Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole to grace your holiday table (or let’s be honest, any time you want a cozy comfort fix), look no further! This recipe is a cherished classic: smooth, rich mashed sweet potatoes layered beneath a buttery brown sugar streusel that bakes up bubbling and golden. It’s a showstopper side dish that manages to be both delightfully simple and universally adored—there’s truly nothing like the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes. You’ll love how easy this dish is to make ahead, dress up, and enjoy with friends and family, whether it’s a big Thanksgiving feast or just a delicious cozy dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Best Sweet Potato Casserole lies in its humble, everyday ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table—from the creamy richness of butter to the sweet crunch of the brown sugar streusel, these simple staples combine to create a memorable, crave-worthy bite.

• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! Use about 3 pounds (5-6 medium) for natural sweetness and lush color.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor; melted for the mash, softened for the topping.
• Sugar: Gives lovely sweetness to the potatoes without overpowering their natural flavor.
• Eggs: Help bind the casserole, keeping the mashed layer creamy but sturdy.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses warmth and depth, making the dish irresistible.
• Cinnamon: Gives a hint of spice to balance the sweetness and bring out cozy flavors.
• Salt: Brightens all the flavors; adjust if using salted butter.
• Half-n-Half: Makes the sweet potatoes even silkier and creamier.
• Brown Sugar: Stars in the topping, providing a caramel-like crunch.
• Flour: Helps form the crumbly streusel topping that everyone loves.

How to Make Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Lay the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, pierce each one a few times with a fork (this is key so they don’t burst!), and bake for about 50 minutes to 1 hour. You’re looking for fork-tender potatoes that are soft all the way through. The roasting intensifies their natural sweetness and gives your casserole an incredible base.

Step 2: Mash and Mix

Once your sweet potatoes have cooled slightly, slice them open and scoop the vivid orange flesh into a large mixing bowl. Now, add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and half-n-half. Whip the whole mix together until it’s creamy and luscious, with no big lumps remaining. The combination of ingredients turns the humble sweet potato into something truly irresistible.

Step 3: Spread into the Baking Dish

Spoon the sweet potato mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish (or a slightly smaller one if you like extra thickness). Smooth the top with a spatula so everything bakes evenly. The creamy layer should look silky and inviting at this stage!

Step 4: Mix the Brown Sugar Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, blend together the softened butter, brown sugar, and flour with a fork until it forms coarse, deliciously crumbly pieces. It might seem simple, but this buttery topping adds a magical sweetness and crunch to the finished casserole.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Scatter the streusel topping generously across the mashed sweet potatoes. Slide the dish into a preheated 350-degree oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown. If the topping starts browning too quickly, tent it lightly with foil. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are fragrant and the top has a perfectly crisp, brown sugar crust.

How to Serve Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Take your Best Sweet Potato Casserole up a notch by sprinkling it with toasted pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a handful of mini marshmallows for extra celebration flair. If you love those gooey pockets of sweetness, marshmallows can go on in the last few minutes of baking to get perfectly toasty.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines alongside traditional holiday dishes like roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, or a rustic green bean casserole. For a weeknight dinner, it’s also fantastic served with simple roasted chicken or a crisp green salad that contrasts its sweetness. It’s a crowd-pleaser in any setting!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a special gathering, portion the Best Sweet Potato Casserole into individual ramekins for a fun, elegant touch. Or, layer it into parfait glasses with alternating layers of streusel and sweet potato for a playful, dessert-inspired look that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To save any extra casserole (if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers), simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and tasty in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days—making it a perfect leftover to snag for lunch or an impromptu snack.

Freezing

The Best Sweet Potato Casserole is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and know that the topping may lose a bit of crunch but will still be delicious.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place servings in the microwave for quick, individual portions, or warm the entire dish in a 350-degree oven until hot and bubbling. If the topping has softened, a few extra minutes in the oven will help it crisp up again.

FAQs

Can I make Best Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed sweet potato filling up to 2 days in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then add the topping and bake it off the day you plan to serve for maximum freshness and crunch.

What if I want a nutty topping instead?

Simply stir a cup of chopped pecans into the streusel before sprinkling it over the casserole. This adds a fabulous crunch and a toasty, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.

Is the casserole overly sweet?

This Best Sweet Potato Casserole strikes a wonderful balance: it’s sweet from the potatoes and brown sugar, but not cloying. If you prefer a less-sweet version, just reduce the sugar in the mash by a few tablespoons, or skip the marshmallows in the topping.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

For the best flavor and texture, fresh sweet potatoes are highly recommended. However, in a pinch, canned will work; just be sure to drain them well before mashing, and adjust the sugar since canned sweet potatoes are sometimes packed in syrup.

Does this dish travel well?

Yes! It’s a great choice for potlucks or holiday gatherings. Keep the casserole covered and transport it in its baking dish. You can rewarm it gently in the oven just before serving, and the brown sugar topping will still shine.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about treating loved ones to the Best Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s rich, comforting, and always a highlight at any gathering. I hope this recipe becomes a beloved tradition at your table, too—don’t wait for the holidays to whip it up and watch it disappear!

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