If you’re searching for a holiday dish that blurs the line between side and dessert, this creamy sweet potato casserole is your answer. Made with fresh sweet potatoes for a naturally rich flavor, it bakes into a velvety smooth base topped with a crisp, buttery praline layer. It’s so decadent that guests may think it’s a dessert—until you tell them otherwise. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish brings both comfort and elegance to the table.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole
-
3 cups (about 720 g) cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 medium)
-
1 cup (200 g) white granulated sugar
-
1/2 cup (120 ml) evaporated milk
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1/4 cup (60 g) butter or margarine, melted (1/2 stick)
-
2 eggs, beaten
-
1/2 tsp salt
Topping:
-
1/2 cup (115 g) butter or margarine, melted (1 stick)
-
1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar
-
1/2 cup (60 g) self-rising flour
-
1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole
-
Boil the sweet potatoes in a Dutch oven until tender, about 1 hour.
-
On a cutting board or work surface, cut the skins lengthwise and carefully peel them away with a fork. Discard the skins and place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
-
Mash the sweet potatoes using a hand mixer until smooth.
-
Add the white sugar, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, 1/4 cup (60 g) melted butter, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
-
Stir in the beaten eggs and mix well. Set aside.
-
For the topping, melt 1/2 cup (115 g) butter and let it cool slightly. Stir in the brown sugar.
-
Add the flour, then the chopped pecans, mixing until evenly combined.
-
Spread the sweet potato mixture into a buttered 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the topping over the surface.
-
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Serve warm.
A Holiday Classic Worth Repeating
This sweet potato casserole offers the perfect mix of textures and flavors—smooth, creamy filling paired with a caramelized, nutty crunch on top. It’s a dish that pleases both sweet and savory lovers alike, making it ideal for family gatherings and special celebrations. Make it once, and it just might become a holiday tradition in your home.
