EASY Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

EASY Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 425 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 47 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 2 hrs 2 min

Cost: $11.91 total, $1.49 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 lb Sweet Potatoes (peeled and cut into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 1 Tbsp Salt (for boiling water)
  • 0.25 cup Unsalted Butter (softened; can use brown butter for richer flavor)
  • 0.25 cup Brown Sugar (packed; for the mash)
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar (packed; for the topping)
  • 0.25 cup Milk (whole milk; can substitute heavy cream)
  • 1 tsp Salt (for the mash; adjust if water was heavily salted)
  • 2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (can substitute bourbon or rum for extra kick)
  • 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour (for the topping crumble)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon (for the topping; optional nutmeg or allspice)
  • 1 cup Pecans (chopped; can toast for extra flavor)
  • 0.25 cup Unsalted Butter (melted and cooled; for topping crumble)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 375°F and let it fully preheat while you prepare the casserole.

    Time: PT0M

    Temperature: 375°F

  2. Cube Sweet Potatoes

    Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into roughly 1‑inch cubes so they cook evenly.

    Time: PT15M

  3. Boil Sweet Potatoes

    Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with water by 1 inch, add 1 Tbsp salt, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium‑high and simmer 15‑20 minutes until fork‑tender.

    Time: PT20M

  4. Drain and Dry

    Drain the potatoes in a colander. Return the pot to medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to evaporate excess moisture.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Mash Potatoes

    Using a potato masher or a large fork, mash the potatoes until smooth with no large lumps.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Combine Mash Ingredients

    Stir in 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Prepare Casserole Dish

    Lightly butter the 9×13‑inch casserole dish to prevent sticking, then spread the sweet potato mixture evenly inside.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Make Pecan Crumble Topping

    In a medium bowl combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup all‑purpose flour, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Mix, then stir in 1/4 cup melted, cooled butter until crumbly. Fold in the chopped pecans.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Add Topping

    Evenly sprinkle the pecan crumble over the surface of the casserole.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Bake

    Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25‑30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 375°F

  11. Cool and Serve

    Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
425
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Tree nuts

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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EASY Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Recipe by Preppy Kitchen

A classic Thanksgiving side dish that can be prepared two days ahead. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are mixed with butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla, then topped with a crunchy brown‑sugar pecan crumble. Bake until golden and enjoy a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors.

EasyAmericanServes 8

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Source Video
42m
Prep
1h 5m
Cook
13m
Cleanup
2h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.91
Total cost
$1.49
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Boiling the sweet potatoes until fork‑tender.
  • Evaporating excess water after draining to avoid a soggy texture.
  • Baking until the topping is golden and the interior is set.

Safety Warnings

  • Boiling water can cause severe burns; handle the pot with oven mitts.
  • Raw eggs are used; ensure they are fresh and consider using pasteurized eggs if concerned about salmonella.
  • The oven and baking dish become extremely hot; use protective gloves when removing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Sweet Potato Casserole in American Thanksgiving cuisine?

A

Sweet potato casserole has been a staple of American Thanksgiving tables since the 19th century, appearing in early cookbooks like Amelia Simmons' 1796 "American Cookery." It reflects the tradition of using native crops—sweet potatoes—to create a comforting, sweet side that balances savory holiday dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Sweet Potato Casserole in the United States?

A

In the Southern United States, the dish often features a marshmallow topping, while in the Northeast a crunchy pecan‑brown‑sugar crumble is more common. Some regions add orange zest or bourbon for extra flavor, but the core ingredients—sweet potatoes, butter, and sugar—remain consistent.

cultural
Q

How is Sweet Potato Casserole traditionally served during Thanksgiving in American households?

A

It is typically served hot from the oven as a side dish, placed alongside turkey, stuffing, and green bean casserole. The casserole is usually sliced into squares and eaten with a fork, offering a sweet and savory contrast to the main course.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Sweet Potato Casserole traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Besides Thanksgiving, sweet potato casserole appears at Christmas, New Year's gatherings, and other fall‑winter holidays where a warm, comforting side is welcome. It’s also popular at potlucks and family reunions.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Sweet Potato Casserole and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Core ingredients are sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, eggs, and a topping of either marshmallows or a brown‑sugar pecan crumble. Substitutes include using brown butter for richer flavor, cream instead of milk, or bourbon/rum in place of vanilla for an adult twist.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Sweet Potato Casserole at home?

A

Common errors include under‑cooking the potatoes (resulting in a grainy mash), not draining or drying them enough (causing a watery casserole), and adding hot butter to the crumble which turns it into a paste. Also, over‑baking can burn the topping.

technical
Q

Why does this Sweet Potato Casserole recipe use a brown‑sugar pecan crumble instead of marshmallows?

A

The crumble provides a crunchy texture and a caramelized flavor that balances the sweet, creamy potato base. Marshmallows melt into a gooey layer, which some prefer, but the crumble keeps the dish from becoming overly sweet and adds nutty depth.

technical
Q

Can I make Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to two days ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Keep the pecan crumble separate and add it just before baking. The assembled, baked casserole can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when Sweet Potato Casserole is done cooking?

A

The topping should be golden brown and slightly crisp, while the interior should be set and creamy—no liquid should pool on the surface. A gentle jiggle in the center is fine; it will firm up as it cools.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?

A

Preppy Kitchen focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes with a modern twist, often featuring seasonal dishes, holiday classics, and quick weeknight meals presented in clear, step‑by‑step video tutorials.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to American Thanksgiving cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Preppy Kitchen emphasizes make‑ahead strategies, detailed prep tips, and flexible ingredient swaps, allowing viewers to customize classic dishes like Sweet Potato Casserole while keeping the process simple and stress‑free compared to more elaborate or technique‑heavy channels.

channel

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