Welcome to the only Candied Sweet Potato Casserole recipe you’ll ever need. This dish is a holiday classic for a reason: fluffy, rich sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan and brown sugar glaze. It strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet, making it an unforgettable addition to any Thanksgiving or Christmas table. Forget watery, overly sweet casseroles; this recipe guarantees a perfect texture and flavor every single time. It’s simple to prepare, can be made ahead, and will undoubtedly become a treasured family favorite.
This isn’t just any sweet potato dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. The smooth, creamy base of mashed sweet potatoes is elevated by a hint of warm spices, creating a comforting foundation. Then comes the star of the show: the candied pecan topping. As it bakes, the butter, brown sugar, and pecans meld into an irresistible, praline-like crunch that perfectly complements the soft potatoes beneath. It’s a culinary experience that defines holiday comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Candied Sweet Potato Casserole
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: Sweet, but not too sweet, with warm notes of cinnamon and a rich, buttery topping that enhances the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
- Foolproof Texture: We have the secret to avoiding a watery casserole, ensuring a perfectly creamy and fluffy base every time.
- Crowd-Pleasing Topping: The crunchy, candied pecan topping is utterly addictive and provides a wonderful textural contrast.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: A fantastic time-saver for busy holiday cooking. You can easily prepare it a day or two in advance. Check out our tips below!
The Key Ingredients
Crafting the perfect Candied Sweet Potato Casserole starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is crucial.
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish. Use orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Garnet for the best flavor and creamy texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the potato base.
- Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- Eggs: Act as a binder, giving the casserole structure and a light, souffle-like consistency.
- Milk or Cream: Adds moisture and creaminess. For a richer result, opt for heavy cream.
- Vanilla Extract: A small amount enhances all the other flavors.
- Spices: A classic combination of cinnamon and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
For the Candied Pecan Topping:
- Pecans: Provide the essential crunch and nutty flavor. Use chopped pecans for the best coverage.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients together.
- Brown Sugar: Caramelizes with the butter to create that signature “candied” effect.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter brings the topping together, ensuring it becomes golden and crisp in the oven.
How to Make Candied Sweet Potato Casserole Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping side dish. We’ve broken it down to make the process as easy as possible.
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by cooking your sweet potatoes until they are very tender. You can either boil or bake them. Baking the potatoes results in a more intense flavor and a less watery final dish. To bake, pierce the potatoes with a fork, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until easily pierced with a knife. Once cooked, let them cool slightly, then peel and mash them in a large bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base
To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Mix with an electric mixer or by hand until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth. Spread this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, and brown sugar. Pour the melted butter over the top and stir until the mixture is crumbly and all the ingredients are moistened. This will create the perfect crunchy topping for your Candied Sweet Potato Casserole.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is done when the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Expert Tips for Success
Want to elevate your casserole from great to unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.
- Bake, Don’t Boil: For the best flavor and to avoid a watery casserole, bake the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. This concentrates their natural sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the sweet potato base until just combined. Overmixing can make the potatoes gummy.
- Toast the Pecans: For an even deeper, nuttier flavor, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the topping mixture.
Variations and Substitutions
While this classic recipe is a winner, feel free to customize it to your liking!
- Marshmallow Topping: If you love a classic marshmallow topping, you can omit the pecan mixture. Bake the casserole for 20 minutes, then top with a layer of mini marshmallows and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until puffed and golden.
- Different Nuts: Walnuts or almonds can be used as a delicious substitute for pecans.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the sweet potato mixture for extra warmth. For a different take on holiday flavor, try making these Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler bars.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This Candied Sweet Potato Casserole is a perfect make-ahead dish for the holidays.
- To Make Ahead: Prepare the sweet potato base and spread it in the casserole dish. Prepare the topping, but store it in a separate airtight container. Cover and refrigerate both for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, sprinkle the topping over the base and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- To Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
If you’re planning a full holiday menu, consider other comforting casseroles like this Southern Spaghetti Bake or a classic Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This sweet and savory side dish pairs wonderfully with traditional holiday mains. It’s a perfect companion for roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a hearty pot roast. For another excellent side, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Mashed Potatoes (coming soon). It also complements other classic sides like green bean casserole, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
FAQs About Candied Sweet Potato Casserole
Yes, you can freeze it. For best results, freeze the casserole without the topping. Let it cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then prepare and add the fresh topping just before baking.
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato filling and spread it in your baking dish. Prepare the pecan topping as well, but store it in a separate airtight container. Refrigerate both for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just sprinkle on the topping and bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes.
The best way to prevent a watery casserole is to bake the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. Baking concentrates their flavor and removes excess moisture. Also, ensure you let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set properly.
For the best flavor and a beautiful orange color, use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Beauregard, Garnet, or Jewel. They have a naturally sweet flavor and a creamy texture when cooked.
This recipe features a crunchy, brown sugar and pecan streusel topping, which gives it a ‘candied’ texture and nutty flavor. A marshmallow-topped casserole is sweeter and has a soft, gooey topping. You can easily substitute mini marshmallows for the pecan topping if you prefer.
Share Your Creation!
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Candied Sweet Potato Casserole
Candied Sweet Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the sweet potatoes until tender. For best results, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes. Let them cool slightly, then peel the skins and mash the flesh in a large bowl.
- To the mashed sweet potatoes, add 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Pour 1/4 cup of melted butter over the mixture and stir until it becomes crumbly.
- Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set properly.
Notes
For extra flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the topping.
The casserole can be fully assembled (with topping stored separately) up to 2 days in advance.
