Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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When fall rolls in and the holiday table begins to take shape, nothing feels more comforting than a classic Southern Sweet Potato Casserole. This dish is a warm, cinnamon-scented hug, rich with creamy sweet potatoes and crowned with a buttery pecan topping that brings just the right crunch. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply a weekend dinner, it never fails to bring nostalgic warmth.

This casserole strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The base is silky smooth and rich with brown sugar and vanilla, while the topping is crumbly, golden, and nutty. It’s the kind of dish that has people sneaking seconds and asking for the recipe before dessert even hits the table.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s versatile and easy to make ahead. You can prep it the day before a big dinner, pop it in the oven before guests arrive, and have your home smelling like a bakery in no time. The contrast of creamy sweet potato and crunchy pecan topping is indulgent without being overly heavy, making it a favorite even among non-vegetable lovers.

Whether you’re keeping it traditional or adding your own twist, this casserole is a reliable crowd-pleaser. It bridges the gap between side dish and dessert, which is exactly what makes it so lovable.

Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes (also labeled as yams) are a great shortcut. Just be sure to drain them well before mashing. While fresh sweet potatoes do bring a bit more depth of flavor, canned ones offer convenience without sacrificing that classic taste. Just keep an eye on the sweetness—you may want to slightly reduce the sugar if your canned yams are packed in syrup.

Ingredients for the Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Every spoonful of this casserole is layered with flavor, and that comes from using the right combination of ingredients. Each one plays a unique role in building richness, sweetness, and that signature Southern charm.

• Sweet potatoes
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Milk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• All-purpose flour
• Chopped pecans

How To Make the Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and chop the sweet potatoes, then boil them in a large pot until fork-tender. Drain and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mash and Mix the Base

Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Stir in the brown sugar, melted butter, milk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until fully combined and creamy.

Step 3: Create the Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. This crumbly topping will add a sweet, nutty crunch to the casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping across the surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp. Let it rest a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

How to Serve and Store Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is best served warm, straight out of the oven. The top is at its crispiest and the inside stays luscious and smooth. It can easily serve 8 to 10 people, making it perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, or Sunday gatherings.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through. You can also freeze the casserole before baking—just assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and bake as directed.

What to Serve With Southern Sweet Potato Casserole?

Herb-Roasted Turkey

The classic Thanksgiving companion, juicy roasted turkey brings a savory contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweet and spiced casserole.

Garlic Green Beans

Fresh green beans tossed in garlic butter offer a bright, crisp side that cuts through the richness of the casserole.

Cornbread Stuffing

Hearty and herbaceous, cornbread stuffing amplifies the Southern vibes and makes for a filling, satisfying plate.

Glazed Ham

Sweet meets savory in this duo. A brown sugar-glazed ham brings out the caramelized flavors in the casserole.

Cranberry Sauce

A tart, tangy cranberry sauce adds a pop of color and balances the richness with a hint of acidity.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Soft, warm rolls are perfect for mopping up every last bite on the plate.

Creamed Spinach

Velvety and indulgent, creamed spinach complements the texture of the casserole while adding a green veggie to the mix.

Deviled Eggs

These make a great appetizer that brings a touch of classic Southern flair to round out your meal.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is your idea of comfort food heaven, wait until you try these other cozy and crowd-pleasing dishes from Luna Meals:

• The rich and hearty Amish Sunday Savior Casserole layers meat, pasta, and cream for the ultimate one-dish wonder.

• For a lower-carb but flavor-packed option, try the Low Carb Chicken Casserole with gooey cheese and tender bites of chicken.

• Spice things up with the zesty Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake that turns your slow cooker into a flavor bomb.

• Don’t miss the indulgent Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole if you’re craving something sweet for brunch.

• Or go with a classic twist by trying the savory Creamy Mushroom Ravioli that satisfies pasta lovers.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can find it anytime you need that perfect Southern side dish.

Let me know how yours turned out. Did you go with fresh or canned sweet potatoes? Did you add a splash of bourbon or keep it classic?

I love seeing your takes on these recipes. Feel free to ask questions or share your version in the comments!

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and health-boosting favorites on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next go-to dish.

Conclusion

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a timeless recipe that brings warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of sweetness to any meal. Whether you’re celebrating with family or just craving something cozy, this casserole delivers on every level. Creamy, crunchy, and full of Southern love—this is one dish worth passing down.

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