Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for Thanksgiving (2025)

Some dishes belong on the holiday table. For me, sweet potato casserole is one of them. It’s cozy, sweet, and savory, with an irresistible balance of creamy filling and crunchy topping.

Whether you top it with toasted pecans, gooey marshmallows, or both, it feels like comfort wrapped in a casserole dish.

This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy fall dinner. But let’s be real, sweet potato casserole deserves to be enjoyed all year round.

Today, I’ll show you how to make the best sweet potato casserole from scratch, with step-by-step guidance, pro tips, and variations so you can make it your own.

🥔 What is Sweet Potato Casserole?

Sweet potato casserole is one of those recipes that feels timeless, almost like it has always belonged at the holiday table.

At its core, it’s a dish made with mashed sweet potatoes, sweetened and enriched with butter, sugar, and sometimes eggs, then topped with a golden, crunchy, or gooey topping.

The topping can vary, such as pecans, brown sugar crumble, or marshmallows, but the effect is always the same: comforting, indulgent, and satisfying.

A Dish with Deep Roots

Sweet potato casserole has been a staple in American kitchens for hundreds of years. In fact, it was featured in American Cookery by Amelia Simmons, the very first known American cookbook published in 1796.

This makes it not just a recipe, but a part of culinary history that connects us to early American traditions.

Over the years, the dish has evolved into many variations. Some people like their casserole ultra-sweet, almost like dessert. Others prefer a more savory balance, letting the natural sweetness of the potatoes shine.

And then there are the creative cooks who add twists like bourbon, orange zest, or even coconut for a tropical flair.

Why It Belongs at the Holiday Table

Sweet potato casserole has become synonymous with Thanksgiving and Christmas because it checks all the boxes of a great holiday side:

• Make-ahead friendly: you can prepare it in advance and bake it off on the big day.
• Feeds a crowd: One casserole dish can serve a large family or gathering.
• Comfort food at its best: Creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet all in one bite.

The truth? Sweet potato casserole isn’t just a side dish. It’s often the highlight of the table, stealing attention from turkey or ham.

Its balance of flavors makes it feel indulgent enough for a feast, yet wholesome enough to serve at a weeknight dinner.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this dish, you don’t need anything fancy. Most of the ingredients are simple pantry or fridge staples, which is why sweet potato casserole is so approachable.

Below is a clear ingredient breakdown in a table format for easy reference.

💡 Pro Tip: This recipe is flexible! Swap vanilla with bourbon for a richer flavor, or use oats instead of pecans if you want a nut-free crumble. You can also reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer the casserole less sweet.

🥘 How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole might look like a lot of work, but once you break it into steps, it’s actually simple and very doable even on a busy holiday week.

The best part? Many of the steps can be done ahead of time, so you can enjoy Thanksgiving or Christmas morning without stressing over the stovetop.

Let’s walk through the full process step by step.

Step 1: Prepping the Sweet Potatoes

The foundation of this casserole is, of course, the sweet potatoes. Choosing the right ones and prepping them correctly will set you up for success.

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes

Look for firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth skins and no soft spots. Smaller potatoes tend to be sweeter and creamier, while very large ones can sometimes be stringy.

💡 Tip: Three pounds of sweet potatoes usually equal about 4–5 medium-sized potatoes.

Peeling and Chopping

Start by peeling the sweet potatoes. A vegetable peeler works fine, but because sweet potato skins are tough, some people prefer using a paring knife.

Once peeled, chop them into roughly 1-inch chunks. The size doesn’t have to be exact, but keeping the pieces uniform ensures they cook evenly.

👉 Safety Note: Sweet potatoes are dense, so use a sharp knife and a stable cutting board. Always keep your fingers tucked in when chopping.

At this stage, your potatoes are ready to cook. You can either boil them (faster and classic) or roast them (for deeper flavor). Let’s cover both.

Step 2: Cooking the Sweet Potatoes

Option 1: Boiling (Classic Method)

1. Place the chopped sweet potatoes in a large pot.
2. Cover them with cold water until the water level is 1 inch above the potatoes.
3. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water. This step seasons the potatoes as they cook and prevents blandness later. Think “ocean water” is salty.
4. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat.
5. Once boiling, reduce to medium-high and cook for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

💡 Fork-Tender Test: Insert a fork into the potato. If it slides in easily without resistance, they’re done.

Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. If they look watery, return them to the pot and cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, to evaporate excess moisture. This ensures a creamy casserole without watery mash.

Option 2: Roasting (Flavor-Packed Method)

Roasting brings out the natural sugars in sweet potatoes, giving the casserole a caramelized, slightly smoky flavor.

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pierce whole sweet potatoes all over with a fork.
3. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
4. Roast for 30–40 minutes until they collapse slightly and are soft to the touch.

Once roasted, let them cool slightly, peel off the skins, and mash the flesh.

👉 Which Method Should You Choose?

• Boiling = faster, classic, easier.
• Roasting = deeper, richer flavor with caramel notes.

Either method works beautifully, so it’s all about your preference.

Step 3: Mashing and Mixing

Now that the potatoes are cooked, it’s time to transform them into the creamy base of the casserole.

Mashing

Transfer the hot potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher, ricer, or even a sturdy fork. Mash until smooth.

• For a silky, restaurant-style casserole: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer.
• For a rustic, textured casserole: Mash by hand and leave small chunks for contrast.

Mixing in the Flavor Boosters

Add the following to the mashed potatoes:

• ¼ cup brown sugar adds sweetness and depth. Adjust based on your preference.
• ¼ cup butter, melted for easy mixing. Brown the butter first for a nutty richness.
• ¼ cup milk (or cream) gives creaminess. Whole milk works best, but any milk is fine.
• 1 ¼ teaspoons salt balances sweetness. If you salted the water heavily, reduce slightly.
• 2 large eggs beaten lightly before adding. They help bind the casserole and give it structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract adds warmth. Bourbon or rum can be swapped in for extra flair.

Mix everything until fully combined. Taste the mixture and adjust — a little more sugar for sweetness, a pinch more salt if needed, or a splash more vanilla.

💡 Caution: If tasting before baking, remember the eggs are raw. Take a small sample only if you’re comfortable with that.

At this stage, your sweet potato mixture should be smooth, flavorful, and ready for the dish.

Step 4: Assembling the Base

Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray. This is especially helpful if you’re topping with marshmallows, which tend to stick.

Pour the sweet potato mixture into the dish. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, smoothing the top so the crumble can sit nicely.

Set aside while you prepare the topping.

Step 5: Making the Pecan Crumble Topping

The topping is what makes sweet potato casserole stand out. While the base is creamy and smooth, the topping adds a crunchy, sweet, and nutty contrast.

Ingredients for the Topping

• 1 cup pecans (chopped; toasted if desired for extra flavor)
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (plus nutmeg or allspice if you’d like)
• ¼ cup melted butter (make sure it’s cooled before mixing)

Mixing the Topping

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Pour in the cooled, melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles moist sand.
3. Fold in the chopped pecans.

💡 Why Cool the Butter?
If the butter is too hot, it will melt the sugar and turn the topping into a sticky paste instead of a crumbly streusel. Cooling keeps it crisp and crumbly.

Adding the Topping

Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the sweet potato base. Don’t dump it in one spot; spread it out so every bite gets some topping.

👉 Make-Ahead Note: If you’re assembling the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate the sweet potato base separately and only add the crumble right before baking. Otherwise, the topping can sink in and lose its crunch.

Step 6: Baking the Casserole

With the base and topping ready, it’s time to bring it all together in the oven.

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
3. The topping should be golden brown, crisp, and fragrant.

Marshmallow Variation

If you’re topping with mini marshmallows, bake the casserole for 20–25 minutes, then add the marshmallows on top. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes until they’re gooey and toasted.

Freezer & Storage Options

• Unbaked casserole: Assemble the sweet potato base, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Baked casserole: Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F until warm.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Sweet potato casserole is one of those dishes that shines brightest on a holiday table but is versatile enough to serve year-round.

Because it sits on the line between sweet and savory, it pairs well with a wide variety of mains and side dishes.

Holiday Pairings

• Roast Turkey or Ham. The rich, savory flavors of holiday roasts balance perfectly with the sweet creaminess of the casserole.
• Stuffing or Dressing. The herby, savory bread mixture provides contrast in both texture and flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce. Tart and tangy cranberries cut through the richness, giving your palate a refreshing reset.
• Green Bean Casserole. A creamy, vegetable-based side adds a fresh element to the plate.
• Dinner Rolls or Biscuits. Perfect for sopping up every last bit of sweet potato goodness.

Everyday Pairings

Sweet potato casserole isn’t just for Thanksgiving or Christmas. It also works beautifully in everyday meals:

• Roast Chicken on a Sunday evening
• Grilled Pork Chops during a fall weeknight dinner
• Veggie-Heavy Plates like sautéed greens or a crisp salad to balance richness

👉 Serving Style Tip: Sweet potato casserole can be scooped with a spoon for casual dinners or cut into neat squares for a more formal holiday table.

🌟 Variations to Try

Sweet potato casserole is flexible, and that’s one reason it has remained such a holiday favorite. You can go classic with marshmallows, add a boozy kick, or even make it nut-free. Here’s a table of delicious variations you can try:

💡 Pro Tip: Start with the base recipe, then experiment with one or two variations each year until you find your family’s favorite version.

📝 5 Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

If you want your casserole to go from “good” to unforgettable, keep these tips in mind:

1. Salt the Water Generously

When boiling sweet potatoes, always salt the water well, like ocean water. This season, the potatoes are cooked from the inside out, so the casserole never tastes bland.

2. Remove Excess Water

After boiling, drain thoroughly. If the potatoes feel watery, return them to the pot over medium heat for a few minutes. Stirring removes excess moisture and prevents a runny casserole.

3. Cool the Butter for the Topping

When making the pecan crumble, always cool the melted butter before mixing it in. Hot butter will melt the sugar and flour, turning the crumble into a paste instead of a crisp topping.

4. Add Toppings at the Right Time

If making ahead, keep the topping separate until just before baking. This prevents the crumble from sinking into the base or the marshmallows from becoming soggy.

5. Taste and Adjust Before Baking

Once your sweet potato mixture is mashed and combined (before adding eggs if you want to be cautious), taste for sweetness, saltiness, and vanilla.

Adjust to suit your family’s preferences, a little extra sugar for dessert-lovers or a splash of bourbon for holiday flair.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Sweet potato casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a crowd-pleaser all rolled into one. With its creamy base, crunchy or gooey topping, and endless customization options, it fits perfectly on any holiday table.

The best part? It’s simple to prepare ahead of time, leaving you more space to enjoy the company of your loved ones.

Whether you stick with the classic pecan crumble, go for the marshmallow topping, or experiment with your own twist, this casserole is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

One scoop of its sweet, nutty, and buttery goodness, and you’ll understand why this dish has stood the test of time for centuries.

So this year, make sweet potato casserole the star of your holiday spread, and your guests will thank you with empty plates and happy smiles.

🌟 More Holiday Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this sweet potato casserole recipe, you’ll definitely want to try these other comforting holiday favorites from Foodbears:

• 🥧 Best 45-Min Pecan Pie Recipe for Thanksgiving – A rich, nutty classic that belongs on every Thanksgiving table.
• 🍏 30-Min Prep Apple Pie Recipe for Cozy Fall Nights – A warm, spiced apple pie with a Dutch topping that tastes like home.
• 🥗 Cozy Green Bean Casserole Recipe for Holiday – Creamy, comforting, and the perfect side to balance your holiday feast.

These dishes pair beautifully with sweet potato casserole, giving you a complete holiday spread that’s both traditional and unforgettable.

Ella Foster

Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.