Irresistible Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite

Comfort comes alive with this decadent sweet potato casserole that blends rich, velvety flavors into a memorable side dish.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this creamy sweet potato casserole as a beloved classic.

Warm spices and a crunchy pecan topping create a delightful contrast of textures that dance on your palate.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of sweetness and depth, making this recipe a standout at any gathering.

Marshmallows melt into golden pools, adding a delightful touch of indulgence to the dish.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the table, eager to savor this irresistible comfort food.

Prepare to fall in love with a casserole that turns simple sweet potatoes into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Goes Into the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Creamy orange roots that deliver rich, natural sweetness and velvety texture for the casserole foundation.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of sweet potatoes and balances their inherent sweetness.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and smooth consistency to the mashed potato mixture.

• Pecans: Provide delightful nutty crunch and earthy flavor to contrast the smooth sweet potato base.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces deep caramel notes and creates a glistening, crispy topping.
• Flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients and creates a slightly crumbly texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweet potato's natural flavor.

• Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent to hold the casserole structure together.
• Milk: Contributes silky smoothness and helps create a lighter, more delicate texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses subtle, complex sweetness and enhances overall dessert complexity.

Tools to Mash, Mix, and Top It Right

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling sweet potatoes evenly and safely.
• Colander: Essential for draining potatoes quickly and thoroughly.
• Potato masher or electric mixer: Helps create super smooth, creamy potato texture.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Provides ideal space for spreading and baking casserole.
• Mixing bowls: Great for combining ingredients and preparing topping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients smoothly and evenly.

How to Bake a Sweet Potato Casserole That Wins Hearts

• Boil Sweet Potatoes

Drop sweet potatoes into a pot of salted water and cook until they’re soft enough to slice through easily with a fork. This step brings out their natural sugary goodness and makes them super creamy.

• Mash and Mix

Drain the potatoes and transform them into a silky smooth mixture. Use a masher or electric mixer to create a velvety texture that’ll make everyone at the table swoon with delight.

• Create the Topping

Whip up a crunchy crown of chopped nuts, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This magical layer will add a delightful crunch and sweet warmth to your creamy potato base.

• Assemble and Bake

Pour the mashed potatoes into a buttered baking dish, then generously scatter the nutty topping across the surface. Slide it into a preheated oven at 350F and let the magic happen for about 25-30 minutes.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull out a bubbling, golden-brown casserole that looks like a work of art. The aroma will draw everyone to the table, ready to dive into this ultimate comfort food that screams holiday happiness.

Topping Options That Go Beyond Marshmallows

• Sweet Potato Smoothness: Use a potato masher or electric mixer to create a perfectly creamy texture without any lumps.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to two days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter for coconut oil and use almond milk to make this recipe completely dairy-free and allergy-friendly.
• Topping Twist: Experiment with different toppings like chopped pecans, shredded coconut, or crushed graham crackers for added crunch and flavor variety.
• Healthier Option: Reduce sugar by using maple syrup or honey, and incorporate mashed bananas for natural sweetness and extra nutrition.

Serve During Holidays or Cozy Nights In

• Cozy Family Feast: Serve this sweet potato casserole alongside classic holiday turkey or roasted chicken for a comforting main course companion.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform leftovers into a delightful breakfast by topping a slice with a soft-poached egg and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Dessert-Style Presentation: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to elevate the dish into a more indulgent sweet treat that feels like a special occasion.
• Potluck Perfection: Pack in a portable dish with a lid, making it an ideal contribution to family gatherings or community events where everyone loves a hearty, crowd-pleasing side.

Store and Reheat Without Losing That Topping Crunch

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare this casserole up to two days ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. Simply reheat at 350F for 2025 minutes before serving, ensuring a quick and delicious meal with minimal last-minute stress.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the casserole completely, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently in the oven, maintaining its delicious texture and flavor.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide the casserole into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. These smaller portions reheat faster and stay fresh in the refrigerator for 35 days.
• Leftover Magic: Store remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a sprinkle of extra marshmallows or pecans to refresh the top and bring back its original delightful crunch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 383 kcal

Servings: 8

Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets holiday perfection in this sweet potato casserole that blends creamy mashed potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. Delightful layers of brown sugar and warm spices create a memorable side dish you’ll crave at family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs or 1.36 kg)
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup (85 g) chopped pecans
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

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Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Boil whole sweet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes, then drain completely and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Potato Processing: Mash sweet potatoes until achieving a smooth, creamy texture using a potato masher or electric mixer, eliminating any significant lumps.
3. Oven Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing with butter or non-stick spray.
4. Mixture Creation: Blend all remaining ingredients into the mashed sweet potatoes, ensuring a uniform, well-integrated mixture with balanced flavors and consistent texture.
5. Topping Assembly: Combine streusel ingredients, creating a crumbly mixture that will provide a delectable crisp layer when baked.
6. Casserole Construction: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, then generously distribute the streusel topping across the entire surface.
7. Baking Process: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, allowing the topping to transform into a golden-brown, crisp landscape and the interior to heat thoroughly.
8. Resting Stage: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ensuring a stable serving consistency.

Notes

• Boil Potatoes Perfectly: Salt water generously and maintain a rolling boil to infuse flavor and ensure even, tender cooking of sweet potatoes.
• Mash Strategically: Use an electric mixer for ultra-smooth texture, avoiding lumps while maintaining the potatoes’ natural creaminess and preventing over-mixing.
• Topping Technique: Sprinkle streusel evenly, creating a uniform layer that guarantees consistent crunch and golden-brown coverage across the entire casserole surface.
• Dietary Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil for dairy-free version, use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup for lower sugar content, and consider gluten-free flour options for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg