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Nothing says cozy comfort like a classic sweet potato casserole. With its creamy sweet potato base and irresistible crunchy pecan topping, this easy dish brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving dinner or a weeknight treat, this casserole is a timeless favorite that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting & Classic – A must-have side dish for holiday tables.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble a day early and bake when ready.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable pantry staples.
- Nutrient-Rich – Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup pecan halves (or chopped)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 2 tbsp melted butter

Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13″ baking dish
- Large mixing bowls
- Potato masher or hand mixer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Spatula or spoon
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, cover sweet potato cubes with water. Boil for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain.
- In a bowl, mash sweet potatoes until smooth.
- Add butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13″ baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix pecans, flour, and melted butter (plus extra brown sugar if desired). Sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the topping is golden and the center is set.
- Cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success
- Baking vs. Boiling: For extra sweetness, roast your sweet potatoes instead of boiling.
- Texture Matters: Avoid overmixing to prevent a gummy texture.
- Savory Twist: Add garlic powder or rosemary to the base for a deeper flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 20–30 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
🔄 Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and flax eggs.
- Nut-Free: Omit pecans and try crushed pretzels or oats for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside roasted turkey, ham, or veggie mains.
- Pair with green beans, Brussels sprouts, or cranberry sauce for a well-balanced plate.
- Garnish with chopped pecans or fresh rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation.

Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Servings: 8–10
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled & cubed
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Topping:
- 1 cup pecans
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil sweet potatoes until soft. Drain and mash.
- Mix in butter, sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, spices, and salt.
- Spread in greased baking dish.
- Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle on top.
- Bake 30–35 mins or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly and serve warm.