The Best Homemade Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

This creamy sweet potato casserole topped with caramelized pecans is the ultimate comfort food—discover the secret to its irresistible golden crust.

Share your Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

You’ll love this sweet potato casserole because it’s the perfect blend of cozy comfort and irresistible flavor. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and always a crowd-pleaser.

  • Creamy & comforting: Velvety sweet potatoes topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan streusel—every bite feels like a hug.
  • Simple to prepare: Just mix, bake, and enjoy—no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required.
  • Versatile for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight treat, this dish fits right in.

Recipe

rich caramelized sweet potatoes

Sweet potato casserole is a classic side dish, especially popular during holiday gatherings. Its creamy texture and sweet, caramelized topping make it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3-4 large sweet potatoes)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Spread into the prepared baking dish.
  3. For the topping, combine brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and pecans in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is set.

Notes:

  • For a smoother texture, peel and boil the sweet potatoes before mashing.
  • Adjust sugar to taste if preferred less sweet.

Equipment:

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Potato masher or fork

Time:

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 35 minutes

Cuisine: American

Serving: 8-10 servings

Nutrition

This sweet potato casserole is a delicious blend of flavors and nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving.

NutrientAmount
Calories320 kcal
Total Fat12 g
Saturated Fat7 g
Cholesterol30 mg
Sodium200 mg
Total Carbohydrates50 g
Dietary Fiber4 g
Sugars30 g
Protein4 g
Vitamin A400% DV
Vitamin C20% DV
Calcium10% DV
Iron8% DV

What To Serve With It

Wondering what to pair with your sweet potato casserole? I love serving it alongside classic holiday dishes like roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham—it’s a match made in comfort food heaven. For quicker meals, try tossing together a crisp green salad or steaming some green beans to balance the richness. Either way, you’ll have a meal that feels both cozy and complete.

Classic Holiday Pairings

When planning a holiday meal, I always think about how dishes complement each other, and sweet potato casserole fits perfectly with so many classics. I love pairing it with roasted turkey or glazed ham, as the savory flavors balance the casserole’s sweetness. Creamy mashed potatoes and green beans with almonds make great sides, adding texture and freshness. Gravy and cranberry sauce are must-haves, tying everything together. A warm dinner roll or a slice of cornbread is perfect for soaking up every bite. Don’t forget a crisp salad for a light contrast. These pairings guarantee a meal that’s balanced, comforting, and full of holiday cheer.

Quick Side Dishes

Pairing sweet potato casserole with quick and easy sides can make your holiday meal feel complete without adding stress to your day. I love roasting green beans with garlic and olive oil—they’re simple but flavorful. A crisp salad with mixed greens, cranberries, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast. For something heartier, I’ll whip up a batch of fluffy dinner rolls or garlic butter mashed potatoes. Cornbread dressing is another favorite—it’s savory and pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the casserole. These sides take minimal effort but bring so much to the table, making the whole meal feel special.

Share your Recipe