Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe | Perfect Holiday Side Dish

 

Sweet Potato Casserole

Warm, comforting, and loaded with flavor, this sweet potato casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish. Whether you’re cooking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers creamy sweet potatoes under a perfectly crisp pecan streusel. Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Sweet Potato Casserole: Minimal prep, big payoff.
• Best Holiday Side Dish: A crowd-pleaser at every gathering.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and bake when you’re ready.

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Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base

• 4 large sweet potatoes (about 2½ pounds), peeled and cubed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup whole milk (or coconut milk for extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Pecan Streusel

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup chopped pecans

Pro Tip: If you crave a marshmallow-topped classic, simply scatter 1½ cups mini marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

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Directions

1. Preheat & Prep
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes
   Boil sweet potato cubes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain thoroughly.

3. Mash & Mix
   Transfer sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl. Add melted butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Mash until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Base
   Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

5. Make the Streusel
   In a medium bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and pecans until crumbly.

6. Top & Bake
   Sprinkle the pecan streusel evenly over the sweet potato layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

7. Serve Warm
   Let it rest for 5 minutes, then scoop out generous portions onto plates. Enjoy!

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Tips & Variations

• Maple Twist: Swap in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for half the brown sugar.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the mash.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with oat-based streusel for a crunchy topping.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a simple green salad. Leftovers make an amazing breakfast treat—just reheat and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

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Affiliate Recommendation

For best results, bake in a nonstick ceramic dish like this highly rated 9×13-inch stoneware baking dish. Its even heat distribution ensures a perfectly baked casserole every time!

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Enjoy your rich, flavorful sweet potato casserole—perfect for any season and every crowd!