Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (Simple Step-by-Step Guide)

Sweet potato casserole always feels like a warm hug on the table. I love how this cozy dish brings together creamy sweet potatoes, just the right touch of sweetness, and a topping that turns golden and irresistible in the oven. Whether I’m cooking for a family dinner or planning a special meal, this recipe never fails to make everyone happy.

In this sweet potato casserole recipe, I walk you through every step so you can make it with confidence, even if it’s your first time. I keep the ingredients simple, the instructions clear, and the results absolutely delicious. You’ll learn how to cook the sweet potatoes properly, mix a smooth and flavorful filling, and choose the topping that fits your taste best.

If you want a classic, homemade side dish that tastes comforting and familiar, you’re in the right place. Let’s make a sweet potato casserole that turns out creamy, cozy, and perfect every single time.

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Filling

• 3 lb sweet potatoes (1.35 kg), peeled and cut into chunks
• ½ cup unsalted butter (113 g), melted
• ¾ cup brown sugar (150 g)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup milk (120 ml)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
• ½ tsp salt (3 g)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (1 g)
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (0.5 g)

Topping (Choose One)

Marshmallow Topping

• 2 cups mini marshmallows (100 g)

Pecan Streusel Topping

• ½ cup chopped pecans (60 g)
• ½ cup brown sugar (100 g)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (40 g)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter (75 g), softened

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole (Step by Step)

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and cutting them into chunks. Add them to a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook until the sweet potatoes turn fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Drain them well and let them sit for a minute so excess moisture evaporates. This helps keep the casserole creamy, not watery.

Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Mash them until smooth using a potato masher or hand mixer. I like them creamy with no big lumps, but a little texture is totally fine if you prefer it that way.

Add the butter while the potatoes are still warm so it melts easily.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

Add brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, salt, and spices to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until everything looks smooth and well combined.
Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or spices if needed. This is your moment to make it perfect for you.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

Choose your favorite topping:

• Marshmallow topping for a classic, sweet finish
• Pecan streusel topping for a crunchy, buttery contrast

Prepare the topping separately so it stays light and evenly distributed.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a baking dish lightly with butter. Spread the sweet potato filling evenly in the dish, then add your topping of choice over the top.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake the sweet potato casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 25–30 minutes, or until the top turns lightly golden and the center is heated through.
If you use marshmallows, add them during the last 10 minutes so they don’t burn.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. Serve it warm and enjoy every creamy, cozy bite.

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

• I always drain the sweet potatoes very well after cooking to keep the casserole thick and creamy.
• I mash the potatoes while they’re still warm so the butter melts smoothly into the filling.
• I taste the mixture before baking and adjust the sweetness or spices if needed.
• I add marshmallows near the end of baking so they melt beautifully without burning.

Sweet Potato Casserole Topping Options

• Marshmallow topping: Soft, gooey, and classic. Perfect if you love a sweeter finish.
• Pecan streusel topping: Crunchy, buttery, and slightly less sweet. Great for balance and texture.

Make-Ahead & Prep Tips

I like preparing this sweet potato casserole ahead of time when I’m hosting or planning a busy day. You can assemble the filling, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking for the best texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for smaller portions.

When to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet potato casserole fits perfectly into:

• Family dinners
• Holiday meals
• Cozy fall and winter menus
• Potlucks and gatherings

It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or simple vegetable sides.

Sweet Potato Casserole Variations

• Reduce the sugar slightly for a less sweet version.
• Add extra cinnamon or nutmeg for warmer spice flavor.
• Use a mix of marshmallows and pecans for a fun twist.

FAQs

More Recipes To Try

• Green Bean Casserole

Recipe

Yield: 8 servings

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Print

This sweet potato casserole is creamy, cozy, and incredibly easy to make. I prepare it with simple pantry ingredients and clear step-by-step instructions, so it turns out perfect every time. The smooth sweet potato filling pairs beautifully with either a classic marshmallow topping or a crunchy pecan streusel, giving you the freedom to make it just the way your family loves.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Filling

• 3 lb sweet potatoes (1.35 kg), peeled and cubed
• ½ cup unsalted butter (113 g), melted
• ¾ cup brown sugar (150 g), packed
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk (120 ml)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
• ½ tsp salt (3 g)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (1 g)
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (0.5 g)

Topping (Choose One)

• Marshmallow Topping
• 2 cups mini marshmallows (100 g)
• Pecan Streusel Topping
• ½ cup chopped pecans (60 g)
• ½ cup brown sugar (100 g)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (40 g)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter (75 g), softened

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well.
3. Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add butter and mix until creamy.
4. Stir in brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.
5. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
6. Add your chosen topping evenly over the top.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until heated through and lightly golden.
8. Let cool slightly, then serve warm.

Notes

I recommend draining the sweet potatoes well after boiling to keep the casserole thick and creamy.

You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the brown sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dish.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the filling.

If you use marshmallows, add them during the last 10 minutes of baking so they melt without burning.

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to help it set before serving.

This recipe works well with either fresh or pre-cooked sweet potatoes, as long as you mash them smoothly.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 320Total Fat: 15gCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4g

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

This sweet potato casserole is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. It’s simple, comforting, and always turns out creamy and delicious. With easy steps, basic ingredients, and flexible topping options, you can make it exactly the way your family loves it.

Whether you choose classic marshmallows or a crunchy pecan topping, this homemade sweet potato casserole fits perfectly into cozy dinners, special gatherings, or any meal where you want something familiar and satisfying. I hope this recipe makes your time in the kitchen easier and your table a little warmer.

If you try this sweet potato casserole, don’t forget to save it, share it, or leave a comment letting me know how it turned out for you. Happy cooking 💕