This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic, comforting side dish perfect for holidays and special gatherings. With smooth, creamy sweet potatoes, a hint of warm spices, and a buttery, crunchy pecan topping, this dish is a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Sweet & Creamy: The sweet potatoes are mashed until smooth and balanced with warm spices.
- Crunchy Topping: A rich, buttery pecan topping adds the perfect contrast to the creamy base.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a foolproof dish.
- Great for Holidays: A crowd-pleaser that pairs well with any holiday meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Sweet Potato Mixture:
- Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Butter, melted
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
For the Pecan Topping:
- Brown sugar
- Flour
- Butter, melted
- Chopped pecans
Directions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Boil or bake sweet potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
- Make the Sweet Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased casserole dish.
- Prepare the Pecan Topping: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans until crumbly.
- Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Marshmallow Topping: Swap the pecan topping for mini marshmallows and bake until golden.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit pecans and use an oat-based crumble instead.
- Make It Lighter: Reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Spiced Up Flavor: Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake as directed.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a day ahead, store in the fridge, and bake before serving.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Yes, peeling them helps create a smooth texture, but you can leave the skin on for a rustic feel.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but drain and mash them well before using.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut milk and dairy-free butter alternatives.
Can I add marshmallows and pecans?
Absolutely! Add marshmallows in the last 10 minutes of baking for the best of both worlds.
What can I serve with sweet potato casserole?
It pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, green beans, and stuffing.
How can I make it less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in both the filling and topping to taste.
Can I use a food processor to mash the sweet potatoes?
Yes, but be careful not to over-process, or they may become gummy.
Can I substitute the pecans?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds work well as alternatives.
Can I bake it in advance and reheat it?
Yes, bake it fully and reheat at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Conclusion
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious, comforting side dish that’s perfect for the holidays or any cozy meal. With a creamy sweet potato base and a crunchy pecan topping, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Whether you serve it with marshmallows or keep it classic, this casserole will bring warmth and sweetness to your table!

- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Description
This classic sweet potato casserole is rich, creamy, and topped with toasted marshmallows. It’s the perfect side dish for holiday dinners or cozy comfort food cravings!
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
For the Topping:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the sweet potatoes: Boil cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Mash & mix: In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes. Stir in brown sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and eggs until smooth.
- Assemble & bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle mini marshmallows and pecans over the casserole. Bake for 5-10 more minutes until golden brown and toasted.
- Serve & enjoy!
Notes
- Swap marshmallows for a brown sugar pecan crumble for a crunchier topping.
- Can be made ahead of time—prepare the base, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.
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