There's something magical about the combination of creamy sweet potatoes, buttery brown sugar topping, and the perfect hint of cinnamon spice. This Sweet Potato Casserole is a warm hug in a dish, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.

I first made this recipe for a Friendsgiving years ago, and it quickly became a staple at our holiday table. The creamy texture and crunchy topping are irresistible, with every bite balancing sweetness and spice. Ready to bring a little extra joy to your meal? Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort dish. This Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just delicious—it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll find yourself making year after year.

First, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether served as a side dish for Thanksgiving dinner or as a standalone treat, this casserole fits seamlessly into any menu.

It’s also a time-saver. The casserole can be prepped ahead of time, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules or last-minute dinner plans.

Best of all, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The natural sweetness of the potatoes is complemented by the buttery, nutty topping, creating a dish that’s satisfying without being overly rich.

So grab your apron—this casserole is about to become a new family tradition!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Sweet Potato Casserole lies in its simple ingredients, each contributing to its irresistible flavor and texture.

Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish! Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and unblemished for the best flavor. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness to the potatoes and the topping. Unsalted butter is ideal, so you can control the salt level in the dish.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient provides caramel-like sweetness, with a deeper flavor than white sugar. Both light and dark brown sugar work well here.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the sweet potatoes beautifully. A pinch of nutmeg goes a long way!
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes, adding a subtle depth of flavor.
Pecans: These crunchy nuts give the topping a satisfying texture and a touch of nutty flavor. If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts are a great substitute.
Marshmallows (optional): For those who love a bit of gooey sweetness, a layer of marshmallows on top adds a playful, nostalgic touch.

You’ll also need a mixer to achieve a silky-smooth texture for the sweet potato base and a baking dish for assembly.

How to Make This Sweet Potato Casserole

Creating this cozy Sweet Potato Casserole is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down step by step!

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Scrub and pierce 3-4 medium-sized sweet potatoes with a fork, then roast them for about 50 minutes or until tender. Once cooled, peel and mash until smooth.
Make the Sweet Potato Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with ½ cup of butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well-blended. Spread this mixture evenly into a greased baking dish.
Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of brown sugar, ⅓ cup of flour, ½ cup of chopped pecans, and ⅓ cup of melted butter. Stir until crumbly, then sprinkle over the sweet potato layer.
Optional Marshmallow Layer: For extra sweetness, scatter mini marshmallows on top of the pecan mixture.
Bake: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. If using marshmallows, watch closely to prevent burning!

Serve warm and watch as your family reaches for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

Storage Options

One of the best things about this casserole is how well it stores, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for a quick fix.
Freezer: Freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the sweet potato base and topping separately, storing them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble just before baking for maximum freshness.

Variations and Substitutions

This Sweet Potato Casserole is endlessly adaptable. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:

Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative in the topping.
Nut-Free: Skip the pecans and opt for crushed graham crackers or oats for a crunchy topping.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and marshmallows, along with coconut milk in the sweet potato mixture.
Savory Twist: Add a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese instead of marshmallows for a sweet-and-savory version.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat that complements the sweetness.

Feel free to experiment and tailor this dish to your family’s tastes—no matter what, it’s sure to be a hit!

There you have it—the ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether it’s a holiday meal or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to bring warmth and comfort to your table. Enjoy!