When it comes to holiday gatherings, few side dishes are as beloved as a Sweet Potato Casserole. With its silky smooth sweet potato base and irresistible pecan streusel topping, this recipe is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet. Whether you’re serving it alongside roast turkey, prime rib, or even as a standalone dish, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
In this article, we’ll cover everything from the ingredients to step-by-step instructions, pro tips, variations, storage options, and serving ideas, so you can make the best sweet potato casserole every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect texture: Fluffy, soufflé-like filling with a crisp, buttery pecan topping.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare layers in advance, assemble later, and bake just before serving.
- Customizable: Add marshmallows, keep it nutty, or make it vegan—this recipe adapts to your needs.
- Holiday classic: Complements all your Thanksgiving and Christmas favorites.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 6 cups mashed)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries (Craisins)
For the pecan streusel topping:
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour, if needed)
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced
- 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Peel the sweet potatoes and chop them into 1-inch chunks.
- Place them in a large pot of water and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 10–15 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
- Mash until smooth—use a hand masher for a rustic texture, or an electric mixer for an extra creamy finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add the mixture to the mashed sweet potatoes and stir until well combined.
- Fold in the dried cranberries.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Streusel Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour.
- Add the cold butter cubes and rub the mixture together with your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
- Stir in the chopped pecans.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato base.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to set for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Extra flavor boost: Roast the sweet potatoes at 400°F for 45 minutes instead of boiling for deeper caramelized flavor.
- Texture options: Leave some chunks in the potatoes for a rustic bite, or whip them until completely smooth for a soufflé-like texture.
- Nut-free variation: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or simply use a brown sugar and oat topping.
- Marshmallow lovers: Swap the pecan topping for mini marshmallows. Add them during the last 25 minutes of baking.
Variations
- Vegan Version: Replace eggs with ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce or flax eggs. Use vegan butter for both the base and streusel.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
- Marshmallow Twist: Add a layer of mini marshmallows for a gooey, nostalgic touch.
- Savory Option: Reduce the sugar slightly and add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a less sweet version.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sweet potato filling and streusel topping separately, store in the fridge for up to 2 days, then assemble and bake when needed.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the fully baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F until warm.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet Potato Casserole pairs beautifully with:
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Prime rib roast
- Green bean casserole
- Mashed potatoes or au gratin potatoes
- Fresh dinner rolls
- Cranberry sauce
It’s also versatile enough to serve as a sweet-savory side for everyday meals or as a dessert-style treat on its own.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~483
- Carbohydrates: ~75 g
- Protein: ~5 g
- Fat: ~19 g
- Saturated Fat: ~7 g
- Cholesterol: ~76 mg
- Fiber: ~7 g
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy—making it a standout dish on any holiday table. It’s easy to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you stick to the classic pecan topping, add marshmallows, or make it vegan, one thing is certain: your guests will be going back for seconds.