Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-try for your holiday meals! A comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish, it’s made with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, a touch of vanilla, and topped with a delicious pecan and cranberry crumble. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family gathering, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. The combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures is perfect for complementing your holiday main dishes.

This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious and comforting side dish perfect for the holiday season or any family gathering. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are blended with a sweet mixture of eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla, then topped with a crunchy pecan and cranberry crumble. The combination of savory and sweet flavors, along with the satisfying crunch of the topping, makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to become a holiday favorite!

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

• 4 lbs sweet potatoes (about 6 cups mashed)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup craisins (dried cranberries)

For the Pecan Crumble Topping:

• 2/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour substitute)
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (cold, diced)
• 1 cup pecans (coarsely chopped)

Instructions

1. Cook Sweet Potatoes:
   Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into 1″ chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook uncovered on medium-low for about 10-15 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. Drain and mash the sweet potatoes with an electric mixer for a smooth, creamy texture.
2. Make Sweet Potato Filling:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir this butter mixture into the mashed sweet potatoes. Add the dried cranberries (craisin) and mix well. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a 9×13 casserole dish.
3. Make the Pecan Crumble Topping:
   In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour. Add the cold diced butter and rub the mixture together with your hands until pea-sized crumbs form. Stir in the chopped pecans.
4. Assemble & Bake:
   Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the edges of the sweet potatoes start to puff up.

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Tips

• Use a hand mixer for extra smooth and creamy mashed sweet potatoes.
• Avoid over-mashing sweet potatoes; you want a slightly chunky texture, not too smooth.
• Add extra vanilla if you love a more pronounced vanilla flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for the crumble topping.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute the pecans with crushed gluten-free crackers or granola for crunch.
• Dried Fruit Alternatives: Swap the craisins for raisins, dried cherries, or even chopped dried apricots.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Bake it right before serving.

Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Just assemble and freeze before baking. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Potato Casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. It’s also a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, complementing other sides like mashed potatoes or green beans.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate holiday dish, combining creamy, sweet potatoes with a rich and crunchy pecan topping. It’s not just a side dish, but a crowd favorite that adds the perfect balance of flavors and textures to your meal. The addition of craisins provides a delightful sweetness and texture contrast. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!