The smell of sweet potatoes filled my kitchen, bringing back happy memories. Every Thanksgiving, my family would gather. But the sweet potato casserole was the star.
I remember my grandmother taking it out of the oven. The pecan topping was crispy and golden. It was a special dish that brought us together.
Want to make a dish that’s both easy and delicious? Homemade sweet potato casserole is perfect. It’s a mix of sweet and savory that everyone loves. Let’s dive into why it’s the best sweet potato casserole, and the memories it creates.
What is Sweet Potato Casserole?
Sweet potato casserole is a favorite at holidays, like Thanksgiving. It’s made with mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and spices. You can top it with marshmallows or pecans for a fun twist.
To make this dish, you need 3 pounds of sweet potatoes. Or, you can use 3 cans of sweet potatoes. Brown sugar adds sweetness, and maple syrup makes it even tastier.
The dish gets creamy with ⅓ cup of butter. If you use unsalted butter, a little salt helps. Pecans or walnuts add crunch, and spices like cinnamon make it special.
Sweet potato casserole is not just for holidays. You can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge for 48 hours. It’s creamy, sweet, and brings back happy memories of family time.
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Looking for a tasty sweet potato casserole? You’re in the right spot. It’s great for holidays or family dinners. With a 4.8 out of 5 star rating from 64 reviews, it’s a hit.
Gather these ingredients:
- 3 cups (1 – 29 ounce can) sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/3 cup milk
- 3/4 cup cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 beaten eggs
- Salt to taste
For the topping:
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup flour
- 1 cup pecan pieces
This recipe needs just 10 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to cook. It’s ready in about 45 minutes. It serves 8, perfect for a side dish.
Bake it at 350°F. Mix the sweet potatoes, spread it, and top with pecans. Bake until golden and bubbly. Let it cool for 15 to 20 minutes to set up.
This casserole is easy to make and can be changed up. Try almonds, cashews, or peanuts for a twist. Use fresh sweet potatoes for extra flavor.
For more sweetness, add marshmallows or use both. It’s perfect for any meal or dinner at home. This casserole will be a favorite.
Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients
To make a tasty sweet potato casserole, I pick the best ingredients. Each part is key to the creamy, sweet taste we love. Here’s what I always use for my easy sweet potato casserole.
Sweet Potatoes
I choose 2½ pounds of fresh sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. This serves about five people. Sometimes, I use canned sweet potatoes from Bruce’s for a quick flavor.
Brown Sugar
I use either light or dark brown sugar. I like dark brown sugar for its deep flavor. It makes the sweet potatoes taste great. About ½ cup is perfect for sweetness.
Butter
I use unsalted butter, about ¼ cup. It lets me control the salt. If I have salted butter, I adjust the salt to keep the taste right.
Pecans and Toppings
Pecans give a nice crunch. I use about ½ cup, but you can try walnuts or almonds too. For the top, I love mini marshmallows, using two cups. Sometimes, I change it up with a pecan crumble or streusel topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Sweet Potato Casserole
Making a tasty homemade sweet potato casserole is simple. Just follow these easy steps. Your family and friends will love it.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut 3 pounds of sweet potatoes into cubes. Put them in a big pot and cover with water. Boil until they’re soft, about 15-20 minutes. Then, drain and cool them down.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: In a bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add 1 cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of melted butter, and a little salt and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Layer the Casserole: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the sweet potato mix in a greased 9×13 inch dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: Mix 1 cup of chopped pecans, ½ cup of flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, and the rest of the melted butter in a bowl. This will make a crunchy topping.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potatoes. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes. Watch it so the topping gets golden and the sweet potatoes stay fluffy.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool a bit before serving. This sweet potato casserole is perfect for your holiday dinner.
This sweet potato casserole recipe is full of flavor. It’s great as a side for any event. Enjoy every delicious bite!
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 483 kcal |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 76 mg |
| Sodium | 124 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 75 g |
| Sugar | 40 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Total Vitamin A | 26135 IU |
Why Sweet Potato Casserole is a Thanksgiving Side Dish Favorite
Sweet potato casserole is a big hit at Thanksgiving. It’s loved for its sweet and savory taste. This dish has been a favorite for over a century.
It’s made with butter, brown sugar, and spices. It brings back happy memories of family time. Sweet potato casserole is a true favorite at Thanksgiving.
There’s a big debate on toppings. Some like marshmallows, while others prefer pecans. But sweet potato casserole is always a hit.
I love sweet potatoes, and this dish is special. It’s more than a side dish. It’s a celebration of flavors and memories.
| Year Introduced | Key Ingredients | Cultural Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Early 1900s | Sweet potatoes, marshmallows, butter, brown sugar | Became a popular dish at Thanksgiving |
| 1917 | Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice | Marshmallows framed as everyday ingredients |
| Present | Pecans for topping alternatives | Symbol of exuberance at holiday gatherings |
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
When making the best sweet potato casserole, a few tips can help. Make sure the sweet potatoes are cooked just right. This makes the casserole creamy and delicious.
Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also make it taste better. It’s a great way to add more flavor.
Customize the topping to your liking. You can use marshmallows for a sweet crust or pecans for a crunchy topping. Choose what you like best!
Try using maple syrup instead of sugar for a richer taste. It’s perfect for impressing guests at family gatherings. Every little change can make your casserole the best you’ve ever had.
Make Ahead and Storage Options
Preparing a sweet potato casserole ahead of time makes meal planning easier. I can make the filling up to four days before. Then, I keep it cold in the fridge.
Freezing the casserole without the topping is also a great option. It can stay frozen for up to three months. This is super handy.
Leftovers go in an airtight container for up to five days in the fridge. Freezing them again keeps them good for three months. Reheating is easy: just 20-30 minutes in a 350°F oven or the microwave.
Want to make more? Just double the recipe. You might need a bigger baking dish. For gluten-free, use almond, oat, or 1:1 baking flour. For dairy-free, try vegan butter and oat or almond milk.
| Storage Method | Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerate (unbaked) | Up to 4 days |
| Freeze (unbaked, without topping) | Up to 3 months |
| Refrigerate (leftovers) | Up to 5 days |
| Freeze (leftovers) | Up to 3 months |
Using these make-ahead and storage tips makes enjoying sweet potato casserole stress-free. With a little planning, I can have this comforting dish whenever I want.
Variations of Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is loved by many. It can be made in many ways. This makes it perfect for different tastes.
Ethan Calabrese’s Mini Sweet Potato Soufflés are great for parties. Judy Kim’s Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole adds a creamy twist.
Johnny Miller’s Maple Meringue Sweet Potato Casserole is sweet and earthy. The Crock-Pot Sweet Potato Casserole is easy to make, perfect for Thanksgiving.
The Healthy Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole is tasty and healthy. The Savory Sweet Potato Casserole has bacon and herbs for a unique taste.
The Quinoa and Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole is a fun mix. It shows sweet potato casserole can be many things.
Try marshmallows and pecans or a gluten-free version. These sweet potato casseroles can make any meal special. Find the perfect one for your holiday!
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is great as a side dish. It goes well with turkey and ham at holidays. It also makes everyday meals special.
It’s perfect with roasted chicken. This adds flavor and fiber to your meal.
Sweet potatoes make many dishes better. I serve it with meatloaf, pulled pork, or steak. It’s also good with veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
It makes any meal look and taste great. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Want to wow your guests? Top it with mini marshmallows or nuts. It’s perfect for parties. This casserole is a hit, with its tasty flavor and nice texture.
