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Home / Holidays and Events / Thanksgiving Recipes / Classic sides

The Ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole

5
/5
1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
60 Comments
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By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 11/04/2018

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole, perfectly seasoned with Fall spices and topped with a pecan crumble and gooey marshmallows.  Perfect as a traditional or make-ahead side dish for Thanksgiving! #Thanksgivingrecipe #sweetpotato #casserole #sidedish #pecan #marshmallow
Classic Sweet Potato Casserole, perfectly seasoned with Fall spices and topped with a pecan crumble and gooey marshmallows.  Perfect as a traditional or make-ahead side dish for Thanksgiving! #Thanksgivingrecipe #sweetpotato #casserole #sidedish #pecan #marshmallow
Classic Sweet Potato Casserole, perfectly seasoned with Fall spices and topped with a pecan crumble and gooey marshmallows.  Perfect as a traditional or make-ahead side dish for Thanksgiving! #Thanksgivingrecipe #sweetpotato #casserole #sidedish

This classic sweet potato casserole is spiced with traditional Fall spices and topped with a pecan crumble plus gooey marshmallows!


Perfect for gracing your Thanksgiving or holiday table, this sweet potato casserole has all the classic flavors you love, plus warming Fall spices, pecan crumble, and gooey marshmallows!

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole, perfectly seasoned with Fall spices and topped with a pecan crumble and gooey marshmallows.  Perfect as a traditional or make-ahead side dish for Thanksgiving! #Thanksgivingrecipe #sweetpotato #casserole #sidedish

I’m still in denial that we’re into November, but I need to get it in gear, since we’re coming up on one of my favorite holidays… Thanksgiving!!  This year we’re hosting for my extended family, and I’m SUPER excited about it!

There’s one dish that I look forward to EVERY year… sweet potato casserole.  By all accounts, it’s practically a dessert (which is probably why I like it so much), yet it’s served as a side dish.  Sort of a pre-dessert item!  So creamy and sweet, and generally topped with some kind of crunchy topping or marshmallows.

Sweet potato casserole in white baking dish

WHAT IS SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE?

Sweet potato casserole is a classic American side dish, normally served on Thanksgiving.   Sweet potatoes are mashed with plenty of sugar and spices, then topped with either pecans, a crumble, or marshmallows.

My version, which I’ve been working on for a while, is perfectly spiced in both the topping AND the sweet potato layers.  Warm cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves compliment the natural sweetness of the mashed sweet potatoes!

Also, my version is a little over the top, in that it has not one, but two toppings!  A spiced pecan crumble AND gooey mini marshmallows.  Of course, if you’d prefer, you can leave the marshmallows off… I know some people don’t like them on there, but if you’re open to it, I’d try it at least once the way it’s written.  The creamy potatoes, crunchy topping and gooey marshmallows create a fabulous texture and flavor!!

Spoonful of sweet potato casserole recipe

Now for the question that’s on everyone’s mind….

CAN I MAKE THIS SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE AHEAD OF TIME?

I totally get it… it’s Thanksgiving, and you probably have about 4 other things (at least) to make that day, so why add one more?  Good news… this casserole is easily made 1-2 days ahead of time!

  • Assemble mashed sweet potato mixture and pour into pan.  Cool completely, cover and refrigerate 1-2 days.
  • Make pecan crumble topping, place in resealable bag and refrigerate.
  • To bake, set casserole out on counter for 30 minutes or so, uncover, then top with crumble and bake at 350 F degrees for 40 minutes.  Add marshmallows as directed.  If pecan crumble starts to get too golden, cover loosely with foil.

Sweet potato casserole on white plate with fork

PRO TIPS FOR MAKING SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE:

  • Be careful dicing the sweet potatoes.  Sweet potatoes are denser than traditional russet potatoes, which makes them harder to cut.  Make sure you sharpen your knife and watch your fingers!
  • In a pinch, canned sweet potatoes can be used, but I haven’t tested the recipe using those, so I can’t guarantee the results.
  • Watch the marshmallows when broiling.  They’ll go from perfectly toasty to burnt VERY quickly.
  • Make more of this sweet potato casserole than you think you’ll need… it will go quickly with guests wanting seconds!  I see it happen year after year in our family.

This sweet potato casserole certainly isn’t diet food… but as a holiday indulgence, it’s SO worth it!  I’m making it for my family on Thanksgiving again this year, and I can’t wait to see them all come back for seconds!

MORE THANKSGIVING SIDE DISHES:

  • Baked Mac and Cheese
  • Cheesy Brussels sprouts with Bacon
  • Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
  • Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
  • Corn Pudding
  • Horseradish Mashed Potatoes
  • Sausage Stuffing with Pecans and Cranberries
  • 1 hour Dinner Rolls
  • Copycat HoneyBaked Ham – not a side, but makes a great alternative main course!

HELPFUL TOOLS:

  • Food Processor – if you don’t have one, and have an open budget, this one has lasted over 10 years of HARD use, and is still going strong!
  • Hand Mixer – I love this mixer just as much as my stand mixer, which is saying something!
  • Pastry Cutter – no food processor, no problem… this pastry cutter is sturdy and will make making the crumble easy!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole | Mashed sweet potatoes are spiced with warm Fall spices, then topped with a crunchy pecan crumble and gooey marshmallows.  Perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday! | The Chunky Chef | #sweetpotato #sweetpotatocasserole #Thanksgivingrecipe #sidedish #casserolerecipe #holidayrecipe

Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole

5 from 34 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
Calories: 439
Servings: 8 - 12 servings
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This classic sweet potato casserole is spiced with traditional Fall spices and topped with a pecan crumble plus gooey marshmallows!

Ingredients

SWEET POTATOES:

  • 4 lbs sweet potatoes (with orange flesh), peeled and cut into 1" pieces
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup half and half
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
  • 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 large eggs

PECAN CRUMBLE TOPPING:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 6 Tbsp cold butter, cubed
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

MARSHMALLOWS:

  • mini marshmallows (I buy a 10 oz bag and only use 1/3 -1/2 the bag)

Instructions

SWEET POTATOES:

  • Add sweet potato pieces to large stockpot or dutch oven and cover with water.  Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.  Once boiling, reduce heat and cook at a high simmer for 12-15 minutes, until extremely fork tender.  Drain in a colander, shake gently to remove excess liquid, then transfer cooked potatoes back to the pot you boiled them in.  Let them sit for a few minutes, and this will help remove any excess liquid in the potatoes.
  • While potatoes are boiling, preheat oven to 350 F degrees.  Spray a 3qt baking dish (like a 9x13 pan) with non-stick cooking spray.  Set aside.
  • Transfer potatoes to a large mixing bowl.  Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, half and half, melted butter, maple syrup, salt, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and eggs.  Beat with a hand mixer until fluffy and smooth.  Small lumps are okay.
  • Transfer potato filling to prepared baking dish and set aside.

PECAN CRUMBLE TOPPING:

  • To a food processor, add pecans and vanilla extract, pulsing a few times, until pecans are evenly chopped.  Add flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cold cubed butter.  Pulse several times, until crumble mixture looks like it has pea-sized crumbs.
  • ** If you don't have a food processor, use a knife to chop pecans, then add remaining ingredients and use a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your hands, to mix until mixture has pea-sized crumbs. **
  • Spread crumble topping over sweet potato mixture in an even layer.  Bake casserole in preheated oven for 30 - 40 minutes, until golden brown.

MARSHMALLOWS:

  • Remove baked casserole from oven and spread mini marshmallows over the top in a single even layer.  Bake for 5-10 minutes, then if desired, broil to toast the marshmallows.  Broil only for a minute or two, they'll burn quickly!

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

TO MAKE AHEAD:

Assemble mashed sweet potato mixture and pour into pan.  Cool completely, cover and refrigerate 1-2 days.
Make pecan crumble topping, place in resealable bag and refrigerate.
To bake, set casserole out on counter for 30 minutes or so, uncover, then top with crumble and bake at 350 F degrees for 40 minutes.  Add marshmallows as directed.  If pecan crumble starts to get too golden, cover loosely with foil.

Video

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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Classic Sweet Potato Casserole, perfectly seasoned with Fall spices and topped with a pecan crumble and gooey marshmallows.  Perfect as a traditional or make-ahead side dish for Thanksgiving! #Thanksgivingrecipe #sweetpotato #casserole #sidedish

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Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

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Recipe Rating




  1. Jamie Burchfield says

    Posted on 11/25 at 9:06 pm

    Everything I hoped it would be. I used candy yams in a can and was great!

    Reply
  2. Rebekah says

    Posted on 11/24 at 10:29 pm

    I make this dish every year for Thanksgiving, but lost my old recipe. I thought it would be easy to find a similar recipe, but none of the recipes I found actually had spices in them. Sure glad I found this one. Turned out great and was spiced perfectly!

    Reply
  3. Ashley says

    Posted on 11/24 at 2:57 pm

    Delicious! My favorite sweet potato casserole ever!

    Reply
  4. Serra Ozgen says

    Posted on 11/24 at 1:29 pm

    This is the best sweet potato casserole recipe. My family makes me make it every year! It’s always a hit.

    Reply
  5. Lindsay says

    Posted on 11/24 at 11:57 am

    I make this every year and it’s always a hit!!

    Reply
  6. Sarah says

    Posted on 11/18 at 1:11 pm

    Amazing! Make it every year for the holidays.

    Reply
  7. Roxane Durst says

    Posted on 11/12 at 8:35 am

    The best sweet potato casserole ever! I make 2 pans every Thanksgiving my family loves it. It keeps well and you can make ahead.

    Reply
  8. Deborah Oakley says

    Posted on 4/16 at 1:29 pm

    All I can say is OMG!!! This was absolutely delicious!! I made it and brought it to my sister’s house for Thanksgiving. Everyone loved it! If you’re on the fence..make it. I didn’t put the marshmallows on.

    Reply
  9. Jo Ann Pine says

    Posted on 12/4 at 4:26 pm

    I haven’t even made this yet, but it sounds delicious. It is Dec. so I will be making it for Christmas. I can’t even imagine it won’t turn out great.

    Reply
  10. Margaret says

    Posted on 11/27 at 8:19 am

    This was fabulous

    Reply
  11. Emma says

    Posted on 11/26 at 3:06 pm

    Absolutely the best dish on our Thanksgiving table! The pecan crumble is everything 🙌🙌

    Reply
  12. Lynn says

    Posted on 11/25 at 10:22 pm

    Oh my goodness! I made this fabulous recipe for Thanksgiving after searching and searching… When I finally found your recipe, I knew it would be the perfect sweet potato casserole…
    And it WAS!
    I came home threw away my old recipe and will only make this beautiful casserole from here on out.
    Thank you!

    Reply
  13. Valerie says

    Posted on 11/23 at 5:07 pm

    We are trying this on Thursday! Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  14. Julia Southard says

    Posted on 11/21 at 1:18 pm

    Sounds delicious. Could I bake the sweet potatoes instead of boiling?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/21 at 9:35 pm

      Absolutely 🙂

      Reply
  15. Sara says

    Posted on 11/20 at 5:59 pm

    I made this for Thanksgiving last year (2020) and immediately saved the recipe to use again and again. It is undoubtedly the best sweet potato casserole I’ve ever made or eaten.

    Reply
  16. NewCook2020 says

    Posted on 11/26 at 8:26 pm

    I made this for thanksiving today. It was the first time I have made sweet potato casserole and I am so glad I used this recipe. It was the best sweet potato casserole I have ever had. Making it every year from now on! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  17. Misty says

    Posted on 11/24 at 12:44 pm

    Hi I’m new to this and I’ve never cooked for a large number of people. When I changed the dial for the number of servings to 12, it changed the measurements to what I would assume grams. I don’t know how to break this down, please help! 

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/25 at 9:35 pm

      Hi Misty, I just double checked in multiple browsers, and those numbers aren’t in grams, they’re in the measurements listed.

      Reply
  18. Darling says

    Posted on 11/29 at 10:49 pm

    All I can say is, “Gasp!! This is AMAZING!!” My husband and I absolutely love sweet potatoes and so this year I was asked to bring a sweet potato casserole to my sisters for Thanksgiving (her husband just recently discovered their deliciousness at our house when my husband gave him a grilled sweet potato and he looked at us and said, “all these wasted years!”, it was hilarious, lol!) So the pressure was on to introduce him to the joys of the perfect sweet potato casserole. Problem was, that I could not for the life of me find my original recipe that I’ve used before, so in a rush the night before, I jumped on Pintrest and found your recipe. It looked delicious and decided to give it a go. I did not have the pecans (my heart broke) nor did I have the nutmeg or cloves, but I did have a pumpkin pie spice which had, you guessed it, nutmeg and cloves! Additionally I substituted brown sugar over white sugar, just a personal preference. Needless to say, the recipe was fantastic! It was such a great hit and I had to fight off savage relatives to bring some home for our family to enjoy the next day. (Savage might be a slight exaggeration but you get the idea, lol) So if you are wondering if you should try this or not, let me assure you that your name will go down in Thanksgiving infamy. The only question is, can you handle it? Indeed! 🙂

    Reply
  19. Lindsey says

    Posted on 11/29 at 6:33 pm

    This recipe was amazing! Made two versions, one with and one without the marshmallows. Both were delicious! Fam raved about them! 

    Reply
  20. McKayla R says

    Posted on 11/3 at 8:11 pm

    If you make ahead of time, do you need to cook the sweet potato mixture before cooking with the pecans the next day?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/7 at 8:36 pm

      As per the Make Ahead section in the recipe card, no need to cook anything ahead of time. Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate.

      Reply
      • Celia says

        Posted on 11/23 at 9:48 pm

        Can I bake this in an aluminum pan instead of using a glass 9/13 pan?? For easy bake and clean up?

        Reply
        • The Chunky Chef says

          Posted on 11/24 at 8:55 am

          Yes, absolutely 🙂

          Reply
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