Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
**Introduction**
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is the soul-warming centerpiece of any festive table, a dish that masterfully balances rich, comforting sweetness with a delightful textural crunch. The character is unabashedly indulgent and nostalgic, featuring a velvety smooth base of whipped sweet potatoes subtly spiced with cinnamon and enhanced with brown sugar and vanilla. This luxurious foundation is crowned with a generous, crisp pecan streusel topping that bakes into a caramelized, buttery crust. The magic lies in the contrast between the creamy, warm filling and the crunchy, nutty topping. It is perfect for holiday gatherings, from Thanksgiving and Christmas to Easter dinners, where it consistently earns its place as a beloved classic. Anyone would want to try this recipe for its foolproof simplicity and its guaranteed power to evoke comfort and joy, making it a dish that guests request year after year.
**Perfect for:**
* Thanksgiving Dinner
* Christmas and Holiday Feasts
* Potluck Dinners and Family Reunions
* Comforting Sunday Supper Side
* Autumn and Winter Celebrations
**Why You’ll Love This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe**
* **Ultimate Comfort Food:** The harmonious blend of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping delivers the perfect bite of warmth and nostalgia.
* **Make-Ahead Marvel:** Both the filling and the streusel can be prepared a day in advance, making hectic holiday meal prep calm and organized.
* **Crowd-Pleasing Guarantee:** This dish is a universal favorite, appealing to both children and adults with its familiar, dessert-like quality.
* **Simple & Straightforward:** Using basic ingredients and uncomplicated steps, this recipe delivers spectacular results without professional kitchen skills.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
**Total Time:** 1 hour 30 minutes
**Preparation Time:** 30 minutes
**Cooking Time:** 1 hour
**Servings:** 10 servings
**Calories per serving:** Approximately 320-350 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
* **Calories:** 320-350 kcal
* **Protein:** 3g
* **Carbohydrates:** 45g
* **Fat:** 16g
* **Fiber:** 4g
* **Sugar:** 25g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileenrecipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* For the Sweet Potato Filling:
* 4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4-5 large), peeled and cubed
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* ⅓ cup milk (whole, evaporated, or heavy cream)
* ½ cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* For the Pecan Streusel Topping:
* 1 cup chopped pecans
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
* ⅓ cup (about 5 ⅓ tablespoons) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
* ¼ teaspoon salt
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Cook the Sweet Potatoes:** Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are extremely tender when pierced with a fork.
2. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
3. **Drain and Mash:** Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly and return them to the warm pot or place in a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash them until smooth.
4. **Make the Filling:** To the warm, mashed sweet potatoes, add the melted butter, milk, brown sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix with a hand mixer or wooden spoon until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
5. **Transfer to Dish:** Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
6. **Prepare the Topping:** In a separate medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and salt for the streusel. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter, your fingers, or a fork, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is in pea-sized pieces.
7. **Add Topping:** Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping evenly over the entire surface of the sweet potato filling.
8. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set (it should not jiggle significantly when shaken) and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
9. **Cool and Serve:** Let the casserole cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows it to set for cleaner slices.
**How to Serve Easy Sweet Potato Casserole**
* As the quintessential side dish alongside roast turkey, glazed ham, or herb-crusted chicken.
* Served warm from the oven, allowing the contrast between the hot filling and crisp topping to shine.
* With a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert course.
* As a standout dish on a holiday buffet, beautifully garnished with a few whole pecans or a dusting of cinnamon.
**Additional Tips for Easy Sweet Potato Casserole**
* For the smoothest texture, use a hand mixer to blend the filling ingredients. This ensures no lumps and a light, airy consistency.
* To enhance flavor, consider roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling. Peel, cube, toss with a little oil, and roast at 400°F until tender for a deeper, caramelized taste.
* Ensure your butter for the streusel is very cold to achieve a perfect crumbly texture, not a melted paste.
* If the topping begins to brown too quickly during baking, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.
**Recipe Variations of Easy Sweet Potato Casserole**
* **Marshmallow Topping:** Replace the pecan streusel with mini marshmallows. Add them for the last 5-10 minutes of baking until puffed and golden.
* **Oat-Pecan Crunch:** Add ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats to the streusel mixture for added texture and fiber.
* **Bourbon Spice:** Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon and a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the sweet potato filling for a sophisticated twist.
* **Dairy-Free Version:** Use plant-based butter and a milk alternative like almond or oat milk in both the filling and topping.
**Freezing and Storage for Easy Sweet Potato Casserole**
* **Storage:** Cover leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For larger amounts, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
* **Freezing:** It is best to freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble the dish but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
**FAQ Section about Easy Sweet Potato Casserole**
**Can I use canned sweet potatoes?**
Yes. Drain two (29-ounce) cans of sweet potatoes or yams well. Use them in place of the freshly cooked potatoes, skipping the boiling step. The texture may be slightly softer.
**How can I tell when the casserole is fully baked?**
The edges should be bubbling slightly, and the center should be set, not liquidy. A toothpick inserted into the center (through the topping) should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
**Can I make this without nuts?**
Absolutely. Simply omit the pecans from the streusel. You may want to add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of flour to the topping to maintain the crumbly structure.
**Why are my eggs curdling in the filling?**
This happens if the mashed sweet potatoes are too hot when the eggs are added. Ensure the potatoes have cooled slightly (they can be warm, but not piping hot) before mixing in the beaten eggs.
**Conclusion of Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe**
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish; it is a edible tradition, a bowl of comfort that brings people together. Its brilliance lies in its elegant simplicity—transforming humble ingredients into a show-stopping creation that feels both special and familiar. The creamy, spiced sweet potato filling and the irresistible crunchy topping create a symphony of textures and flavors that define holiday dining. With its make-ahead convenience and universal appeal, this recipe is a strategic cornerstone for any festive menu. Don’t just save it for Thanksgiving; let it become your signature dish for any gathering that calls for warmth, generosity, and a touch of sweet, buttery magic. Bake it with confidence and watch it become the first empty dish on the table.