Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Lauren's Latest (2024)

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

This post may contain affiliate sales links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving dish that is sometimes served at the end of the meal and sometimes served alongside savory turkey. Sweet Potato Casserole is a versatile dish that everyone is sure to love. The best part is the crumbly pecan streusel topping!

For many, it’s not only a Thanksgiving dish – many families make it over Christmas, the 4th of July, or just about any large family and friends gathering imaginable. The creamy, buttery, and sugary texture pairs well with crunchy toppings – even though everyone has their own recipe, these things always remain unchanged.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Lauren's Latest (1)

What is the Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes?

Some recipes use yams and sweet potatoes interchangeably, but they are, in fact, two different things.Yams are starchy root vegetables that taste similar to sweet potatoes but are usually slightly less sweet. The two are so similar that they’re often mislabeled at the grocery store.

Are canned yams actually sweet potatoes?

Yes! Some of the biggest brands label their canned sweet potatoes as “canned yams” – a mistake that goes too far back to remember.

So if you’re going to use canned instead of fresh sweet potatoes, just make sure to check the label. Some might say canned yams but specify underneath that they areactuallycanned sweet potatoes.

Sweet potatoes have a complicated history, and perhaps that explains all the canning confusion. They are believed to have originated in Central or South America about 5,000 years ago. Through trade, they spread to the Pacific Islands and Africa. Today, China is the largest producer of sweet potatoes. They are grown and eaten around the world in many cultures.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Lauren's Latest (2)

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

This Sweet Potato Casserole takes about 20 minutes to throw together and 60 minutes to bake! If you don’t like streusel topping, feel free to replace it withmini marshmallows. Some people do prefer jumbo marshmallows or a flour, butter, and sugar crumble topping.

If you’re trying to think of your signature topping for a sweet potato casserole, try to make it crunchy in texture but not too tough on the teeth! A slight crunch always compliments the tender sweetness of the casserole filling.

For full recipe details, including ingredients used and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is what you can expect when making this recipe:

How Do I Cook My Sweet Potatoes?

The directions for this recipe assume that you have already cooked your sweet potatoes. There are a few ways to cook them.

  • Bake –You can bake them in the oven (my preferred method), at 400 degrees for an hour.
  • Stove Top –Or you can peel and boil potatoes in a large pot of water for about half an hour.

Once you have the sweet potatoes ready, you are ready to make the best Sweet Potato Casserole you’ve ever had!

Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to350° F.

Peel Sweet Potatoes + Add in Remaining Casserole Ingredients

Peel baked sweet potatoesand place into a large bowl. Add inbrown sugar, vanilla, eggs, butter, and salt.Using a masher or hand mixer,stir together until completely smooth.(A few lumps are ok if you don’t mind it lumpy!) Pour into agreased casserole dishand set aside.

Make the Streusel Topping

In a medium-sized bowl, stirflour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, and salttogether until a crumbly texture is formed.Add in pecansand stir.Sprinkle topping over sweet potato base.

Bake + Serve Warm

Bake for 1 hour,uncovered. (If you notice the streusel top becoming a little dark, cover with foil). Serve warm.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Lauren's Latest (3)

Make Sweet Potato Casserole Ahead of the Big Day

Holiday meal preparation time! If you want to make this sweet potato casserole recipe a couple of days ahead of time, it’s super easy. If you choose to freeze it, it may actually last for months.

The easy freezing and thawing process makes this a perfect dish for meal prep as well.

Prepare the sweet potato mixture and the streusel topping.Spread the sweet potato mixture into your casserole dish. Then wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Store the streusel in a Ziploc bag or covered bowl. You can keep both items in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To bake, remove both of the mixtures from the refrigerator. Spread the streusel on top of the casserole and bake.

Freezing Sweet Potato Casserole

To really make this recipe ahead of time you can freeze it. Spend less time worrying the day of Thanksgiving or Christmas and spend more time with family and friends.

Freezing. Prepare the sweet potato mixture and place in an airtight container. After cooling completely, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and store in the freezer up to 3 months.

Baking.Thawing a sweet potato casserole is a relatively simple process, and there are a few ways you can go about it. Here are some options:

  1. Thawing in the Refrigerator: The safest and most recommended method for thawing a sweet potato casserole is to place it in the refrigerator. This method is also the slowest, so you’ll need to plan ahead. Simply remove the casserole from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 8 hours. Make sure the casserole is covered with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent any contamination.
  2. Thawing in the Microwave: If you need to thaw the sweet potato casserole quickly, you can use the microwave. First, remove the casserole from the freezer and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Then, use the defrost setting on your microwave and set the timer for 5-7 minutes per pound. Make sure to check the casserole every few minutes to prevent it from cooking. This method might save you some refrigerator space if you’re really cooking big for Thanksgiving.
  3. Thawing in Cold Water: Another quick way to thaw a sweet potato casserole is to place it in a large bowl of cold water. Make sure the casserole is in a leak-proof bag to prevent any water from seeping in. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold, and allow the casserole to thaw evenly. It should take around 1-2 hours for the casserole to thaw completely using this method.

No matter which method you choose, once the sweet potato casserole is thawed, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until it’s heated through.

A word to the wise: If you can, freeze the casserole without the toppings, especially if you’re set on using marshmallows. They aren’t made for freezing and refreezing, and popping them on the casserole at the last minute in the oven will make a perfect, fluffy, and slightly crunchy marshmallow.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Lauren's Latest (4)

Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Sweet Potato Casserole isn’t the only dish on a Thanksgiving table. Here are some other ideas to get you started on your holiday dinner preparations.

  • Thanksgiving Stuffing
  • Cornbread Stuffing
  • Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
  • Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
  • Roasted Cauliflower
  • Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts
  • Green Bean Casserole
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Dinner Rolls
  • and don’t forget the Turkey Gravy!

Or if you are looking for more sweet potato recipes, I’ve got you covered! 🙂

More Sweet Potato Recipes You’ll Love!

  • Twice Baked Sweet Potato Recipe with Walnut Streusel
  • Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting
  • Sweet Potato Cookies with Homemade Streusel
  • Perfect Sweet Potato Pie
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Printable recipe card is below! Print it, pin it, or bookmark it for your holiday needs!

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Lauren's Latest (5)

PrintPrint Pin ItPin It

4.67 from 3 votes

Sweet Potato Casserole

Eaten as a side dish or a dessert this Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving dish. Topped with a crumbly pecan streusel!

servings 10 servings

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Casserole:

  • 4 pounds sweet potatoes baked until very soft
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Streusel Topping:

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  • Peel baked sweet potatoes and place into a large bowl. Add in brown sugar, vanilla, eggs, butter, and salt. Using a masher or hand mixer, stir together until completely smooth. (A few lumps are ok if you don't mind it lumpy!) Pour into a greased casserole dish and set aside.

  • In a medium-sized bowl, stir flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, and salt together until a crumbly texture is formed. Add in pecans and stir. Sprinkle topping over sweet potato base.

  • Bake for 1 hour, uncovered. (If you notice the streusel top becoming a little dark, cover with foil). Serve warm.

Video

Notes

If you don’t like streusel topping, feel free to replace with mini marshmallows–a classically American topping for Thanksgiving.

Nutrition

Calories: 486kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 546mg | Potassium: 691mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 26260IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 2mg

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Southern

Keyword: sweet potato casserole, sweet potato casserole recipe, sweet potato recipe, thanksgiving side dish

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Lauren's Latest (2024)

FAQs

Why put egg in sweet potato casserole? ›

The egg is the all-important binder in a sweet potato casserole: it enriches and stiffens the mixture without making it heavy. Make sure to cool the mash slightly before adding the egg so it doesn't scramble, and to stir well so there are no streaks of cooked egg white in the finished dish.

How do you make a sweet potato casserole not runny? ›

Eggs and cream help stabilize the dish and prevent it from becoming too runny (a common complaint with many sweet potato casserole recipes). Make it as smooth or chunky as you like!

How does Ina Garten bake sweet potatoes? ›

directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425*F.
  2. Cut sweet potatoes in wedges or like french fries.
  3. Place wedges on large baking pan or cookie sheet. ...
  4. Now sprinkle over brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. ...
  5. Spread out in a single layer. ...
  6. Place back in oven and bake another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

What variety of sweet potato is best for casserole? ›

Jewel. With copper skin and deep-orange flesh that's moist and tender when cooked, the jewel is a go-to potato for traditional baking and casseroles.

Can I leave eggs out of sweet potato casserole? ›

Eggs (or not!)

– I've made this sweet potato casserole with and without eggs, both ways are delicious. The eggs act as a binder and gives the casserole a light and fluffy texture. Without eggs, the casserole doesn't have as much structure but it still silky smooth and tastes delicious.

How can I thicken my sweet potato casserole? ›

The solution for watery casseroles is instant potato mash powder or cornflour - slake (mix with a little water) at first or it will go lumpy. Stir well. Alternatively, don't add so much water at first, especially if you're using a slow cooker.

Can you overcook sweet potato casserole? ›

(Another hot tip if you're boiling your sweet potatoes: Don't overcook them! They tend to absorb water, which could make the filling watery.)

Why is my sweet potato casserole so watery? ›

Why is my sweet potato casserole watery? If you overcook your sweet potatoes, they may begin to absorb too much liquid, making them watery. It's important to cut your potatoes into equal-sized pieces so that they all cook at the same rate. Make sure to remove them from the steamer as soon as they are fork-tender!

How can you tell if your sweet potato casserole is done? ›

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture, then pop it into the oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You will know it's done when the topping is lightly browned and the center of your casserole is set and firm.

Why do you soak sweet potatoes before baking? ›

The cold water bath helps rinse the starch off the sweet potatoes so they're a bit more crispy. That said, if you do not have the time, you can still get crispy baked sweet potato fries by using high heat and a little drizzle of olive oil.

How to cook sweet potatoes Martha Stewart? ›

Scrub and pat potatoes dry. Pierce potatoes all over with the tines of a fork and bake in oven, directly on rack, until soft and caramelizing, 1 1/2 hours. Slash the tops of potatoes open with the tip of a sharp knife and push ends of each potato toward each other to open.

Why do you need to soak sweet potatoes before cooking? ›

TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: The main secrets to achieving that incredible crispy texture, is to soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove the starch from the sweet potatoes so they´re not limp & soggy.

Is it better to roast or boil sweet potatoes for casserole? ›

Most dishes that call for boiled sweet potatoes would be improved if you used roasted or baked sweet potatoes. Baking whole sweet potatoes in the oven or cutting them into cubes and roasting them caramelizes the potatoes' starchy flesh, making it sweeter and giving it a silky smooth texture.

How many sweet potatoes make 4 cups? ›

Depending on the size of your spuds, you'll need four to six sweet potatoes to get four cups.

What's the difference between sweet potato pie and sweet potato casserole? ›

The difference is that sweet potato casserole can either have a toasted marshmallow top or a crunchy brown sugar/nut top and is made with brown sugar in the casserole. Sweet potato pie is made with white sugar, has nothing on top, but can be served with whipped topping.

Why add egg to casserole? ›

Eggs are an egg-sential part of breakfast casseroles, forming the foundation of the dish, and binding all of the other ingredients together. Whether you are making a hearty cheesy bacon egg bake or a spicy chile relleno egg casserole, there's one ingredient you shouldn't forget: dairy.

Does egg thicken casserole? ›

Their ability to hold up to four times their weight in moisture makes eggs a good thickener for sauces, custards and curds. The proteins in eggs coagulate or set at different temperatures.

What is the purpose of eggs in a baked goods recipe? ›

Eggs play an important role in everything from cakes and cookies to meringues and pastry cream — they create structure and stability within a batter, they help thicken and emulsify sauces and custards, they add moisture to cakes and other baked goods, and can even act as glue or glaze.

What is the purpose of putting an egg in mashed potatoes? ›

Adding egg yolks to a pot of mashed potatoes is an easy, dairy-free texture and taste upgrade that doesn't require any special techniques. The yolks harbor all the flavorful fats and emulsifying components and will thus effectively unify the fat and water in potatoes, translating to a smoother, uniformly creamy pot.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Nathanial Hackett

Last Updated:

Views: 6248

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanial Hackett

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: Apt. 935 264 Abshire Canyon, South Nerissachester, NM 01800

Phone: +9752624861224

Job: Forward Technology Assistant

Hobby: Listening to music, Shopping, Vacation, Baton twirling, Flower arranging, Blacksmithing, Do it yourself

Introduction: My name is Nathanial Hackett, I am a lovely, curious, smiling, lively, thoughtful, courageous, lively person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.