If there’s one dish that instantly signals comfort, celebration, and family gatherings, it’s sweet potato casserole. Creamy, lightly spiced mashed sweet potatoes topped with a buttery brown sugar crumble strike the perfect balance between side dish and dessert. This is the best sweet potato casserole recipe—rich without being heavy, sweet but not cloying, and finished with a golden, crunchy topping that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas dinner, or simply craving a cozy baked dish, this recipe delivers consistent results and unforgettable flavor. It’s tested, traditional, and endlessly adaptable—exactly the kind of recipe you’ll bookmark and reuse year after year.
Why This Is the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
This recipe stands out because it respects the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes while enhancing it with simple, classic ingredients. The filling is silky and aromatic, and the topping provides a satisfying contrast in texture.
What makes it special:
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Smooth, creamy sweet potato base
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Warm notes of vanilla and cinnamon
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A buttery brown sugar crumble topping
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Perfect balance between savory side and dessert-style casserole
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Easy to make ahead and reheat beautifully
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sweet Potato Filling
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3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 medium sweet potatoes)
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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2 large eggs, lightly beaten
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½ cup melted butter
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⅓ cup milk (whole milk preferred)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
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¼ teaspoon salt
For the Crumble Topping
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1 cup brown sugar
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⅓ cup all-purpose flour
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⅓ cup melted butter
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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½ cup chopped pecans (optional but highly recommended)
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole (Step by Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly.
Mash the sweet potatoes while still warm using a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and lump-free.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
Mix until fully incorporated and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish and smooth the top.
