Table of Contents: Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving
Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving
There’s something magical about a Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole that brings warmth and joy to the holiday table. With its creamy, velvety sweet potato filling and a crunchy, buttery streusel topping, this dish is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or simply looking for a cozy holiday sweet potato casserole to enjoy with loved ones, this recipe is a must-try. It’s easy to prepare, yet impressive enough to steal the spotlight at any festive meal. Let’s dive into why this sweet potato side dish is a holiday favorite and how you can make it your own.
Introduction: Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole
Thanksgiving is all about tradition, and nothing says tradition like a comforting Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole. This dish has long been a staple on holiday tables, and for good reason. Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and fiber, making this casserole a nourishing addition to your feast.
What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The mashed sweet potatoes are smooth, creamy, and lightly sweetened, while the streusel topping adds a delightful crunch with its mix of brown sugar, pecans, and melted butter. It’s a dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.
Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy family dinner, this holiday sweet potato casserole is versatile and easy to customize. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish, saving you time on the big day. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a sweet potato side dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Alternate Names & Variations
This recipe is known by many names, depending on where you’re from or your family traditions. You might hear it called Marshmallow Sweet Potato Casserole (yes, marshmallows are a popular topping!), Candied Sweet Potato Casserole, or even Southern Sweet Potato Casserole.
If you’re looking to switch things up, try these variations:
– Swap the pecans in the streusel for walnuts or almonds.
– Add a layer of mini marshmallows on top for a gooey, nostalgic twist.
– Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a richer, autumnal flavor.
Ingredients: Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving

For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
– 4 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Streusel Topping:
– 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
3. Mash and Mix: Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add granulated sugar, kosher salt, vanilla extract, eggs, and melted butter. Mix well until fully combined.
4. Make the Streusel: In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is crumbly.
5. Assemble and Bake: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the surface. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a sweet potato side dish or holiday dessert!
Recipe Card Block
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8 | Calories: ~350 per serving
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
This Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole works because it’s simple yet highly customizable. The sweet potatoes are creamy and flavorful, while the streusel topping adds a satisfying crunch. For best results, use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned—they have a richer flavor and better texture.
Expert Tip: To prevent the casserole from getting soggy, make sure the sweet potatoes are well-drained after boiling and avoid overmixing the filling.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips: Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the baked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
People Also Ask: Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving

How do I make sweet potato casserole that doesn’t get soggy?
To avoid a soggy casserole, ensure the sweet potatoes are thoroughly drained after boiling. Overmixing the filling can also release excess moisture, so mash gently. Finally, bake uncovered to allow the topping to crisp up.
What toppings go best on Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole?
Apart from the classic streusel topping, marshmallows, crushed graham crackers, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are popular choices. Each adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
Can I make sweet potato casserole the day before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Add the streusel topping just before baking to keep it crispy.
Should I use canned or fresh sweet potatoes?
Fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for their superior flavor and texture. Canned sweet potatoes can be used for convenience, but the dish may turn out slightly sweeter and less firm.
Conclusion: Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of tradition, flavor, and togetherness. Whether you’re making it for the holidays or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
We’d love to hear how your casserole turns out! Share your results in the comments below or tag us on social media. Happy cooking, and happy holidays!
You Might Also Like:
1. Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing Balls Recipe – Bite-Sized & Delicious!
2. Best Creamy Meatloaf With Ricotta Recipe: Comfort Food Made Better! 🍴✨
3. 4-Ingredient Pumpkin Gnocchi – The Best Fall Pasta Dish
4. Best Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe – Easy & Delicious Holiday Side Dish!
Find Us On Pinterest and Facebook.
Print
Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, creamy sweet potato casserole topped with a buttery pecan crumble—perfectly festive for your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and pecans to make the topping.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is set.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and bake just before serving. For a sweeter twist, add mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: sweet potato, casserole, Thanksgiving, side dish, pecans