Name: Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs. Sweet Potatoes (about 5-6 medium); 6 Tablespoons Butter (melted); 1/2 cup Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 1 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1 teaspoon Salt (reduce to 1/2 teaspoon if using salted butter); 1/4 cup Half-n-Half; 3 Tablespoons Salted Butter (softened); 1 cup Brown Sugar; 1/3 cup Flour

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If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, then you have to try the Best Sweet Potato Casserole. This recipe offers tender, velvety mashed sweet potatoes richly blended with butter, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, all topped with a delectably buttery brown sugar streusel that crisps up beautifully in the oven. It’s the ideal side for holidays or any special dinner where you want to impress without fuss. Once you taste this, you’ll want to make it your go-to comfort food every season.

Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Best Sweet Potato Casserole comes from using simple, staple ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each one contributes a unique touch—whether it’s the natural sweetness and creamy texture of the sweet potatoes, the warm aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, or the irresistible crunch of the brown sugar topping.

Sweet Potatoes (3 lbs.): The star player—pick medium size for easy baking and mashing.
Butter (6 tablespoons melted): Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luscious base.
Sugar (1/2 cup): Enhances the natural sweetness without overpowering.
Eggs (2 large): Acts as a binder, giving the casserole its perfect texture.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses a fragrant warmth that elevates the flavor.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a cozy spice that complements sweet potatoes beautifully.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness—adjust if using salted butter.
Half-n-Half (1/4 cup): Brings creaminess and prevents dryness.
Salted Butter (3 tablespoons softened): For the topping’s buttery crunch.
Brown Sugar (1 cup): Provides caramel sweetness for the streusel topping.
Flour (1/3 cup): Helps form the perfect crumbly topping texture.

How to Make Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Place whole sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and pierce them with a fork several times—this allows steam to escape so they cook evenly. Bake for about 50 minutes to 1 hour depending on size. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily insert a knife or fork and it slides through without resistance. Baking rather than boiling intensifies their natural sweetness and keeps the texture perfect for your casserole.

Step 2: Mash and Flavor the Sweet Potatoes

Once your sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half and scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl. Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and half-n-half. Use a hand mixer or strong whisk to whip the potatoes until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and creamy. This step ensures the flavors meld beautifully and the texture stays fluffy rather than dense.

Step 3: Spread in Baking Dish

Transfer the whipped sweet potato mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. This creates a sturdy, luscious base that will hold up to the crunchy topping while baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Brown Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and flour until coarse crumbs form. This streusel topping is the signature element of the Best Sweet Potato Casserole, adding a crispy, sweet contrast to the creamy base.

Step 5: Add Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the brown sugar crumb mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the sweet potato layer is warmed through. If the topping begins browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through to prevent burning.

How to Serve Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Adding a simple garnish can elevate this dish beyond expectations. Consider topping with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to add a nutty crunch. A light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg or a few fresh rosemary leaves can also provide a delightful flavor contrast and gorgeous presentation.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or baked ham for a classic holiday spread. For something lighter, steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad offer a crisp, fresh balance to the richness of the sweet potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with a small dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed candied ginger. You could also layer mashed sweet potato with the topping in a clear glass trifle dish to showcase the textures—a fun conversation starter at any dinner party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your sweet potato casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and meld overnight, making the leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the casserole for longer storage. Assemble the casserole (ready to bake), cover it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftover casserole slices in a baking dish and cover with foil. Warm it in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Removing the foil at the last few minutes helps refresh the crispy topping.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh sweet potatoes provide the best texture and flavor, canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch. Just be mindful that canned ones may have extra moisture, so reduce any added liquids slightly and drain well to avoid a soggy casserole.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, use a plant-based milk instead of half-n-half, and replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. The casserole will still be delicious, just a bit lighter in texture.

How do I prevent the topping from burning?

If the brown sugar topping begins to get too dark while baking, loosely cover the casserole with foil to protect the topping and continue baking until the filling is warm throughout.

Can I add marshmallows on top?

Absolutely! Marshmallows make a fun and traditional addition to sweet potato casserole. Add them during the last 5-10 minutes of baking and broil briefly to achieve a golden toasted finish—but watch carefully so they don’t burn.

What is the best size baking dish to use?

A 9×13-inch dish is standard for this recipe and ensures even cooking. However, if you want a thicker casserole, you can use a slightly smaller dish, just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Best Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a comforting hug on a plate that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply craving something cozy, this recipe will quickly become a cherished classic in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible delight. You deserve it!

Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 23 reviews

Author: Julian
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Best Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic, comforting side dish perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family meals. It features creamy mashed sweet potatoes blended with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, topped with a buttery brown sugar crumble that bakes to a golden perfection. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, this casserole combines smooth, sweet filling with a crunchy, sweet topping for the ultimate sweet potato experience.

Instructions

Preheat and Bake Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Place the whole sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and pierce multiple holes in them using a fork. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on their size, until they are completely soft and easily pierced with a fork or knife.
Prepare Sweet Potato Mixture: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and cut them in half. Scoop out the soft flesh into a large mixing bowl. Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and half-n-half. Whip the mixture thoroughly until it becomes creamy and smooth.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the creamy sweet potato mixture evenly in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or a slightly smaller one if preferred.
Make Brown Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and flour. Mix with your fingers or a fork until coarse crumbs form.
Add Topping to Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar crumb mixture over the top of the sweet potatoes.
Bake the Casserole: Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is heated through and the topping is cooked and golden. If the topping browns too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Serve: Serve the casserole warm for best flavor. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate for up to several days and reheat before serving.

Notes

You can substitute half-n-half with whole milk or heavy cream for a slightly different texture and flavor.
If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the sugar and brown sugar topping slightly.
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the flour in the topping with a gluten-free flour blend.
The casserole can be prepared a day in advance — assemble, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Covering the casserole with foil halfway through baking prevents the crumble topping from over-browning.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American