Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved comfort food that graces holiday tables across the South, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Made with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness, it’s often topped with either a buttery pecan crumble or golden marshmallows—or both.
This rich, flavorful side dish blends savory and sweet in a way that captures the essence of Southern hospitality and tradition. Whether served alongside turkey or as a stand-alone favorite, Southern Sweet Potato Casserole brings warmth, nostalgia, and a homemade touch to any festive gathering or comforting family meal.
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved classic that often graces holiday tables across the American South, particularly at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Creamy, lightly spiced sweet potatoes form the base, and a sweet, crunchy pecan topping brings the dish to life. It’s more of a dessert in disguise, but Southerners don’t mind mixing sweet and savory on one plate.
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Description
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved holiday side dish made with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a touch of brown sugar.
It’s traditionally topped with a buttery pecan streusel or fluffy mini marshmallows, creating a contrast of textures—smooth, crunchy, and gooey.
This dish is rich, comforting, and slightly sweet, often served during Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. Its deep orange hue and aromatic spices bring warmth and nostalgia to the table.
Southern in origin, it blends dessert-like sweetness with hearty vegetable roots, making it a standout side for festive meals or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into evenly sized chunks. This ensures they cook at the same rate. Add them to a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender—about 15 to 20 minutes.
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Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl.
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Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Some people prefer a few rustic lumps for texture, but most Southern recipes aim for a silky consistency.
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Let the mashed sweet potatoes cool slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling them.
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Add the sugar, beaten eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until fully combined and smooth. Taste the mixture—some like it sweeter or spicier, so adjust sugar and spices as needed.
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Pour the sweet potato mixture into a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
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In a small bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms small clumps. Add the chopped pecans and mix well.
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Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base.
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Bake the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 35–40 minutes. The topping should be golden brown, and the filling slightly puffed. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before serving so the flavors can settle.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 380kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 75mg25%
- Sodium 180mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 30g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole: Tips, Tricks & Serving Ideas
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a holiday classic known for its velvety texture, warm spices, and irresistibly sweet topping. Whether you prefer a pecan streusel or toasted marshmallows (or both!), mastering this dish comes down to a few simple techniques and thoughtful presentation.
Choosing & Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Start with fresh, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (Beauregard or Garnet varieties work best). Roast them rather than boil — roasting concentrates the flavor and avoids a watery mash. Pierce them with a fork and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45–60 minutes until completely soft. Let them cool, then peel and mash.
For a silkier texture, use a hand mixer or food processor. If you prefer rustic texture, mashing by hand is just fine.
Flavor Boosters
To enhance the natural sweetness and depth of flavor, mix in:
- Brown sugar or maple syrup
- Warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of clove or ginger
- Vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for balance
- A splash of orange juice or zest adds brightness
- Butter and a little cream or evaporated milk for richness
Taste the filling before baking — this is your chance to adjust sweetness or spice to your preference.
Topping Tips
There are two beloved topping camps:
- Pecan Streusel: Combine chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, butter, and a hint of cinnamon. Crumble it over the top before baking. It bakes into a buttery, crunchy layer with nutty caramel notes.
- Marshmallows: Use mini marshmallows and add them halfway through baking so they don’t burn. For best results, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to get a perfect golden finish.
Want both? Bake with streusel, then add marshmallows for the last few minutes for the ultimate indulgence.
Baking & Make-Ahead Tricks
Bake the casserole in a buttered 9x13-inch dish at 350°F (175°C) for 25–35 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
For ease during holidays:
- Prepare the filling and topping separately up to 2 days in advance.
- Assemble and refrigerate the night before, then bake the next day.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
You can also freeze the unbaked casserole (without topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, add the topping, and bake as usual.
Serving Suggestions
This dish serves 8–10 people generously. It's perfect alongside roast turkey, glazed ham, or chicken. The sweetness pairs well with savory dishes like green beans, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
To elevate presentation:
- Bake in a beautiful ceramic or glass dish
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup
- Add fresh rosemary or orange zest on top for a festive touch
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling sweet potatoes)
- Mixing bowls
- Potato masher or hand mixer
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)
Tips for Success
- Use fresh sweet potatoes rather than canned for the best flavor and texture. Canned versions can be watery and overly sweet.
- Be sure the mashed sweet potatoes are warm but not hot when adding eggs to prevent curdling.
- For a smoother filling, use a hand mixer or food processor.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the sweet potato filling and topping separately up to 2 days in advance. Refrigerate them and assemble just before baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Variations
- Marshmallow topping: Replace the pecan topping with mini marshmallows. Bake the casserole for 25 minutes, then add marshmallows and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and gooey.
- Savory twist: Reduce the sugar, skip the topping, and add a bit of garlic, rosemary, and parmesan for a more savory version.
- Healthier swap: Use maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar, and sub Greek yogurt for milk to add protein and creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is rich and sweet, making it an excellent contrast to savory dishes like:
- Roasted turkey or ham
- Green bean casserole
- Cornbread stuffing
- Cranberry sauce
It also holds its own as a standalone dish for brunch or potlucks.
Final Thoughts
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole isn’t just a holiday favorite—it’s a nostalgic comfort food that brings together the warmth of sweet potatoes, the richness of butter, and the crunch of pecans in every bite. Whether you enjoy it with a savory meal or sneak a second helping for dessert, this dish captures the heart of Southern cooking: simple ingredients, rich flavor, and time-honored tradition.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Southern Sweet Potato Casserole different from other versions?
Southern-style sweet potato casserole is known for its rich, dessert-like flavor and texture. It typically includes mashed sweet potatoes blended with brown sugar, butter, eggs, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
The hallmark of the Southern version is the topping—either a buttery brown sugar pecan streusel or a layer of mini marshmallows, giving it a caramelized, sweet crunch. It's often served as a side dish at Thanksgiving or Christmas but could easily pass for dessert.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Sweet potato casserole is very make-ahead friendly. You can prepare the sweet potato filling and topping separately or fully assemble the dish (without baking) up to 2 days in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate.
When ready to serve, bring it to room temperature and bake until hot and the topping is golden. This makes it perfect for easing holiday meal prep.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Absolutely. Canned sweet potatoes (or yams) are a convenient shortcut and work well in this recipe. Just make sure to drain them thoroughly and mash until smooth.
You may want to reduce the sugar slightly, as canned sweet potatoes are often packed in syrup and already sweetened.
Is it gluten-free?
The sweet potato filling itself is naturally gluten-free. However, some streusel toppings may include flour. To keep it gluten-free, substitute oat flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free baking mix in the topping. Also, check any canned ingredients or marshmallows for additives that may contain gluten.
