Sweet Potato Casserole Recipes

Sweet potato casserole has earned its rightful place as a beloved Thanksgiving side dish. Its naturally sweet, creamy base paired with a crunchy, buttery topping makes it a crowd-pleaser that bridges the gap between side and dessert. But beyond the classic recipe with marshmallows, there’s a world of inventive ways to enjoy this holiday staple.

This article explores both timeless and creative sweet potato casserole recipes to inspire your holiday table. From a traditional marshmallow crown to pecan streusel, maple-butter infusions, and even savory twists, you’ll find options that bring fresh excitement to this comfort-food favorite. Plus, discover expert tips on perfecting texture, flavor balance, and make-ahead prep to simplify your Thanksgiving cooking.

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What makes sweet potato casserole so irresistible? It’s the luscious, velvety sweet potatoes mixed with warming spices and the contrast of crunchy toppings. Whether you prefer a sweeter side or want to add a bit of savory depth, sweet potato casserole can be tailored to your taste and dietary preferences.

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Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

The classic version is a timeless crowd-pleaser, with mashed sweet potatoes spiced lightly and topped with fluffy, toasted marshmallows.

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup whole milk or cream

• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot of water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.

3. Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and milk. Mix until well combined and creamy.

4. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.

5. Bake for 25 minutes until heated through.

6. Remove from oven, evenly sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until marshmallows are golden and toasted.

7. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

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Pecan Streusel Sweet Potato Casserole

For those who love the contrast of crunchy nuts and buttery crumble, this pecan streusel topping is the perfect upgrade.

Ingredients:

For the sweet potatoes (use same as classic recipe, omit marshmallows):

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup milk or cream

For the streusel topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Prepare sweet potatoes as in the classic recipe and bake in a greased casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.

2. While the sweet potatoes bake, prepare the streusel by combining pecans, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl.

3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Remove sweet potatoes from oven and sprinkle streusel evenly on top.

5. Return to oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until topping is golden and crisp.

6. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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Maple-Butter Sweet Potato Casserole

Maple syrup adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with buttery mashed sweet potatoes. This version is great for those who want natural sweetness without marshmallows.

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup whole milk or cream

For topping:

• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)

Instructions:

1. Boil and mash sweet potatoes as above. Stir in butter, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and milk.

2. Transfer to greased casserole dish and smooth top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.

3. In a bowl, mix nuts, maple syrup, melted butter, and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle evenly over sweet potatoes.

4. Return to oven and bake 20-25 minutes until topping is golden and crispy.

5. Serve warm.

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Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Sage and Parmesan

For a unique twist, combine sweet potatoes with savory herbs and cheese for a dish that complements turkey beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup heavy cream or milk

Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Boil and mash sweet potatoes. Stir in butter, Parmesan, sage, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cream until creamy and smooth.

2. Transfer to greased casserole dish and smooth top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.

3. Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.

4. Bake 15-20 minutes more until golden and crisp.

5. Let cool briefly before serving.

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Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Look for firm, bright orange sweet potatoes without soft spots.

• Use slightly stale bread crumbs or panko for topping: They provide better crunch than fresh crumbs.

• Don’t overcook sweet potatoes: Boil until just tender to keep mash fluffy, not watery.

• Balance sweetness: Adjust brown sugar or maple syrup to suit your taste and other dishes on your table.

• Make ahead: Prepare casserole up to a day before, keep refrigerated, and bake just before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Casserole

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used, but fresh ones provide better texture and flavor.

How do I prevent marshmallows from burning?
Add marshmallows towards the end of baking, or broil for just 1-2 minutes watching carefully.

Can I make sweet potato casserole vegan?
Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives, and replace marshmallows with a crunchy nut topping.

What can I do if I don’t like marshmallows?
Try pecan streusel, maple nut toppings, or a simple buttery crumb topping instead.

How long can I store leftover casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven.

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Conclusion

Sweet potato casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a comforting, flavorful highlight of any Thanksgiving spread. Whether you stick to the nostalgic marshmallow-topped classic or opt for creative, crunchy pecan streusel or savory herb versions, there’s a recipe here to delight every palate.

Try these recipes to add a touch of tradition or an unexpected twist to your holiday meal. Whichever you choose, these sweet potato casseroles will bring warmth, color, and crowd-pleasing flavor to your Thanksgiving table year after year.

Enjoy your holiday feast!