This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole offers a comforting blend of sweet and savory, making it the perfect crowd-pleasing side for any occasion, especially during the holidays. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying this delightful dish in no time.
Key Ingredients for Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this incredibly satisfying sweet potato casserole:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4-5 medium sweet potatoes)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing the dish
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
- ½ cup milk (whole milk or 2% works best for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional, but highly recommended for crunch)
How to Make Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is wonderfully simple to prepare, delivering a rich, creamy texture with a delightful sweet pecan topping that will make it a standout on any table. This dish is designed for minimal effort with maximum flavor, taking approximately 20 minutes of active prep time and 30-35 minutes to bake. It’s truly a satisfying dish that proves deliciousness doesn’t always require hours in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Mash them until smooth using a potato masher or a fork. For an extra smooth consistency, you can use an electric mixer on low speed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: While the sweet potatoes are still warm, add the ½ cup melted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and ½ cup packed light brown sugar. Add the cold butter pieces. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans, if using.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the sweet potato layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and bubbly, and a toothpick inserted into the center of the sweet potato mixture comes out clean (though it will be moist).
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
You’ll adore this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole for its irresistible blend of creamy sweetness and crunchy texture, making it a true showstopper. Its main feature is undoubtedly the velvety smooth sweet potato base, perfectly balanced with warm spices, all crowned with a delectable pecan streusel. Plus, making this at home offers significant cost savings compared to store-bought options or catering, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors without the hefty price tag.
Beyond its budget-friendly appeal, the magic lies in the rich combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which elevates the natural sweetness of the potatoes. The optional but highly recommended chopped pecans in the topping add an incredible nutty crunch that complements the creamy base beautifully, much like a gourmet pecan pie but in a comforting casserole form. Don’t just take my word for it—give this recipe a try and let this delightful casserole become a favorite in your home!
What to Serve Easy Sweet Potato Casserole With
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, making it a perfect component for holiday feasts or comforting weeknight meals.
- Holiday Roasts: It’s a classic companion to roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib. The sweet and savory notes of the casserole perfectly complement the rich flavors of a main roast.
- Poultry: Serve it alongside roasted chicken or a juicy pork loin for a comforting and balanced meal.
- Green Beans or Asparagus: A simple vegetable side like blanched green beans with almonds or roasted asparagus can add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce – either a tangy whole berry or a smoother jellied version – provides a lovely tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the casserole.
- Dinner Rolls: Don’t forget some warm, fluffy dinner rolls to sop up any delicious remnants.
- Wine Pairing: For a festive touch, consider pairing it with a dry Riesling or a sparkling wine, which can cut through the richness and cleanse the palate.
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
To ensure your Easy Sweet Potato Casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these valuable tips in mind:
- Sweet Potato Consistency: For the creamiest texture, use ripe sweet potatoes – they’ll be naturally sweeter and mash more smoothly. If you prefer a lighter, fluffier texture, you can whip the mashed sweet potatoes with an electric mixer until airy before adding the other ingredients. Avoid over-mashing if you prefer a little texture.
- Don’t Overcook Sweet Potatoes: When boiling the sweet potatoes, cook them until they are just fork-tender, but not mushy. Overcooking can lead to a watery casserole.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the sweet potato mixture, preventing any curdling and ensuring a consistent texture.
- Streusel Perfection: For the best streusel topping, make sure your butter is cold and cut into small pieces. This creates distinct crumbs that crisp up beautifully when baked. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or even rolled oats can be a great substitute for added texture. For a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the streusel.
- Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste. A pinch of ground ginger or allspice can also add a delightful warmth.
- Preventing Graininess: If you’re concerned about the sugar dissolving properly, gently warm the milk and butter together before adding them to the mashed sweet potatoes. This helps dissolve the sugars and spices more evenly.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance! Prepare the sweet potato mixture and the streusel topping separately. Store the sweet potato mixture covered in the refrigerator, and the streusel in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble just before baking. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating will ensure your Easy Sweet Potato Casserole remains delicious for days to come:
- Refrigeration: Once completely cooled, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The streusel topping might lose some of its crispness, but the flavor will remain excellent.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Allow the casserole to cool completely. For individual portions, scoop into freezer-safe containers. For the entire casserole, wrap the baking dish tightly with several layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating (Oven): For best results, reheat in the oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). If reheating a whole casserole, cover it loosely with foil to prevent the topping from over-browning and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. For individual portions, place them in an oven-safe dish and heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Reheating (Microwave): For a quick reheat, individual portions can be microwaved. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed to your liking. Be aware that the streusel topping will likely soften in the microwave.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole truly embodies wholesome comfort, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Its effortless preparation and incredible flavor are sure to impress, proving that delicious doesn’t have to be difficult. We sincerely hope you’ll give this recipe a try and create some wonderful memories around your table.
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole FAQs
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and the streusel topping separately a day in advance. Store the sweet potato mixture covered in the refrigerator and the streusel in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble and bake just before serving. If baking from cold, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Q2: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
A2: While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use well-drained canned sweet potatoes (not yams in syrup). You’ll need about two 29-ounce cans, drained and mashed. Adjust sugar to taste, as canned varieties can sometimes be sweeter.
Q3: How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A3: To make it dairy-free, substitute unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use a dairy-free milk (such as almond milk or oat milk) in the sweet potato mixture.
Q4: My streusel topping isn’t crispy. What went wrong?
A4: A common reason for a soft streusel is if the butter wasn’t cold enough, causing it to melt into the flour too quickly. Ensure your butter is very cold and cut into small pieces when preparing the topping. Also, baking the casserole uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes can help crisp it up.
Q5: Can I add marshmallows instead of a streusel topping?
A5: Absolutely! For a classic marshmallow topping, omit the streusel. During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, sprinkle about 3-4 cups of mini marshmallows over the sweet potato mixture and bake until golden brown and puffed. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat and Prep Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly.3 pounds sweet potatoes
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Mash them until smooth using a potato masher or a fork. For an extra smooth consistency, you can use an electric mixer on low speed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: While the sweet potatoes are still warm, add the ½ cup melted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, 2 large eggs, ½ cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, Pinch of salt
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and ½ cup packed light brown sugar. Add the cold butter pieces. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans, if using.½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, ⅓ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup chopped pecans
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the sweet potato layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and bubbly, and a toothpick inserted into the center of the sweet potato mixture comes out clean (though it will be moist).
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly.