Some holiday dishes are timeless, and this Brown Sugar Streusel Sweet Potato Casserole is one of them. Creamy, buttery mashed sweet potatoes are baked beneath a crisp, caramelized brown sugar topping that’s just the right balance of sweet and cozy. It’s the kind of side dish that brings everyone to the table—and keeps them asking for seconds.

This casserole has been a Thanksgiving staple in my kitchen for years. The texture is pure comfort: velvety smooth underneath, golden and crunchy on top. The warm hint of cinnamon and vanilla turns simple sweet potatoes into something magical. It’s make-ahead friendly, crowd-pleasing, and impossible not to love.

Why You’ll Love It

Creamy & buttery: Whipped sweet potatoes with a rich, velvety texture.
Sweet & crunchy topping: A brown sugar streusel that bakes to golden perfection.
Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for prepping before Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Family favorite: Even picky eaters go back for more.
Holiday classic: Cozy, nostalgic, and beautiful on any festive table.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients

3 lbs sweet potatoes (about 5–6 medium)
6 tablespoons butter, melted
½ cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt (reduce to ½ teaspoon if using salted butter)
¼ cup half-and-half

For the Brown Sugar Streusel Topping:

3 tablespoons salted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
⅓ cup flour

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bake the Sweet Potatoes Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place whole sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and pierce several times with a fork. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until soft and tender when pierced. Let cool slightly.
Make the Filling Cut the baked sweet potatoes in half and scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and half-and-half. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Casserole Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Prepare the Streusel In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and flour. Mix with a fork or your hands until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potatoes.
Bake Until Golden Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is crisp and the filling is heated through. Cover loosely with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
Serve & Enjoy Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with your favorite holiday mains like roast turkey, ham, or glazed carrots.

Variations to Try

Pecan Crunch: Add 1 cup chopped pecans to the streusel for a nutty twist.
Marshmallow Lovers: Sprinkle 1 cup mini marshmallows on top for a gooey classic.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle a touch of maple syrup over the finished casserole before serving.
Spiced Holiday Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.

Tips from Chef Emma

Use freshly baked sweet potatoes for the creamiest texture.
Whip the filling until completely smooth—lumps make it rustic, but smooth makes it dreamy.
For easy prep, bake and mash the sweet potatoes a day in advance.
This casserole reheats beautifully in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Nutrition Info per Serving

Calories: 370
Carbohydrates: 63g
Sugars: 37g
Fat: 12g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 413mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble up to 48 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping and bake before serving.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely. Prepare the casserole without the topping, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and add streusel before baking.
Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
A: Fresh is best, but drained canned sweet potatoes work in a pinch—just reduce added sugar slightly.
Q: How do I make it dairy-free?
A: Use coconut oil instead of butter and coconut milk in place of half-and-half for a rich, dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Sugar Streusel Sweet Potato Casserole is everything a holiday side dish should be—creamy, buttery, and beautifully golden on top. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and easy enough to become a family tradition. Save this recipe to your Thanksgiving board so you can make it again and again!