Why do African Americans eat sweet potato pie? ›

After emancipation, when African American cooks gained more access to their own equipment and refined ingredients, they continued the tradition of baking with yams and sweet potatoes — especially the pie. These deep roots became the foundation of a strong tradition in African American food culture.

What culture eats the most sweet potatoes? ›

China is the world's biggest producer and consumer of sweetpotato, where it is used for food, animal feed, and processing (as food, starch, and other products).

How do Asians eat sweet potatoes? ›

Since its introduction to the East, sweet potato has earned a special place in Asian cuisines. In China, they're baked in large iron drums and enjoyed as a winter street food; or made into Mantou buns; while in North-eastern parts, they're often cut in chunks and fried, served with hot syrup.

What is the purpose of eggs in a baked goods recipe? ›

Eggs play an important role in everything from cakes and cookies to meringues and pastry cream — they create structure and stability within a batter, they help thicken and emulsify sauces and custards, they add moisture to cakes and other baked goods, and can even act as glue or glaze.

How do you thicken up sweet potato casserole? ›

Choose orange sweet potatoes for the best flavor and sweetness. Brown sugar adds a depth of flavor with a hint of molasses and helps create a caramel-like sauce. All-purpose flour will help thicken the sauce and give some structure.

Does egg thicken casserole? ›

The proteins in eggs coagulate or set at different temperatures. This results in thickening but it means that eggs must be cooked gently and heated carefully or they will scramble rather than thicken a sauce or other mixture.

What is the purpose of putting an egg in mashed potatoes? ›

Adding egg yolks to a pot of mashed potatoes is an easy, dairy-free texture and taste upgrade that doesn't require any special techniques. The yolks harbor all the flavorful fats and emulsifying components and will thus effectively unify the fat and water in potatoes, translating to a smoother, uniformly creamy pot.

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