Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

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Creamy, sweet, and kissed with a buttery pecan topping, this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is the soul of any holiday table. It’s the kind of dish that draws everyone in, even those who swear they don’t like sweet potatoes. With a rich filling that melts in your mouth and a crunch that sings of comfort, this casserole is the perfect balance of smooth and textured, sweet and nutty.

This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a conversation starter, a family tradition, and sometimes even a dessert in disguise. Whether you’re gathering around for Thanksgiving, Easter brunch, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this casserole adds warmth and familiarity with every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

You’ll love this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole because it captures everything indulgent and nostalgic about Southern cooking. The creamy sweet potato base is silky and rich, while the brown sugar-pecan topping offers a buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully. It’s easy to prepare ahead, travels well, and reheats like a dream, making it ideal for potlucks and family gatherings.

It also doubles as both a side and a dessert—you can serve it next to roasted turkey or sneak it in after dinner topped with whipped cream. One bite and you’ll understand why this dish holds a special place in so many hearts.

Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes or Yams Instead?

Yes, you absolutely can use canned sweet potatoes or yams if you’re looking to save time. Just make sure they are drained well and mashed until smooth. The flavor and texture might vary slightly, but the casserole will still turn out delicious. If you have the time to roast fresh sweet potatoes, that extra step adds depth and richness to the flavor. But in a pinch, canned works just fine—especially during a busy holiday season.

Ingredients for the Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole relies on just a few essential ingredients to create its luxurious texture and deep flavor. Every ingredient plays a key role in making this dish rich, cozy, and memorable.

• Sweet potatoes
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• All-purpose flour
• Chopped pecans

The sweet potatoes are, of course, the heart of this dish, giving it a naturally sweet, creamy base. Brown sugar enhances that sweetness with a hint of molasses richness. Butter adds indulgence and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Eggs give the casserole structure and help it set perfectly, while milk softens the texture. A splash of vanilla extract ties in warmth and depth. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. For the topping, all-purpose flour helps form a crumbly base with chopped pecans for that signature Southern crunch.

How To Make the Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and chop the sweet potatoes, then boil them in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and mash until silky smooth.

Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Filling

Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is creamy and fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Base

Spread the sweet potato filling evenly in a buttered baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.

Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the pecan topping generously over the sweet potato base. Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to settle. Serve warm and enjoy the mix of creamy, sweet, and crunchy in every bite.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a comfort food classic, but there are a few common mistakes that can get in the way of that perfect holiday bite. One is not draining the sweet potatoes well enough after boiling—excess water will lead to a watery casserole. Another is skipping the eggs; they’re essential for helping the dish set properly. Be careful not to overmix the topping or it may turn dense rather than crumbly and light. And don’t underbake! You want that golden, bubbling top for maximum flavor and texture.

How to Serve and Store Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

This casserole is best served warm, fresh out of the oven, when the topping is crisp and the filling is silky. It feeds about 8 to 10 people comfortably, making it perfect for big gatherings.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the topping may lose a little of its crispness.

If you want to make it ahead of time, assemble the base and topping separately, then store them in the fridge. Combine and bake fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What to Serve With Southern Sweet Potato Casserole?

Roasted Turkey

It’s a holiday classic for a reason. The savory, juicy meat pairs beautifully with the casserole’s sweetness.

Honey Baked Ham

The smoky-sweet glaze on the ham enhances the buttery pecan topping of the casserole.

Green Bean Almondine

A lighter side with crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the sweet potato dish.

Cornbread Stuffing

A hearty, slightly savory stuffing contrasts nicely with the sweet and creamy casserole.

Cranberry Sauce

Its tartness offers a lively counterpoint to the deep caramel notes in the casserole.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Perfect for sopping up every bit of sweet and savory goodness on your plate.

Apple Cider Glazed Carrots

Earthy and sweet, these carrots echo the cozy flavors of the casserole without overwhelming it.

Creamed Spinach

Silky and mild, this side complements the casserole’s rich texture without competing for attention.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole, you’re in for a treat with these other delicious casseroles from the blog:

• Try the Nutella French Toast Casserole for a decadent breakfast bake that’s weekend-brunch worthy.
• The Taco Spaghetti Casserole blends two comfort food favorites into one easy, cheesy meal.
• Craving something classic with a twist? The Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is pure weeknight gold.
• Dive into the cheesy layers of Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole with Cream Cheese for nostalgic vibes.
• And don’t skip the Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole if you’re in the mood for something bold and hearty.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can revisit it whenever sweet potato cravings hit.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with the traditional pecan topping, or add a marshmallow twist? Maybe even a splash of bourbon in the mix?

I love seeing how you bring these dishes to life in your own kitchen. Feel free to drop your tips, tweaks, and serving ideas below.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorites for every season.

Conclusion

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a heartwarming staple that bridges the gap between savory and sweet with Southern charm. Whether you’re making it for the first time or it’s a holiday tradition in your home, it always manages to steal the show. With its creamy base and crunchy pecan topping, this casserole turns any meal into a celebration.

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