Name: Best Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup pecans, chopped; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Hey y’all! If you’re searching for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole, you’ve just found your new favorite. This creamy, sweet, and slightly crunchy Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any comfort-food craving. With its silky mashed sweet potatoes and golden, buttery pecan topping, every bite captures coziness and tradition. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Ultra-creamy sweet potato base with just the right amount of sweetness.
Crunchy, buttery pecan streusel topping for mouthwatering contrast.
Perfect for holiday feasts and special family dinners alike.
Simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps—great for novice or seasoned cooks.
Can be prepped ahead, making holiday prep stress-free.

Best Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pecan Topping:
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup chopped pecans

How to Make Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Wash and prick sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, until fork-tender.
Let them cool slightly, then peel and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Filling

Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
Mash sweet potatoes until smooth. Add melted butter, sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Beat with a mixer or mash by hand until creamy and fluffy.
Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans until crumbly.
Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.

Step 4: Bake the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Bake uncovered at 325°F (165°C) for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is set.
Let cool for 10 minutes, then serve warm and enjoy!

Notes & Tips for Best Sweet Potato Casserole

For the smoothest texture, try using a hand mixer or food processor (see mashing techniques here).
To save time, you can boil instead of bake the sweet potatoes—just peel, cube, and simmer until fork-tender.
For a lighter dish, reduce the sugar to your taste or use natural sweeteners like maple syrup.

Best Sweet Potato Casserole Variations

Marshmallow Topping: Swap the pecan streusel for a layer of mini marshmallows, added in the last 10 minutes of baking for a traditional, gooey finish.
Nut-Free: Omit pecans and replace with oats or crushed graham crackers for crunch without nuts.
Savory Version: Skip the sugar and pecans, and add a sprinkle of parmesan and herbs for a less sweet, more savory take.

Required Equipment for Best Sweet Potato Casserole

9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or potato masher
Spatula
Baking sheet (for roasting sweet potatoes)

Best Sweet Potato Casserole Storage & Shelf Life

Cool completely before covering and storing in the refrigerator. The casserole keeps well for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or refresh the whole dish covered in foil at 325°F (165°C) for 20 minutes. For longer storage, freeze (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

Serving Recommendations for Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Serve this creamy casserole alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or your favorite holiday mains. It’s delightful with green bean casserole, fluffy dinner rolls, and cranberry sauce. While traditionally a side, the sweet topping means it can double as a dessert, too!

Best Sweet Potato Casserole Pro Tips

Bake the sweet potatoes rather than boil for extra rich, caramelized flavor.
Use room temperature eggs and milk to prevent the filling from curdling.
For an even crunchier topping, toast the pecans lightly before adding—learn more about toasting nuts here.

Best Sweet Potato Casserole FAQ

Can I make this sweet potato casserole ahead of time?: Yes! Prepare the casserole (without the topping), cover, and refrigerate up to 2 days. Add the topping just before baking.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?: Absolutely—just drain and mash before mixing, but note the flavor may be slightly less vibrant than with fresh.
What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes?: A hand mixer or food processor yields the smoothest results, but a potato masher works fine for a more rustic texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes sweet potato baking)
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 10 servings