Heavenly Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: Cozy Fall Comfort

Creamy sweet potato casserole brings warmth to any gathering around the table.

Cozy comfort emerges from layers of soft, golden-baked goodness.

Marshmallow clouds drift across a landscape of smooth, spiced mashed potatoes.

Nutty pecans provide delightful crunch against the silky interior.

Southern kitchens know this dish signals pure culinary love.

Memories of holiday meals sparkle with each delectable forkful.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible classic.

How to Store Sweet Potato Casserole Easily

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days, covering tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Wrap casserole securely in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container, keeping it frozen for maximum 2 months. Label with date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute fresh sweet potatoes with canned ones. Just drain and mash them thoroughly before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not in its current form. The flour in the topping contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour as a replacement.

• How can I make this dish less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in the base mixture and use less brown sugar in the topping. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day before, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Why Sweet Potato Casserole Is a Must

• Elevate Family Gatherings: This sweet potato casserole transforms ordinary meals into memorable celebrations, bringing everyone together with its comforting and nostalgic flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Swap pecans for other nuts, adjust spices, or add marshmallows to make the recipe uniquely yours, perfect for personal taste preferences.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Simple mixing and layering techniques make this recipe accessible for novice cooks, ensuring delicious results without complex culinary skills.
• Versatile Side Dish: Ideal for holiday feasts, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this casserole complements a wide range of main courses and suits various dining occasions.

What Goes in Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: The star ingredient that provides a creamy, smooth base for this classic holiday side dish.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the casserole and creating a rich, custardy texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help caramelize the topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic profile.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and traditional holiday flavor to the casserole.

• Butter, Softened Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture in both the base and the crumbly topping.
• Flour: Helps bind the crumble topping and provides structure.
• Pecans: Adds a crunchy, nutty element to the casserole topping.
• Marshmallows (Optional): Provides a sweet, gooey layer that creates a classic sweet potato casserole finish.

Steps for Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for our delicious sweet potato magic.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sweet Potato Base

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Melted butter
• Sugar
• Milk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Whisk everything until the mixture becomes silky smooth and looks like a dreamy orange cloud.

Step 3: Transfer To Baking Dish

Carefully pour the luscious sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Craft Crunchy Pecan Topping

• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Softened butter

Mix until the texture becomes delightfully crumbly, then fold in chopped pecans.

Sprinkle this crunchy goodness generously over the sweet potato layer.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes.

Step 6: Optional Marshmallow Magic

If you’re craving extra sweetness, scatter marshmallows across the top and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until they turn golden and puffy.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Pull out your masterpiece and serve warm, ready to delight taste buds and spark joy at the table.

Sweet Potato Casserole Tips and Advice

• Use a potato masher or hand mixer to create a smooth, lump-free sweet potato base for a creamy texture.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or add a sprinkle of shredded coconut for extra crunch and flavor variety.
• Reduce sugar or use honey as a natural alternative for a less sweet, more wholesome dish.
• Cover with foil if the topping browns too quickly to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking.
• Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenience.

Sweet Potato Casserole Styles to Try

• Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, swap butter with coconut oil, and top with vegan marshmallows or coconut flakes for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend in the topping. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Reduced Sugar Version: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, cut down on brown sugar in the topping, and add extra spices like ginger or cardamom for flavor depth.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Remove pecans from the topping and replace with rolled oats or sunflower seeds for crunch, maintaining the casserole's texture and adding a different nutritional profile.

What Tastes Great With This Casserole

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Place the casserole as a stunning main dish during Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, surrounded by seasonal decorations and candles.
• Brunch Sidekick: Serve alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh orange juice for a delightful weekend morning meal that feels indulgent and comforting.
• Potluck Crowd-Pleaser: Bring this dish to family gatherings or community events where people appreciate a sweet and nutty side that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole a day before, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save time and enhance flavor melding.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines in this sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping and buttery pecan crumble. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes blend perfectly with warm spices, creating a delightful holiday side dish you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potatoes:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring a consistent temperature for optimal baking.
2. Thoroughly mash sweet potatoes until creamy and lump-free.
3. Incorporate melted butter, sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the sweet potato mixture, whisking until completely smooth and well-blended.
4. Transfer the velvety sweet potato mixture into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
5. Create a delectable topping by combining brown sugar, flour, and softened butter until it forms a crumbly texture.
6. Fold chopped pecans into the crumbly mixture, ensuring even distribution.
7. Sprinkle the pecan-brown sugar topping uniformly across the sweet potato base.
8. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, allowing the casserole to develop a rich, golden color and set properly.
9. Optional: For a marshmallow finish, carefully distribute marshmallows over the casserole surface.
10. Return to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until marshmallows are perfectly golden and slightly puffy.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and casserole to cool slightly.
12. Serve warm, presenting a luxurious and comforting side dish that showcases the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

Notes

• Boost flavor by roasting sweet potatoes before mashing for deeper, caramelized notes that intensify the dish’s richness.
• Swap traditional sugar with maple syrup or honey for a more natural, complex sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes’ earthy profile.
• Create a gluten-free version by using almond flour or gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour in the pecan topping.
• Make it vegan by substituting butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and using dairy-free milk to accommodate plant-based dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 243 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 42 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg