Looking for a holiday side dish that’s comforting, nostalgic, and irresistibly delicious? This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-have on your festive table. With creamy mashed sweet potatoes, a crunchy pecan topping or gooey marshmallows, and the perfect hint of cinnamon and vanilla, this dish brings balance to rich holiday spreads. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this classic casserole is sure to impress guests of all ages.
Don’t miss our collection of classic American dinner sides if you’re planning your full meal.
JUMP TO
Table of Contents
Why This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Is a Must-Try
A timeless holiday side dish
Sweet potato casserole has long been a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. Its rich, velvety base and variety of toppings make it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. This recipe keeps it simple while delivering the same soul-warming flavor that families have loved for generations.
Balanced sweetness and texture
Some casseroles lean too sugary, while others feel bland. This version strikes the perfect balance. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a buttery finish. Top it with either a crunchy pecan streusel or classic marshmallows to hit that ideal contrast of creamy and crisp.
Simple ingredients, bold flavor
You don’t need anything fancy to make this recipe shine. In fact, you probably already have most of what you need in your pantry and fridge. Just sweet potatoes, eggs, milk, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla—plus your choice of topping. That’s it. The simplicity allows the flavor of the sweet potatoes to take center stage.
Looking for inspiration? Try our easy fall recipe collection for more comfort food ideas.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
Getting this dish just right comes down to simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this holiday classic to life.
For the sweet potato base
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | 4 cups mashed (about 3–4 large) |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Butter | 4 tbsp (softened) |
| Milk (whole or 2%) | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
The sweet potatoes form the heart of this dish, offering a natural, earthy sweetness. Brown sugar, vanilla, and butter add depth, while the eggs and milk create a fluffy, custard-like texture.
Check out our easy Thanksgiving classics for more traditional sides.
Crunchy pecan topping option
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Brown sugar | 1/3 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/3 cup |
| Chopped pecans | 1 cup |
| Melted butter | 3 tbsp |
This streusel-style topping brings a crisp bite and nutty richness. It’s a favorite for those who love texture contrast and a hint of caramelized crunch on top of creamy sweet potatoes.
Marshmallow topping alternative
If you prefer the old-school marshmallow version, skip the pecan mix and simply layer 2 to 3 cups of mini marshmallows over the casserole before baking. This delivers a golden, gooey, kid-approved finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Sweet Potato Casserole
Prepping the sweet potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well, then mash until smooth. Let them cool slightly before adding other ingredients.
Making the creamy filling
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, brown sugar, softened butter, milk, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer helps achieve that velvety texture, but a sturdy whisk works too.
Adding your favorite topping and baking tips
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- For pecan topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped pecans in a bowl. Sprinkle over the top evenly.
- For marshmallow topping: Wait until the last 15 minutes of baking, then add marshmallows and let them melt and brown.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until the center is set and the topping is golden brown.
Don’t miss our tips on perfect oven-baked veggie sides for more ideas like this.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Casserole Every Time
Make-ahead and storage advice
One of the best things about sweet potato casserole is how well it handles prep ahead of time. You can fully assemble the dish (minus the marshmallows if using) and store it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Bake as directed when you’re ready. Leftovers? They keep well refrigerated for 3–4 days and reheat beautifully in the oven.
You can also freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Learn more about holiday meal prep strategies to save time on busy days.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overcooking the sweet potatoes: This leads to watery filling. Boil just until fork-tender.
- Skipping the cool-down: Hot mashed potatoes can scramble the eggs—let them cool a bit first.
- Over-sweetening: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes is enough for most. Taste and adjust.
Sweetness adjustments and flavor boosts
Not everyone likes it super sweet. Reduce the brown sugar or skip marshmallows for a lighter flavor. Want something extra? Add a pinch of nutmeg, a splash of maple syrup, or swap in orange zest for brightness.
Discover great ideas like our spiced maple vegetable bakes for creative twists.
Serving Ideas and Variations to Try
Savory vs sweet versions
To create a savory version, reduce or eliminate the sugar, skip marshmallows, and add ingredients like rosemary, garlic, or even parmesan. Serve it alongside roast meats or poultry to balance out your holiday spread.
Vegan and gluten-free adaptations
Easily make this casserole vegan by using plant-based butter, non-dairy milk (like almond or oat), and a flax egg substitute. For a gluten-free version, use certified GF oats in place of flour in the topping, or skip it entirely for a simpler dish.
Looking for inspiration? Try our plant-based comfort meals.
Creative leftovers: pancakes, waffles, and more
Leftover casserole? Don’t let it go to waste. Blend it into pancake batter, spoon into waffle mix, or mix with oats for a hearty breakfast bowl. You can even roll it into crescent dough and bake for sweet-savory pastry bites.
FAQs About Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
FAQs About Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
Yes, canned sweet potatoes work in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well and reduce the sugar in your recipe, as canned versions are often pre-sweetened.
What’s the best topping – marshmallows or pecans?
That depends on your crowd. Marshmallows offer nostalgic sweetness, especially for kids. Pecans bring a nutty, crunchy contrast loved by adults. Can’t decide? Split your casserole in half and do both!
Can I freeze sweet potato casserole before baking?
Absolutely. Just assemble the base, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. For best texture, add toppings just before baking.
Conclusion: Try This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Today
Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving dinner or craving comfort food on a cool evening, this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is guaranteed to hit the spot. With flexible toppings, make-ahead convenience, and unforgettable flavor, it deserves a place in every holiday rotation.
Check out our Slow Cooker Beef Curry Recipe that bring people together.
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect holiday side dish featuring a creamy sweet potato base and your choice of crunchy pecan or gooey marshmallow topping. Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 large)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (for topping)
- 3 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
- 2–3 cups mini marshmallows (alternative topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Boil until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash.
- Let mashed sweet potatoes cool slightly, then mix with eggs, brown sugar, butter, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- For pecan topping: Mix brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a bowl. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until set and the topping is golden.
- For marshmallow topping: Bake casserole for 25 minutes, then add marshmallows and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and melted.
Notes
- Let mashed sweet potatoes cool before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Adjust sugar levels to taste depending on your preference or if using canned sweet potatoes.
- This dish can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored in the fridge before baking.
- Use plant-based ingredients for a vegan version.
