Best Ever Sweet Potato Casserole
As the leaves turn golden and a crisp chill fills the air, nothing captures the essence of cozy fall gatherings quite like a warm, creamy sweet potato casserole. This dish, with its velvety texture and sweet, nutty topping, holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of family gatherings where the aroma of cinnamon danced through the kitchen. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug, making it the quintessential comfort food for the season. Whether you’re looking to impress at a festive dinner or simply craving a dish that feels like home, this is the one to bookmark for your cooler days ahead. You’ll definitely want to pin this easy fall dessert for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly: A dish that even the pickiest eaters will adore.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for potlucks and holiday feasts—everyone will be coming back for seconds!
- Effortlessly Creamy: The blending of sweet potatoes with milk creates a smooth and decadent base that’s simply irresistible.
- Sweet & Crunchy Topping: The buttery pecan crumble adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender sweet potatoes.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is perfect for any home cook.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance, making your holiday cooking a breeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Best Ever Sweet Potato Casserole
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
How to Make Best Ever Sweet Potato Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the sweet potatoes until they are soft—this usually takes about 1.5 hours. The sweet fragrance wafting from your oven is simply heavenly!
Once cooled slightly, peel the sweet potatoes. Let that warm, tender texture be your canvas!
Blend the peeled sweet potatoes with sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The vibrant orange color is so inviting!
Spread this luscious sweet potato mixture into a greased 2-quart dish. You can practically taste the cozy goodness!
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until you form a delightful crumble.
Sprinkle this buttery pecan topping generously over the sweet potato filling.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the topping gleams with a golden brown hue. When it comes out of the oven, the aroma will have your whole home feeling like a warm embrace!
Serve this dish warm, and watch as smiles break out around your table.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Savory Sweet Potato Casserole: Add a hint of garlic and cheese to the sweet potato mixture for a savory kick!
- Maple Pecan Topping: Swap regular brown sugar for maple sugar in the crumble for a deliciously rich and decadent taste.
- Spiced Pumpkin Twist: Blend in a little pumpkin puree with your sweet potatoes for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Just before serving, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top of the cooked casserole for a sweet surprise!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sweet potato filling a day in advance! Just store in the fridge and bake with the topping when you’re ready to serve.
- Swapping Sweetness: If you prefer a lower sugar option, consider using a sugar substitute or reducing the sugar in both the filling and topping.
- Leftovers Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They taste just as wonderful the next day—maybe even better!
- Perfect Slicing: For the best slices, let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking. This allows it to set up a bit.
Calories & Nutrition Details
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 325
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and store it in the fridge overnight.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in different nuts or sweeteners as per your taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
If stored properly, this casserole can last about 3-4 days in the fridge or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Wrapping It Up
This Best Ever Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a way to capture the warmth of autumn and the love shared around the dinner table. It celebrates the vibrant flavors of the season while providing a comforting embrace of sweet goodness that makes everyone feel at home. So, don’t forget to save this cozy recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you want to serve a deliciously comforting treat! Happy baking, friends!
Print
Best Ever Sweet Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy sweet potato casserole topped with a buttery pecan crumble, perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the sweet potatoes until soft, about 90 minutes.
- Once cooled slightly, peel the sweet potatoes.
- Blend the peeled sweet potatoes with sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased 2-quart dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and melted butter.
- Mix until you form a crumble, then sprinkle it over the sweet potato filling.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Make the sweet potato filling a day in advance for convenience. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: sweet potato casserole, fall dessert, comfort food, Thanksgiving dish, family recipe