Home » Recipes » Side Dish Recipes » Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

This delicious heritage recipe for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole starts with a smooth, buttery layer of cooked sweet potatoes and is topped with a simple pecan streusel. It’s a side dish worthy of supporting the turkey and cornbread dressing at any southern holiday table.

Sweet potato casserole in a white baking dish with a spoon.

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox.

Save Recipe

There’s always that one recipe that’s sure to turn heads at a holiday party and that’s my Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with its pecan streusel topping. Maybe that sounds a little boastful, but believe me, this recipe will have all your guests raving!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. There’s none of the gift buying and giving pressure that there is for Christmas, the decorations are beautiful without being over the top, and the whole day is all about food! Even more than that, the idea of setting aside a day on which to just be “thankful” is humbling.

We may grumble about our situation sometimes, we may look at what others have accomplished with just a tinge of “wishfulness,” but if we truly look around we’ll find so much for which we should give thanks.

When I get around to planning this year’s Thanksgiving menu, you can be sure it will include my classic Southern Sweet Potato Casserole. It just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving here without sweet potatoes in some form and this casserole just happens to be my favorite.

This is the same basic recipe that my mother has served for years. Some people like theirs topped with marshmallows and some with this pecan and brown sugar mixture. I like both!

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe


  • It’s a sweet, nutty, buttery indulgent side dish for your holiday feast.
  • Very easy to make. The hardest thing about this recipe is stopping yourself from diving in before dinner is served.
  • It can be made ahead of time. You can make the base and then reheat it with the pecan topping on the day you’re serving.

🛒 Ingredient Notes


All ingredients needed to make the recipe.

This post contains affiliate links. Lana’s Cooking is reader-supported and earns a tiny commission at no extra cost to you when you shop from our links.

  • Sweet Potatoes – May be stored in a cool, dry place and should last for 10-14 days. Choose ones that are firm and have smooth skin without any cuts or bruised spots.
  • Butter – You’ll need butter for both the potato mixture and the topping.
  • Light Brown Sugar – Also used for both the filling and the topping.
  • Milk – I recommend whole milk. For even richer flavor use half and half or light cream.
  • Egg – The egg is necessary both to bind the ingredients together and to give a little fluffiness to the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract – McCormick is an always dependable brand.
  • Chopped Pecans – Add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the casserole topping.

You’ll find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe at the bottom of this post.

🔪 How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Topping


  1. Place the sweet potatoes in a deep pot with enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook 40-45 minutes or until tender.
  2. Remove them from the water and allow them to cool enough to handle. (I slice them open to hurry the cooling process.)
  3. While waiting for the sweet potatoes to cool, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and generously butter a baking dish.
  4. Peel the potatoes, place them in a mixing bowl, and mash.
  5. To the mixing bowl, add the softened butter, light brown sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla.
  6. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.
  7. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

👉 PRO TIP: If your sweet potatoes are still quite warm, wait until you’ve beaten them for a minute or so before you add the egg. This will help keep the egg from cooking in the heat of the sweet potatoes.

  1. In a small mixing bowl, use a fork to combine the ingredients for the topping.
  2. Sprinkle evenly over the filling mixture.
  3. Bake for 30 minutes.
Sweet potato casserole in a white baking dish.

🍽️ What to Serve With Sweet Potato Casserole


If you are making this casserole for a holiday feast such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, pair it with cornbread dressing, baked curried fruit, cheesy broccoli casserole, potatoes au gratin, and oven roasted turkey of course!

🕒 How To Make Ahead


To make ahead, cook and mash the sweet potatoes and add them to the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Mix the pecan streusel and store it in a separate zip-top bag. When ready to cook, bring the potatoes to room temperature, add the topping, and bake.

🍚 Storing and Reheating


Completely cooled leftovers may be refrigerated in airtight container for up to three days. To freeze, place the casserole in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to one month. Reheat in the microwave.

Sweet potato casserole in a white baking dish.

🔀 Variations for Special Diets


Dairy Free: Substitute the milk and butter for either coconut milk and butter or dairy-free margarine.
Gluten Free: Use a flour substitute like chickpea, almond, oat, or rice in the streusel topping.

❓ Questions About Sweet Potato Casserole


How much is “three medium sweet potatoes?”

There isn’t much agreement between online sources as to what constitutes a “medium sweet potato.” I generally consider about 6 to 8 ounces per sweet potato to be a medium size. For this recipe, you’d need to purchase about 20 to 24 ounces total weight of sweet potatoes.

What’s the difference between sweet potatoes and yams?

In the United States, we often use the terms yam and sweet potato interchangeably. They are, however, two completely different foods. Yams usually have dark brown skin and light, almost white flesh where sweet potatoes have reddish skin with golden yellow to orange or pinkish flesh. You’re unlikely to find actual yams in a supermarket produce section.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

You can use canned sweet potatoes in this recipe, but there will be subtle differences in taste. For this recipe, you’d need at least two 16-ounce cans of candied yams (not yams at all – see above), well drained. You’ll also need to adjust the sugar because the canned yams will already be sweetened. I recommend Bruce’s brand for canned, candied yams.

Can I add spices to this recipe?

Yes, you can! But be sure to use a light touch. Sweet potatoes have a very delicate flavor, and adding too much spice will mask their natural sweetness. If you want to add some spice, try a little cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom, or a bit of pumpkin pie spice mix. Add a little to your sweet potato mixture, have a taste, and adjust as needed.

Lana Stuart.

More Questions? I’m happy to help!

If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

📖 Recipe

Sweet potato casserole in a white baking dish with a spoon.

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

This heritage recipe for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole features a cooked sweet potato layer topped with a simple pecan streusel.
5 from 16 votes
Print It Rate It Save
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: Southern
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 305kcal
Author: Lana Stuart

Ingredients

  • 3 medium sweet potatoes
  • ¼ cup softened butter
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon softened butter

Instructions

  • Rinse the sweet potatoes to remove any residual dirt. Place them in a deep pot with enough water to cover by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a high simmer and cook for 40-45 minutes or until the potatoes are very tender.
  • Remove the sweet potatoes from the water and allow them to cool enough to handle. (Slice them open to hurry the cooling process.)
  • While the sweet potatoes cool, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and generously butter a baking dish.
  • Peel the sweet potatoes, place them in a mixing bowl, and mash using a potato masher or large fork.
  • Add the softened butter, light brown sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla.
  • Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.
  • Spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for the topping. Use a fork to mix well.
  • Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
  • Bake for 30 minutes in the 350 degree preheated oven.

Notes

  • The recipe easily doubles to serve a larger crowd.
  • If your sweet potatoes are still quite warm, wait until you’ve beaten them for a minute or so before you add the egg. This will help lower the temperature and stop the egg from cooking in the heat of the sweet potatoes.
  • To make ahead, cook and mash the sweet potatoes and add them to the baking dish. Mix the pecan streusel and store it in a zip-top bag. When ready to cook, bring the potatoes to room temperature, add the topping, and bake.
  • Store, covered in the refrigerator for up to four days.
  • The cooked casserole can be cooled and frozen. Cover well and freeze for up to three months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 | Calories 305kcal | Carbohydrates 43g | Protein 4g | Fat 14g | Saturated Fat 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat 2g | Monounsaturated Fat 5g | Trans Fat 1g | Cholesterol 54mg | Sodium 83mg | Potassium 452mg | Fiber 4g | Sugar 23g | Vitamin A 16385IU | Vitamin C 3mg | Calcium 71mg | Iron 1mg

Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.

Share on Facebook Pin Recipe
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Follow @LanasCookingBlog or tag #LanasCooking!

— This post was originally published on November 18, 2014. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.

Sweet potato casserole in a baking dish with a vintage serving spoon.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




37 Comments

  1. I’m sorry but am I missing the measurements on here? How much milk are we to put in this?

  2. I see this serves 6. What is the serving size? And would I need to bake any longer if doubling?

    1. If you’re doubling the recipe, you’ll need to cook until the internal temperature reach 160 to make sure the eggs are fully cooked. The serving size is simply 1/6 of the full recipe. A precise measurement would depend on the size and weight of the potatoes you use. It’s just not exact.

  3. This was an excellent recipe! I made it exactly as in the recipe and it turned out perfectly. Everyone in the family loved it and every scrap got eaten. Will be making this again!!

    1. I’m so glad to know you liked the recipe! It’s an old family favorite of ours, too.

  4. If I were to use canned sweet potatoes, how many should I use? I don’t have time to prepare them with fresh… plus I need to make enough for 12+ people. should I triple everything?

    1. I’m anxious to try this recipe. Have you ever made this a day ahead of time, and then bake It the next?

      1. Hi Marcia. Yes, I usually make it the day before and put the topping in a separate container. Store both in the fridge and then put the topping on right before baking it. Works fine.

  5. Alexandra says:

    This looks wonderful! Can I make it the night before and reheat it the next day? Or should I prepare it the night before and wait to bake it?

    1. Lana Stuart says:

      If I was making it ahead of time, I’d do the sweet potato part but wait to put the topping on right before I baked it. Hope that helps!

  6. Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says:

    I LOVE sweet potato casserole, and this one looks amazing!

  7. Nicole Lindstrom | Simply Happenstance says:

    One of my favorite side dishes! Yum! Happy Thanksgiving!

  8. This looks like the perfect comfort dish for Thanksgiving! My toddler is a big fan of sweet potatoes so I’m going to have to make this for her!

  9. Angie | Big Bear's Wife says:

    Sweet Potatoes are a much for Thanksgiving!! Love that you’re making them the same way that your mom did!

  10. Colleen (Souffle Bombay) says:

    Yumyumyum! This has me SO excited for Thanksgiving! Can’t wait!!

  11. Jennifer Farley says:

    This is so perfect for the holidays!

  12. Renee - Kudos Kitchen says:

    Oh that topping really makes the dish. Wonderful recipe, Lana. Thanks.

  13. Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos says:

    You reminded me of a dish my grandma would make occasionally – I think sweet potatoes are going to find their way onto the holiday menu now at my home. Thanks Lana!!!

  14. Jessica (Savory Experiments) says:

    Certainly a classic on our Thanksgiving table! Now I’m hungry….

  15. Heather // girlichef says:

    I knew it was coming, but it still snuck up on me. This beautiful sweet potato casserole is welcome at my Thanksgiving table anytime.

    1. Lana Stuart says:

      Thanksgiving and Christmas sneak up on me every year, Heather! You’d think I’d learn by now :-)

  16. Erin @ Texanerin Baking says:

    Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, too! And that topping… oh my. Looks amazing!

  17. Lora @cakeduchess says:

    I knew I’d find something luscious here for the Thanksgiving table. I think the topping is my favorite part of the sweet potato casserole!!

    1. Lana Stuart says:

      Mine too, Lora! I even like the older toasted marshmallow topping :-)

  18. Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says:

    Sweet potato casserole is a must have on my dinner table! looks yummy!

  19. Jen @beautyandbedlam.com says:

    Looks so delicious!! :)

  20. Paula - bell'alimento says:

    It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving at our house without sweet potato casserole!

  21. Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says:

    Just gotta have sweet potato casserole on the table next Thursday. Your dish looks fantastic!

    1. Lana Stuart says:

      Thanks Marjory. Yes, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it.

  22. Brenda@Sugar-Free Mom says:

    Wow!! It looks lovely!

    1. Lana Stuart says:

      Thanks, Brenda. I know it wouldn’t be for you with your sugar-free focus, but I do appreciate the comment :-)

  23. Baby June says:

    Now THAT is a sweet potato casserole! Loving all of that crumb topping :)

    1. Lana Stuart says:

      That topping is so good! Of course, I like the marshmallows as well :-)

  24. Onisha Ellis says:

    Very similar to one I make. By accident I mixed the topping in a saucepan where I had melted the butter It was a pain to spread but the flavor was incredible.

    1. Lana Stuart says:

      More butter, more better!!