Sweet Potato Casserole: The Best Thanksgiving & Holiday Side Dish
If there’s one dish that deserves a spot on every Thanksgiving table, it’s Sweet Potato Casserole. Creamy, buttery sweet potatoes topped with a golden, crunchy pecan crumble — it’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, bringing a side to a family gathering, or just craving comfort food, this classic casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
This easy Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is made from scratch with real ingredients — no shortcuts, no canned sweet potatoes — just fresh, wholesome goodness. The cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm holiday aroma, while the honey and brown sugar bring a natural sweetness that makes each bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole
- Perfect for the holidays – A Thanksgiving must-have and ideal for Christmas or Easter dinner.
- Crowd-friendly – Serves 8 and is easy to double for larger gatherings.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prepare it the night before and bake fresh the next day.
Ingredients
For the sweet potato base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the pecan topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the sweet potatoes – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Boil the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Mash and season – Drain well and mash until smooth. Mix in melted butter, brown sugar, honey, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Prepare the topping – In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped pecans until crumbly.
- Assemble and bake – Spread the sweet potato mixture in the dish, sprinkle the topping evenly, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and serve – Let rest for 5 minutes before serving for the perfect texture.
Expert Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Make it ahead – Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day.
- Add a marshmallow topping for a fun twist — just layer mini marshmallows over the pecans in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: 320 kcal | Servings: 8
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is the ultimate holiday side dish rich, comforting, and irresistibly delicious. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a tradition at your family table.