Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Topping (Easy Holiday Favorite)

There’s something truly magical about a sweet potato casserole—it’s comforting, festive, and always a hit on the Thanksgiving table. With its creamy, velvety base and a crunchy, golden brown sugar pecan topping, this dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. It’s one of those timeless holiday recipes that feels like a warm hug, whether you’re making it for family gatherings or simply indulging in cozy seasonal flavors at home.

Why You’ll Love Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Topping

• Creamy & Dreamy Base: Silky mashed sweet potatoes blended with butter, sugar, and vanilla.
• Crunchy Sweet Topping: A golden brown pecan streusel adds irresistible texture.
• Crowd Favorite: This casserole appeals to both kids and adults—it’s always the first dish to disappear at holiday dinners.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it a day or two in advance and bake right before serving.

Want a simpler spin? Try our reader-favorite sweet potato casserole recipe for a classic take.

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Filling

• 3 cups canned sweet potatoes, drained (or 4–5 fresh, baked or boiled and mashed)
• ½ cup melted butter
• ⅓ cup milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 beaten eggs
• Pinch of salt

Brown Sugar Pecan Topping

• 5 tablespoons melted butter
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pecan pieces, chopped

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Stir in melted butter, milk, sugar, vanilla, eggs, and salt until creamy.
• Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
• In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and pecans until crumbly.

• Sprinkle topping evenly over the sweet potato filling.
• Bake uncovered for 25–35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the edges bubble slightly.
• Allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Not sure whether to boil or bake your sweet potatoes for the creamiest texture? Check our quick guide: Boil or Bake Sweet Potatoes for a Casserole.

How to Serve Best Sweet Potato Casserole

This casserole shines as a Thanksgiving side dish, nestled among turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. Its sweet, nutty crunch balances out savory classics beautifully. For a stunning holiday spread, serve it in a cast-iron skillet or a deep dish casserole so guests can scoop generous portions.

It also makes a wonderful addition to Sunday dinners, potlucks, or Friendsgiving celebrations. Try pairing it with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a vegetarian holiday feast. For extra flair, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or a drizzle of maple syrup before serving.

Round out your menu with a cozy bread for sopping up gravy and sauces—our Southern Cornbread (savory & moist) is a perfect match.

How to Store Best Sweet Potato Casserole

• Refrigerate: Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen and meld together even more after a night in the fridge.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F, covered loosely with foil for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil at the end to crisp up the topping again. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions (though the topping will soften slightly).
• Freeze: Assemble the sweet potato filling without the topping and freeze up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight, add topping, and cook as directed.

Tips to Make Best Sweet Potato Casserole

• Go Fresh: If time allows, roast sweet potatoes instead of boiling. Roasting brings out a deeper caramelized sweetness.
• Use a Mixer: For the creamiest filling, whip the potatoes with an electric mixer. This makes the texture extra light and fluffy.
• Balance the Sweetness: If your sweet potatoes are very sweet, reduce the sugar slightly. Taste as you go!
• Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with crushed cornflakes mixed with brown sugar and butter for a crunchy alternative.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 2 days. Add topping right before baking for maximum crunch.

Variations

• Marshmallow Topping: Add a layer of mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, golden finish.
• Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole: Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves into the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Savory Twist: Reduce the sugar, add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika, and top with breadcrumbs instead of pecans.
• Individual Servings: Bake in small ramekins for personal-sized casseroles—perfect for dinner parties.

FAQs About Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sweet potato filling and spread it into the dish. Cover and refrigerate. Store the topping separately and add just before baking.

Q2: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Absolutely. They make the recipe quicker and give a smooth texture. If using fresh, roasting adds deeper flavor.

Q3: How do I keep the topping crunchy?
Bake uncovered and avoid refrigerating the casserole with the topping already on. Always add the topping right before baking.

Final Thoughts About Best Sweet Potato Casserole

The Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Topping is more than just a side dish—it’s a holiday tradition. It brings together comforting flavors, a touch of sweetness, and plenty of texture to make every bite memorable. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the fun variations, this casserole is sure to become a star on your table year after year.

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