Name: Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 29 ounce can sweet potatoes, drained; ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted; ⅓ cup milk; ¾ cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs, beaten; 5 Tablespoons salted butter, melted; ⅔ cup brown sugar; ⅔ cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup chopped pecans

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food that brings warm smiles and nostalgic vibes, I’ve got you covered with this absolutely fan-freaking-tastic Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s sweet, buttery, and nutty all at once — perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you crave something cozy and satisfying. Stick around because I’m going to walk you through all my tips, tricks, and little secrets to get this just right in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Southern Flavor: This casserole has that perfect blend of sweetness and buttery pecan crunch that takes you straight to Grandma’s kitchen.
Easy to Make: Using canned sweet potatoes makes prep a breeze without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, every time I bring this dish to family gatherings, it disappears fast!
Perfect Texture: Creamy inside with a golden, crumbly pecan topping that adds just the right crunch every time.

The image shows a glass baking dish with a cooked yellow sweet potato casserole topped with a crumbly brown streusel layer mixed with pecan halves scattered on top. A shiny silver spoon mostly filled with the sweet potato casserole and crumb topping lifts a portion from the dish, showing soft and creamy orange layers under the crunchy pecan streusel. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with blurred green and orange background elements. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe come together to create that irresistibly creamy, nutty, and sweet flavor combo. Using canned sweet potatoes is a great shortcut, but make sure it’s high quality for the best taste. Plus, the pecan topping is what really makes this dish shine, adding both texture and richness.

Sweet Potatoes: I use canned sweet potatoes drained well—it saves time and you still get smooth, velvety mash.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and flavor; be sure it’s melted to mix evenly.
Milk: This keeps your casserole moist and creamy without making it runny.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar balances the earthiness of the potatoes.
Vanilla Extract: This little ingredient packs a punch in flavor, adding warmth and depth.
Eggs: They help bind the filling so it sets up nicely when baked.
Brown Sugar: For the topping, it deepens the caramel flavors and makes that topping wonderfully sweet.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps hold the crumb topping together without heaviness.
Chopped Pecans: The star crunch element—toast them lightly if you want extra flavor!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe welcomes personalization—whether you want to tweak the sweetness, add a new texture, or make it fit a dietary need. Feel free to get creative! Here’s what I’ve tried and enjoyed.

Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the sweet potato mix gives it a cozy fall vibe, and my family can’t get enough!
Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free topping, swap the all-purpose flour with almond flour; it keeps the crunch without the gluten hassle.
Maple Twist: Substitute brown sugar in the topping with maple sugar or add a splash of maple syrup—it’s like a breakfast-worthy dessert.
Mini Casseroles: I sometimes make this in individual ramekins for fancy dinners; it’s charming and portion-controlled.

How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potato Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Drain that canned sweet potato thoroughly—draining well is key so you don’t end up with a watery casserole. Then, dump them into a large bowl and mash until smooth. I usually use a fork but a hand mixer works if you want it extra creamy. Next, stir in the melted butter, milk, sugar, vanilla, and beaten eggs. Mix everything really well so the flavors meld beautifully, and check your consistency—it should be thick but still spreadable.

Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. Use a fork or your fingers to gently mix until you get small crumbles. Don’t overwork it; you want that crumbly texture for maximum crunch after baking. If you want, toast your pecans lightly before adding them—this step really amps up the nutty aroma and flavor.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spread your sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 2-quart (8-inch square) baking dish. Then sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the surface. Pop it into the oven uncovered for about 30 to 40 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and crisp. One thing I learned the hard way is not to cover it too soon—the crunch comes from that direct oven heat. Once done, let it cool at least 15-20 minutes before serving so it sets up beautifully and slices better.

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Pro Tips for Making Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Drain Sweet Potatoes Well: Avoid a watery casserole by draining canned sweet potatoes thoroughly before mashing.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the casserole cool fully before serving helps it set and makes clean slices easier.
Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh or lightly toasted pecans add a big boost of flavor and crunch to the topping.
Watch Oven Time Closely: Keep an eye so the topping doesn’t burn, baking between 30-40 minutes depending on your oven’s heat distribution.

How to Serve Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a meal with three main parts: green beans, slices of ham, and a serving of sweet potato casserole. On the back right side of the plate, there is a bunch of cooked green beans, bright green and smooth. To the left of the green beans, there are two round, pink slices of ham stacked slightly on top of each other with a slight shine. In the front, covering almost half the plate, is the sweet potato casserole with a rough texture and yellow-orange color mixed with brown pecans on top, adding a chunky texture. The pecans are scattered unevenly, and the casserole looks soft but firm. In the background, there are some blurred green leaves and glass jars. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple to let the casserole shine. A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans on top right after baking adds some fresh crunch. Sometimes, I’ll also add a light dusting of cinnamon to enhance that warm aroma. For a festive touch, chopped fresh parsley can add a little green pop, though it’s optional since this dish is all about sweet and nutty flavors.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with savory mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or even simple grilled chicken. For sides, think green beans almondine, collard greens, or a crisp garden salad to balance the sweetness. When I’ve served this at holiday dinners, my family loves it alongside classic southern staples like cornbread and candied yams for a fully indulgent feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I’ve served individual portions of this casserole in cute ramekins, topped off with a pecan half and a mini cinnamon stick for extra charm. Another idea I’ve tried is layering the sweet potato mixture in a clear glass baking dish to show off the texture contrast—this gets impressive “oohs” from guests! It’s also fun to sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top if you want a tropical twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I usually cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and make sure it’s cooled down before refrigerating to prevent sogginess. When I reheat, I find the texture and flavor hold up beautifully.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead for a big meal, this casserole freezes fine. Just assemble and bake as usual, then let it cool completely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil if you want to avoid over-browning the topping. Microwaving is quicker but can make the topping lose its crunch, so I prefer the oven method to keep that perfect texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh sweet potatoes can be boiled or baked and then mashed as a substitute. Just peel and cube them, cook until tender, then mash thoroughly. You may want to reduce the milk slightly since fresh potatoes might retain more moisture. The flavor will be just as delicious, though canned is a handy shortcut when you’re short on time.
What makes this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe different from others?

This recipe balances sweet and buttery with the crunchy pecan topping, without relying on marshmallows like some versions. The vanilla addition adds depth, and the crumbly pecan topping provides a satisfying texture contrast that I feel makes it uniquely Southern and comforting.
Can I prepare this casserole a day ahead?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it uncovered (or lightly covered to avoid sogginess) overnight, then bake the next day. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time since it’ll start cold.
How do I keep the pecan topping from getting soggy?

Make sure you bake the casserole uncovered so the topping crisps up in the oven. Also, avoid covering leftovers tightly until completely cooled to preserve that crunch. Toasting the pecans beforehand can also help maintain their texture.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe brings people together. It’s more than just a side dish—it’s a warm hug in food form, reminding me of family dinners and festive gatherings filled with laughter. If you give this recipe a try, I promise it’ll become a new favorite in your rotation, just like it did in mine. So grab those sweet potatoes, preheat your oven, and get ready to wow your loved ones!