Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

The holiday season calls for comfort food that’s both indulgent and heartwarming, and nothing fits the bill quite like a Southern sweet potato casserole. This beloved side dish, deeply rooted in regional cuisine, is defined by its rich, dessert-like quality. It transforms humble mashed sweet potatoes into a truly decadent experience by incorporating traditional Southern ingredients like butter, brown sugar, and warming spices. The creamy, spiced base is crowned with a crisp cookie-like streusel and fluffy, toasted marshmallows. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory that promises to be a star on your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.

Beyond its irresistible flavors and dreamy textures, this casserole is a host’s secret weapon. Its versatility means it pairs beautifully with any festive meal, and the best part? Much of it can be prepared ahead of time. This allows you to savor holiday moments without the last-minute kitchen rush, ensuring a memorable and stress-free celebration for everyone.

What’s To Love About Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

This nostalgic holiday side is one for the books. Here’s what makes it so special:

• Sweet and savory bliss. Between the rich, buttery sweet potatoes, the molasses-like notes of the brown sugar, and cinnamon-spiced crumble topping, this casserole is the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
• Dreamy, creamy texture. With a little crunch! I love how silky smooth the potatoes are next to the crunchy topping and the fluffy toasted marshmallows. Every bite is an unforgettable sensory experience.
• A holiday staple. A versatile and classic side dish that complements any festive meal, making it a staple for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. I love that you can make much of it ahead of time, too, to take some pressure off your hosting.

Key Ingredients

Time to load up your cart with everything you need to make this Southern sweet potato casserole. Here’s a shopping list for you (see the recipe card below for precise measurements):

• Sweet potatoes – Or yams. I’ll walk you through how to roast them in the instructions below, but you can always use leftover roasted or mashed sweet potatoes.
• Butter – For the potatoes and for greasing the baking dish. Unsalted butter is best because it gives you more control over the seasoning, but you can use salted butter. Just use a bit less salt later on.
• Eggs – Lightly beaten. The eggs serve as a binder for this recipe, holding the sweet potato filling together.
• Salt – You need a little salt to boost the savory and balance the sweetness of this dish.
• Spices – Ground cinnamon and nutmeg for that comforting, cozy flavor.
• Vanilla extract – For a subtle warmth and sweetness you don’t want to miss.
• Dark brown sugar – You could use light brown sugar, but I LOVE the deeper, more molasses-y flavor the dark brown sugar brings.
• Heavy cream – I wouldn’t try for a lower-fat dairy product here. The richness of the heavy cream really adds to the dish.

Crumble Topping and Marshmallows

• All-purpose flour – A 1:1 gluten-free flour would also do the trick.
• Dark brown sugar – You can use light brown sugar instead if you prefer.
• Salt – To break up the sweetness of the cookie crumble topping.
• Quick-cooking oats – Stick with quick-cooking oats. Old-fashioned oats are a bit too chewy.
• Ground cinnamon – The notes of cinnamon in the crumble topping pick up beautifully on the spices in the sweet potato base.
• Butter – Cut into chunks. I’d stick with unsalted butter. If you must use salted butter, use less salt in the crumble.
• Miniature marshmallows – You could also chop up full-sized marshmallows.

How to Make a Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Here comes a quick overview of how to make this easy, delicious, sweet, and savory side. Please see the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.

1. Prep the dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole won’t stick and the topping gets golden and crisp.
2. Bake the sweet potatoes: Wrap each sweet potato in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 1 hour, until they’re soft and tender when pierced with a fork. Let them cool just enough to handle, then peel away the skins. Discard any stringy bits, leaving smooth, bright-orange flesh.
3. Mash the filling: Scoop the baked sweet potatoes into a large bowl. Add butter and mash until silky smooth. Beat in eggs, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg until fully incorporated. Stir in the brown sugar and cream, giving the mixture a luscious, creamy texture that’s thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to spread easily.
4. Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, salt, oats, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly, streusel-like, and slightly chunky. You should be able to pinch it between your fingers and see little buttery clumps ready to toast in the oven.
5. Assemble the casserole: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a layer of marshmallows across the surface, letting their glossy white tops peek out. Finish by scattering the crumble topping evenly, creating a contrast of soft marshmallows and crunchy oat streusel.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown, the marshmallows puff and lightly toast, and the edges bubble with sweet, creamy filling. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the layers set slightly, then scoop out rich, comforting portions.\

*If using canned sweet potatoes, no need to roast them. Do drain the syrup, though.

Tips and Variation Ideas

If you’re on a mission to ace this recipe, have a look at the following tips and tricks. I threw in some fun variations, too, in case you’re feeling creative:

• Let the potatoes cool slightly before mashing. This prevents the heat of the potatoes from scrambling the eggs when you add them to the mixture.
• For the smoothest filling. While it’s not necessary, you can use an electric mixer (or a food processor) to combine the ingredients for the sweet potato layer. This will help break down any stringy bits and create a silky-smooth texture.
• Don’t overmix the crumble topping. Mix just until the butter is incorporated and the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense topping instead of a light, streusel-like one.
• Maple pecan crunch. Swap some of the dark brown sugar in the sweet potato base for maple syrup, and mix some chopped pecans into the crumble for a nutty, autumn twist.
• Orange ginger snap. Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the sweet potato mixture and, for the topping, crush up some gingersnap cookies and use them instead of (or in addition to) the quick-cooking oats. So fun!
• Bourbon infusion. For an adult-friendly version of this classic side, add a tablespoon or two of bourbon to the sweet potato mixture. It deepens the flavor and adds a warm sophistication that’s sure to impress.

Want to Make This Recipe Ahead?

This is a great make-ahead recipe for those of you planning a big holiday feast or just looking to get a head start on your week with some meal prep.

Prep some (or all) of the components for this sweet-and-savory side a day or two ahead to make your life easier when it’s time to put dinner on the table. Here’s how it’s done:

• Make the crumble topping. Combine all the ingredients for the crumble topping according to the recipe instructions. Place them in an airtight container, such as a zip-top bag, and refrigerate.
• Bake the sweet potatoes. You can bake and cool the sweet potatoes and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the casserole.
• Whip the sweet potato base. Go one step beyond just baking the sweet potatoes and mash them together with the butter, eggs, spices, etc. Smooth the mash into a casserole dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Day of, let the mash come to room temperature before topping and baking.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet potato casserole is a versatile and crowd-pleasing side that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of festive favorites. Here are some ideas that’ll help you create the perfect meal:

• Next to your favorite holiday main. Sweet potato casserole shines alongside traditional holiday main dishes. Whether you’re serving roasted turkey, Slow Cooker Honey Baked Ham, or prime rib, this dish complements them all perfectly.
• With other festive sides. Pair it with other rich, comforting sides for a well-rounded holiday table. Think creamy macaroni and cheese, tart cranberry sauce, or cornbread dressing. Scalloped potatoes would be amazing too.
• Add some green. Balance the richness of this casserole with a light, refreshing green salad. A simple mix of greens paired with your favorite vinaigrette is perfect. Prefer cooked veggies? I’d go with Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans.
• Pair with a celebratory beverage. Complete the meal with a festive drink. A glass of champagne, a cozy hot toddy, or a kid-friendly mug of crock pot hot cocoa adds a celebratory touch to the occasion.

How to Store and Reheat Extras

• Refrigerator. Once cool, wrap the leftovers (still in the casserole dish) in a double layer of plastic wrap. Otherwise, transfer them to an airtight container. This casserole is best enjoyed within 4 days.
• Freezer. Transfer any fully cooled leftover casserole to an airtight, freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it all thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• To reheat. Transfer the sweet potato casserole to a baking dish (if applicable) and remove any plastic wrap. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 325°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until warm.

More Cozy Side Dishes

The right side dish (or dishes) can really elevate a meal. Here are a few more cozy faves I think you’ll love:

• Viral Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread
• Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
• Cheesy Boursin Mashed Potatoes
• Cheesy Jiffy Corn Casserole
• The Best Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes

I hope you enjoy this easy recipe for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole. Be sure to comment below with any questions or feedback!

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