Southern sweet potato casserole is a timeless holiday favorite that blends creamy, spiced mashed sweet potatoes with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping. Served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinners, this dish perfectly balances sweetness and savory comfort. Its creamy base is flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, while the pecan topping adds texture and caramelized crunch.
More than just a side dish, sweet potato casserole often feels like a dessert, yet it pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. The recipe has deep roots in Southern kitchens, where sweet potatoes have long been celebrated for their natural sweetness and versatility. With its velvety filling and golden topping, this casserole is the ultimate expression of holiday comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Filling:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4–5 medium sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup milk (whole or evaporated milk)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potatoes
- Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and mash until smooth.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix until creamy and well blended.
Step 3: Assemble Base Layer
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Topping
- In a medium bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, and chopped pecans until crumbly.
Step 5: Bake
- Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato filling.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
Variations
- Marshmallow Topping: Swap pecans for mini marshmallows or add a layer of marshmallows halfway through baking.
- Healthier Version: Reduce sugar in the filling and use honey or maple syrup as sweeteners.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with crushed cornflakes, graham crackers, or oats for crunch.
- Extra Creamy: Add 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese to the filling.
Cooking Notes
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the richest flavor, though canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch.
- The topping should be crumbly, not wet. Adjust butter or flour if needed.
- This dish can be made a day ahead and baked right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roast turkey, ham, or chicken at Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Serve with savory sides like stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green beans for a balanced holiday spread.
- Enjoy leftovers as a sweet breakfast with a drizzle of maple syrup.
💡 Tips
- Mash sweet potatoes while still warm for the smoothest texture.
- Don’t skip the eggs—they bind the filling and give structure.
- Toast pecans lightly before adding for extra flavor.
- If making ahead, refrigerate filling and topping separately; assemble before baking.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 190mg
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
- Yes, just drain and mash them. Fresh gives better flavor, but canned is faster.
Q2: Can I make it ahead of time?
- Definitely. Assemble the filling and topping separately, refrigerate, and combine before baking.
Q3: Can I freeze sweet potato casserole?
- Yes. Freeze without the topping for up to 2 months. Add topping after thawing and bake.
Q4: What’s the difference between sweet potato casserole and candied yams?
- Sweet potato casserole is mashed and topped with pecans or marshmallows, while candied yams are sliced and baked in syrup.
Q5: Can I make it less sweet?
- Yes. Reduce sugar by half and skip marshmallows for a more savory version.
Conclusion
Southern sweet potato casserole is a holiday staple that combines creamy, spiced sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping for the perfect blend of flavors and textures. It’s sweet enough to feel like dessert but hearty enough to shine as a side dish. Whether you serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday family dinner, this Southern classic will bring comfort and tradition to your table.