The Ultimate Holiday Sweet Potato Casserole
When it comes to holiday dinners, there’s one dish that brings smiles to every table: sweet potato casserole. It’s that perfect combination of creamy, spiced sweet potatoes layered with a buttery brown sugar topping that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Sweet, nutty, and soul-warming — it’s no wonder this dish is always the first to vanish at Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
This crowd-pleasing sweet potato casserole isn’t just a side dish — it’s a moment. It bridges the gap between savory and sweet, complementing roast turkey, glazed carrots, and stuffing while tasting like a cozy dessert. Made with simple ingredients and baked in one pan, it’s ideal for serving large families, friendsgiving potlucks, and festive dinners where flavor is everything.
Why This Sweet Potato Casserole Is Perfect for a Crowd
This recipe was designed with group gatherings in mind. It’s hearty, travel-friendly, and can easily be doubled to feed a full table.
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Serves 10–12 people generously (and easily doubles for more).
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Make-ahead friendly, so you can prep it the day before the big feast.
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Stays warm for hours, perfect for buffet-style or potluck serving.
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Classic flavors everyone loves — buttery sweet potatoes, cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecans.
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Easily customizable — swap toppings, adjust sweetness, or make it dairy-free.
Whether it’s your first Thanksgiving hosting or your 10th family Christmas dinner, this casserole delivers every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sweet Potato Layer
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3 pounds sweet potatoes (about 5–6 medium)
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½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
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⅓ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey (optional for extra depth)
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2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
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½ cup milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg
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¼ teaspoon salt
For the Brown Sugar Pecan Topping
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1 cup chopped pecans
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½ cup packed light brown sugar
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⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
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4 tablespoons melted butter
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Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon for extra warmth
How to Make the Best Crowd-Pleasing Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cube your sweet potatoes, then boil in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well to remove excess moisture.
Pro tip: For richer flavor, roast the sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes instead. Roasting caramelizes their natural sugars and deepens the flavor beautifully.
Step 2: Mash and Mix the Filling
Transfer the warm sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add butter, brown sugar, maple syrup (if using), milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mash until smooth and creamy using a hand masher or electric mixer.
When the mixture cools slightly, add the eggs and mix just until combined. The eggs will give structure to the casserole without making it too dense.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Topping
In a medium bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix with a fork until crumbly and evenly coated.
This topping gives the casserole its signature crunch and caramelized sweetness — the irresistible layer that keeps people coming back for seconds.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the surface.
Optional twist: Sprinkle a handful of mini marshmallows on half the casserole for a dual topping — part crunchy, part gooey. It’s a fun way to please every guest!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and slightly crisp.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving — this allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
The Secret to a Truly Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
This casserole is loved by all because it strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and spice. The buttery richness from the sweet potato base pairs flawlessly with the toasty crunch of the topping. The touch of cinnamon and vanilla adds warmth without overpowering the natural flavor of the potatoes.
The result? A perfectly harmonious side dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome — sweet enough to feel like dessert, but not so sweet that it overpowers your main course.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
One of the best parts about this recipe is how well it fits into busy holiday schedules.
To Make Ahead:
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Prepare both the sweet potato filling and topping separately.
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Store the filling in the casserole dish (covered) and the topping in a small airtight container.
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Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
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Assemble and bake just before serving.
To Freeze:
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Assemble the entire unbaked casserole and wrap tightly in foil.
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Freeze for up to 2 months.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.
To Reheat Leftovers:
Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
Tips for Serving a Large Group
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Use a Sheet Pan for Extra Servings: For big gatherings, double the recipe and bake in a large rimmed baking sheet to feed up to 20 people.
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Keep It Warm: If serving buffet-style, keep the casserole in a warming tray or slow cooker on “low” heat.
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Serve in Small Squares: Cutting the casserole into neat portions helps everyone get some topping in every bite.
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Garnish Smartly: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup right before serving for an eye-catching finish.
Flavor Variations
Want to make this dish your own? Here are some creative variations to try:
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Coconut Crunch Casserole: Add shredded coconut to the pecan topping for tropical flair.
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Maple-Pecan Bliss: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup in both the filling and topping.
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Nut-Free Version: Use an oat streusel topping made with oats, brown sugar, and butter.
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Healthy Twist: Substitute Greek yogurt for butter and reduce sugar by half — still delicious!
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Spiced Holiday Edition: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for a cozy seasonal flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet potato casserole complements a variety of holiday dishes:
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Herb-roasted turkey or chicken
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Green bean casserole
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Homemade stuffing
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Cranberry orange relish
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Cornbread or soft dinner rolls
It’s also wonderful with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for brunch-style gatherings.
How to Scale the Recipe for Larger Groups
For 20–24 servings:
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Double all ingredients and bake in two 9×13 dishes or one large sheet pan.
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Increase baking time by 10–15 minutes, keeping an eye on the topping to prevent over-browning.
For 30+ servings:
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Triple the recipe and bake in multiple pans.
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Keep finished pans warm in the oven on low heat (200°F).
This recipe maintains its flavor and texture beautifully even in large batches — ideal for parties, church potlucks, and holiday dinners.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving, Approximate)
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Calories: 315
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Carbohydrates: 44g
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Fat: 14g
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Protein: 3g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 22g
A wholesome treat that delivers both comfort and energy for festive celebrations.
FAQs
Can I make this without nuts?
Yes! Replace pecans with crushed pretzels, sunflower seeds, or an oat crumble for a nut-free crunch.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
You can, but fresh sweet potatoes have a richer, earthier taste that makes the dish stand out.
What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes?
A hand masher works perfectly, but a hand mixer will give a lighter, fluffier texture.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Replace butter with coconut oil, milk with almond or oat milk, and skip the eggs — the casserole will still set nicely.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?
Assemble the topping just before baking, and bake uncovered for a crisp finish.
Is it sweet enough without marshmallows?
Absolutely. The brown sugar pecan crust adds all the sweetness and texture you need — no marshmallows required.
Why This Recipe Steals the Show
This Crowd-Pleasing Sweet Potato Casserole delivers everything you want in a holiday dish: comfort, flavor, nostalgia, and simplicity. The creamy sweet potato base is silky and spiced just right, while the golden brown sugar topping adds that essential crunch.
It’s the kind of dish that reminds everyone of home, of laughter-filled tables, and of second helpings that never feel like too much. Whether served beside roast turkey at Thanksgiving or glazed ham at Christmas, it’s always the first dish to disappear.
One bite, and you’ll understand why this casserole has earned a permanent place at the holiday table — it’s a true crowd favorite that turns any meal into a celebration.
