Few dishes capture the warmth and nostalgia of Southern comfort food quite like a Southern Sweet Potato Casserole. This dish, with its creamy mashed sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan streusel or gooey marshmallow topping, is a staple at holiday feasts and family gatherings.
For those who love classic Southern desserts, you might also enjoy The Ultimate Guide to Buckeye Brownie Cookies—a delicious chocolate and peanut butter treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
If you’re looking for a unique sweet addition to your meals, try Tomato Jam: A Sweet and Savory Spread, which pairs surprisingly well with casseroles and baked goods!
What Is Southern Sweet Potato Casserole?
Unlike plain mashed sweet potatoes, this dish is elevated with a combination of brown sugar, vanilla, and spices for depth of flavor. The topping options—either pecan streusel for crunch or marshmallows for a classic Southern touch—bring a delightful contrast of textures.
This casserole isn’t just a side dish—for many, it’s a holiday tradition and sometimes even a dessert!
Ingredients for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ½ cup milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Streusel Topping (Option 1):
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Marshmallow Topping (Option 2):
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil peeled and chopped sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain well and mash until smooth.
2. Make the Sweet Potato Filling
- In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Stir until fully combined and creamy.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Choose your topping:
- For Pecan Streusel: Mix brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and pecans. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- For Marshmallows: Scatter mini marshmallows on top.
4. Bake the Casserole
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
- If using marshmallows, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to toast.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
- Let it cool slightly before serving warm.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
Looking for a twist on the classic? Try these variations:
- Healthy Version – Reduce brown sugar and use coconut milk instead of dairy.
- Vegan Adaptation – Use flax eggs and dairy-free butter.
- Savory Style – Mix in cheddar cheese and crispy bacon for a sweet-savory balance.
For another classic Southern treat, check out Jimmy Carter Cake: A Peanut Butter & Chocolate Delight—a dessert that’s just as rich and indulgent as this casserole!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze before baking for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave single portions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! Use two 15-ounce cans of drained sweet potatoes.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the filling up to 48 hours in advance and store in the fridge.
3. What’s the best topping—pecans or marshmallows?
It depends! Pecan streusel gives a crunchy contrast, while marshmallows add classic sweetness.
4. How do I prevent a runny casserole?
Drain sweet potatoes well and avoid excess milk or butter.
5. Is it a side dish or dessert?
Traditionally a side dish, but many consider it a dessert!
Final Thoughts
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting, rich dish that brings warmth to any meal. Whether you love the crunchy pecan streusel or toasted marshmallow topping, it’s a Southern classic you don’t want to miss!
For more cozy Southern dishes, try Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake—a fuss-free dessert that pairs beautifully with a warm holiday meal.
Let us know how your casserole turns out in the comments! 🍠✨
The Ultimate Guide to Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Ingredients for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ½ cup milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Streusel Topping (Option 1):
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Marshmallow Topping (Option 2):
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel, chop, and boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender (15-20 minutes).
- Drain well and mash until smooth.
2. Make the Sweet Potato Filling
- In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Stir until smooth and fully combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Choose your topping:
- For Pecan Streusel: Mix brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and pecans. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- For Marshmallows: Scatter mini marshmallows over the top.
4. Bake the Casserole
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.
- If using marshmallows, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to toast.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving warm.
- Serve as a side dish or dessert.
Enjoy your Southern Sweet Potato Casserole! 🍠✨