Sweet Potato Casserole with a Pecan Crumble Topping – Easy to Make!
This Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole is a tasty side dish, perfect for the holidays! It combines mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, butter, pure vanilla extract, milk, and eggs, and is topped with a crumble made with brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and softened butter. If you think it sounds good, wait until you taste it! Let’s dive into this easy sweet potato casserole recipe that will wow your family and guests this Christmas.
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Why is a Sweet Potato Casserole the Perfect Christmas Side Dish?
Sweet potato casserole is a holiday favorite because it hits all the right notes – it’s buttery, sweet, nutty, and utterly comforting. It pairs beautifully with savory main dishes like roasted turkey, prime rib, or glazed ham, so it’s incredibly versatile. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time (we make ours a day or two before Christmas), freeing up time on the holiday.
Did you know? Sweet potato casseroles gained popularity in the early 20th century when marshmallows were introduced as a topping! While that’s still a favorite version, this crumble-topped variation is a modern twist that’s hard to resist.
What’s Needed to Make This?
To make this Christmas casserole side dish, you’ll need the following ingredients: 5-6 sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, pure vanilla extract, milk, eggs, brown sugar, flour, and pecans. You can click here to shop this recipe through Instacart and either have the ingredients delivered or pick them up. Remove what you don’t need and verify that the ingredients are what you need (for example, if it suggests frozen sweet potatoes, you can change to fresh). You’ll need a 9×13″ casserole dish, a mixing bowl, a potato masher, a set of measuring cups/spoons, and a plastic mixing spoon.
Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole – a Favorite Christmas Casserole Side Dish
Here’s the recipe for this delicious dish your guests will love!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Equipment
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients
- 5 cups sweet potatoes cooked and mashed (5-6 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs extra large
Crumble Top Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
Instructions
- Take the one-and-a-half sticks of butter out of the refrigerator to soften (one stick is for the casserole, and the other half stick is for the crumble top).
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Scrub the sweet potatoes.
- Cook them in the microwave until they're soft and tender.
- Remove the sweet potatoes from the microwave. Once they are cool enough, cut them in half and scoop out the insides. Mash. Discard the skins.
- Stir in the granulated sugar, softened butter (one stick or 8 tablespoons), vanilla, milk, and eggs. Mix well. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Make the pecan crumble topping by mixing the brown sugar, flour, pecans, and softened butter (the remaining half-stick). Spread the mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Place the casserole in the oven. Bake until the topping is browned and the sweet potato casserole has had enough time to set in the center. This takes about 30 minutes but can vary depending on your oven.
Notes
- The prep time includes the time it takes to cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave after cleaning them.
- If you’re making this to serve on a holiday, you can make it the night before to simplify your cooking.
- This can be refrigerated covered and served for up to five days. You can also freeze portions you don’t use for up to three months.
Nutrition
Make It Your Own
This sweet potato casserole recipe is already amazing, but you can customize it to suit your taste:
- Try swapping the chopped pecans for chopped walnuts or almonds.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for extra warmth.
- Do you love a marshmallow topping? Prepare the casserole according to the directions, but only bake it for 20 minutes. Take the casserole out of the oven and top it with 1/2 cup of miniature marshmallows. Place the casserole dish back into the oven and allow it to bake for 10 minutes until the top looks browned and toasty. Suggestion: you may want to place a cookie sheet under the casserole dish (just in case the marshmallows expand and manage to escape!).
If you’re looking for other good holiday recipes, check out this post! I did a post called Making Thanksgiving Dinner the Easy Way where I shared many of our favorite holiday recipes. It includes making an Instant Pot Turkey Breast, delicious stuffing (with apples), roasted sweet potato casserole, sweet and creamy cole slaw, Maryland Crab Soup, and bread pudding with a brandy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Casserole
1. Can I make sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole and topping separately, then store them in the refrigerator. Assemble just before baking to keep the crumble topping crisp. You can also make the entire dish a day or two before you serve it (keep it covered in the refrigerator and then reheat it before serving).
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes (or yams) are a convenient option. Drain and mash them before using. You’ll need about 4 cups. Note: I haven’t tried this; I’ve always used fresh sweet potatoes because they’re readily accessible in my area.
3. How can I make this casserole healthier?
Reduce the sugar by half and use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk. You can also try swapping some of the butter for unsweetened applesauce. Again, I’ve only made the casserole as it’s listed.
4. What’s the best way to reheat sweet potato casserole?
You can reheat individual portions in dishes in the microwave before serving. If you want to reheat the entire casserole, you can do this in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the topping from burning.
5. Can I freeze a sweet potato casserole?
Yes! To freeze it uncooked, assemble the casserole (without the topping), cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 2 months. Then, add the topping before baking. You can freeze the casserole fully cooked (in portions or whole) for up to 3 months.
6. Why did my casserole turn out watery?
This can happen if the sweet potatoes have too much moisture. Ensure they’re well-mashed and any excess liquid is drained before mixing.
7. How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves 12 people as a side dish, making it perfect for a holiday gathering.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake two baking dishes. You’ll likely need to increase the baking time slightly.
Conclusion
A Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole is a timeless Christmas casserole that brings warmth and flavor to any holiday table. With its easy preparation, delicious taste, and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether hosting a large gathering or keeping things small, this easy sweet potato casserole recipe is a must-try. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
If money is tight this year, check out How to Afford Christmas on a Tight Budget: the Ultimate Guide.
