If you’re on the hunt for a dish that instantly brings warmth and festive joy to your table, then Sweet Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic favorite combines the natural sweetness of tender mashed sweet potatoes with a delightfully crunchy pecan streusel topping and a melty marshmallow crown that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Perfectly balanced and irresistibly comforting, it’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot at every holiday gathering, sparking memories and smiles with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to nailing the perfect Sweet Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish Recipe. Each one plays an essential role—whether adding creamy sweetness, spice, or that much-loved crunch—so having everything ready ensures a smooth, joyful cooking experience.
- Sweet potatoes, 3 ½ pounds: Choose firm, fresh potatoes for natural sweetness and creamy texture after baking and mashing.
- Brown sugar, ½ cup: Adds a rich caramel flavor that deepens the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Unsalted butter, ½ cup melted: Brings luscious richness and helps create a silky filling.
- Pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon: A warm blend that introduces cozy holiday aromas without overpowering the dish.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor with subtle floral notes.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together beautifully.
- Pecans, 1 cup chopped: Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty depth as part of the streusel topping.
- Unsalted butter, ¼ cup melted: Binds the streusel topping and adds buttery goodness.
- Brown sugar, ¼ cup packed: Sweetens the crunchy topping for contrast against the smooth filling.
- All-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons: Helps form that crumbly texture in the streusel topping to keep each bite delightfully crisp.
- Mini marshmallows, 5 ounces (optional): For that signature sweet, gooey finish that melts beautifully on top.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). To bring out their natural sweetness, pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake them whole for 45 to 75 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Let them cool enough to handle, then peel and mash thoroughly, ensuring a smooth, creamy base that’s ready for flavor.
Step 2: Make Sweet Potato Filling
Now the fun part—transform those fluffy mashed sweet potatoes into a luscious filling. Add ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix everything until you have a smooth, well-blended mixture bursting with perfect holiday spices and sweetness.
Step 3: Prepare Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, craft the topping that will bring a textural contrast to the creamy filling. Combine 1 cup chopped pecans, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Mix until you get that crumbly, luscious streusel texture that crisps up beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and then evenly spread the sweet potato filling across the bottom. Sprinkle your prepared pecan streusel topping over the filling, making sure it’s evenly covered. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 35 minutes until the top is golden, crisp, and the filling is bubbling with warmth.
Step 5: Add Marshmallows (Optional)
If you want that irresistible toasted marshmallow finish, pull the casserole out after 20 to 25 minutes of baking. Scatter 5 ounces of mini marshmallows evenly on top, then pop it back in the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes until those marshmallows puff up, turn golden brown, and add that perfect gooey, sweet blanket.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once baked to perfection, let your Sweet Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish Recipe rest on a wire rack for about 10 to 15 minutes. This short cooling period allows the filling to set nicely, making it easier to serve while ensuring every bite stays intact and delicious.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates the presentation and invites your guests to dig right in. Try a light sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a few fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and crunch. The contrast of textures and vibrant garnishes makes this dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic holiday mains and sides. Think herb-roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or savory green bean almondine. The sweet and nutty notes of the casserole make it a perfect complement to rich proteins and crisp, fresh vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
You can get creative by serving this dish in individual ramekins for personal portions or layering it in a trifle-style glass dish to showcase the contrasting layers of sweet potatoes, streusel, and marshmallows. This makes for an impressive and festive centerpiece at your holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers tightly covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This will keep the flavors fresh and the texture intact, so reheating will taste just as wonderful the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of Sweet Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish Recipe by placing cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. To prevent the topping from getting soggy, consider freezing the filling and topping separately and assembling before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through. If you’ve stored marshmallows on top, adding a few fresh marshmallows before reheating helps restore that melty charm.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes give the best texture and flavor, canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and mash thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and replace marshmallows with a vegan-friendly option. The flavor will still shine beautifully.
How spicy is the pumpkin pie spice in this dish?
The pumpkin pie spice adds a gentle warming aroma and subtle spice without being overpowering or hot. It complements the sweetness and richness perfectly.
Can I prepare the casserole without marshmallows?
Yes! The marshmallows are optional and some prefer the casserole without them for a less sweet and more nut-crisped topping. The dish is delicious either way.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the casserole?
Reheating gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) with a foil tent helps maintain moisture. You can also add a little extra butter or a splash of cream before reheating to keep it creamy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how Sweet Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish Recipe brings a comforting sweetness and nutty crunch to your holiday table. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just a cozy family feast, this dish holds the power to warm hearts and satisfy every craving. So grab those sweet potatoes, gather your favorite people, and dive into a dish that’s destined to become a beloved tradition year after year.
Print
Sweet Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes infused with warm pumpkin pie spice and vanilla, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel and golden mini marshmallows. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, it’s a comforting and festive addition to any holiday meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Filling
- 3 ½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Streusel Topping
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Optional Topping
- 5 ounces mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake them for 45 to 75 minutes until tender. Once cooked, let them cool enough to handle, peel off the skin, and thoroughly mash until smooth.
- Make Sweet Potato Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix until the filling is smooth, creamy, and well blended.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup chopped pecans, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles a coarse streusel.
- Assemble and Bake Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the sweet potato filling evenly across the dish. Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping uniformly over the filling. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Add Marshmallows (Optional): For a classic sweet finish, after the casserole has baked for 20 to 25 minutes, remove it from the oven and sprinkle 5 ounces of mini marshmallows evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden, puffed, and lightly toasted.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and place on a wire rack. Allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to let the filling set and make serving easier.
Notes
- You can prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store the mashed filling in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans and increase the streusel topping flour and butter slightly to maintain texture.
- Marshmallows add sweetness and texture, but can be left out if you prefer a less sweet dish.
- Use fresh pumpkin pie spice or a homemade blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for the best flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
