Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic holiday side dish made with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, buttery crumble topping, and crunchy pecans. This easy baked sweet potato casserole recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or family dinners. Made with simple ingredients like canned sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and eggs, it delivers rich, comforting flavors. A crowd-pleasing side that pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken.

Ingredients

For the casserole:

1 can (29 oz / 820 g) sweet potatoes, drained
½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) salted butter, melted
⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
¾ cup (150 g) sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, beaten

For the topping:

5 tablespoons (70 g) salted butter, melted
⅔ cup (140 g) brown sugar
⅔ cup (85 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, mash the drained sweet potatoes until smooth.
Stir in the melted butter, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs until fully combined.
Pour the sweet potato mixture into an 8-inch (2-quart) square baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until small crumbles form.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Let the casserole cool for 15–20 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Southern comfort food with creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecans
Simple ingredients and easy to prepare in one dish
Perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks
Sweet, buttery, and satisfying without being overly complicated

Tips

Drain sweet potatoes well to avoid a watery casserole
Mash the sweet potatoes thoroughly for a smooth texture
Let the casserole cool to ensure it sets and slices neatly
Toast pecans lightly for extra flavor

Variations and Substitutions

Use fresh roasted sweet potatoes instead of canned for a natural sweetness
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for warm flavor
Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a subtle tropical taste

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and assemble the casserole, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.

Serving

Serve warm as a side dish for holiday dinners, Sunday family meals, or special occasions. Pairs well with roasted meats or poultry.

Suggestions

Top with a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness
Sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top before serving for a crunchier finish
Serve alongside cranberry sauce or glazed ham for a festive meal