Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole – Best Holiday Recipe

Sweet, rich, and irresistibly nostalgic — this Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole is a Southern staple that brings comfort and joy to any holiday table. Made with real sweet potatoes, a hint of vanilla, and your choice of pecan crumble or marshmallow topping, this casserole is more like a dessert disguised as a side dish. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy fall brunch, this dish always steals the spotlight.

Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole

This Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole is the kind of recipe that tastes like home. It’s creamy, comforting, and loaded with natural sweetness. Perfect for family gatherings, this classic casserole checks all the boxes: it’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and can be prepped ahead. You’ll love how the caramelized topping contrasts with the fluffy sweet potato base — a match made in Southern heaven.

Ingredients That Make It Special

• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show, they provide natural sweetness, a creamy base, and earthy depth. Always use fresh, not canned.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the base, balancing the earthy notes of the sweet potatoes.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and cuts the sweetness slightly.
• Eggs: Lightly beaten to bind the mixture and give a soufflé-like texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture, making the casserole silky smooth.
• Whole Milk: Keeps the texture light and fluffy, enhancing creaminess.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.

Topping Options:

• Pecans: Provide crunch, nuttiness, and contrast to the creamy base.
• Brown Sugar: Caramelizes beautifully, creating a rich, sweet crust.
• Flour: Helps bind the nut topping into a perfect crumble.
• Mini Marshmallows: For a gooey, golden-brown finish — a kid favorite.

Smart Substitutions and Pantry Swaps

If you’re short on ingredients or adjusting for dietary needs, try these alternatives:

• Maple Syrup instead of Sugar: Adds depth and a fall-inspired twist.
• Almond Milk for Whole Milk: A dairy-free option that still offers a smooth texture.
• Coconut Oil for Butter: Works well for vegan versions.
• Walnuts in place of Pecans: Offers a similar crunch and flavor.
• Oat Flour instead of All-Purpose Flour: For a gluten-free crumble topping.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes
   Scrub and dry 4 large sweet potatoes. Wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until fork-tender. Cool for 20 minutes before peeling and mashing. Measure out 3 cups of mashed sweet potatoes.
2. Mix the Casserole Base
   In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with 1 cup sugar, 1½ teaspoons salt, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 3 tablespoons melted butter, ½ cup whole milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare the Topping
   For a pecan crumble: Mix 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup flour, and 1 cup chopped pecans.
   For a marshmallow topping: Use 2 cups mini marshmallows, no prep required.
4. Assemble
   Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 8×8 baking dish or a 2-quart casserole. Spread your chosen topping — or do half with pecans and half with marshmallows.
5. Bake
   Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes until the topping is golden and the center is set.

Expert Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

• Bake, Don’t Boil: Baking sweet potatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and keeps them from getting watery.
• Use Fresh Potatoes: Skip the canned yams — they’re too soft and syrupy.
• Prep Ahead: Bake your potatoes a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to mix.
• Freeze Leftovers: Portion into small containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Double It: Feeding a crowd? Double the ingredients and use a 9×13 pan.

Delicious Pairings and Seasonal Variations

Pair your Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole with:

• Roasted Turkey or Ham: A natural match for holiday mains.
• Grilled Pork Tenderloin: A weekday dinner that feels like a feast.
• Fall Brunch Favorites: Serve warm slices with biscuits, bacon, and eggs.
• Dessert Table: This dish is sweet enough to follow the meal.

Try these variations too:

• Add Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for extra warmth.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use almond or oat flour in the topping.
• Make It Vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil and use flax eggs and non-dairy milk.

A Southern Tradition Worth Sharing

More than just a side dish, this Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole is a treasured Southern tradition. Passed down through generations and perfected by experience, it’s the kind of recipe that people expect at the table — and remember long after. Whether you’re team marshmallow or pecan crumble, one thing’s for sure: this casserole brings people together.

Wrapping It All Up

There’s a reason this Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole recipe has stood the test of time — it’s simple, decadent, and packed with nostalgic flavor. Whether you lean toward the gooey sweetness of marshmallows or the buttery crunch of pecans, this casserole delivers on every level. Its silky-smooth texture and rich taste make it a standout at any holiday table, and it’s versatile enough to show up at brunches or weeknight dinners.

The beauty of this Southern classic lies in its adaptability. From prep-ahead tips to ingredient swaps, it’s easy to make this dish your own. Keep it in your recipe rotation and let it become a beloved tradition for your family, just like it was for Nanny’s.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole

More Relevant Recipes

• Praline Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A rich, buttery pie topped with a sweet pecan praline layer. This dessert blends pumpkin spice with the same nutty crunch found in old-fashioned sweet potato casserole, making it a comforting addition to your holiday table.
• Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe: This creamy, fall-inspired gnocchi dish delivers the same cozy, rich flavor profile as sweet potato casserole. It’s an ideal savory complement, featuring a velvety sauce that pairs beautifully with earthy root vegetables.
• Apple Crumble with Brown Butter Pecan Topping: This warm and gooey crumble features a buttery pecan topping similar to the classic sweet potato casserole. With spiced apples and a caramelized nut finish, it’s a dessert that echoes familiar Southern holiday flavors.

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