Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

 

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole: A Comforting Classic That Never Misses

There are dishes that simply belong on the holiday table, and Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is one of them. Rich, creamy sweet potatoes blended with warm spices and topped with either crunchy pecans or gooey marshmallows (or both!)—this dish is a love letter to Southern kitchens and generations of cooks who know a thing or two about comfort food.

Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday supper, or just because, this casserole brings warmth, sweetness, and a little touch of nostalgia to every bite.

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What Makes It “Southern”?

In true Southern fashion, this casserole is more than a side dish—it’s practically dessert in disguise. It’s made with real butter, plenty of brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The topping is where the magic really happens: a crunchy, pecan-studded streusel or golden-toasted marshmallows add that extra layer of indulgence.

Every family has their spin, but one thing remains constant: this dish always disappears first.

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Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 large sweet potatoes)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

For the Pecan Topping (Streusel):

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup chopped pecans

Optional Marshmallow Topping:

• 2 cups mini marshmallows (if using instead of—or alongside—the pecans)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel, chop, and boil the sweet potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash until smooth.

2. Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.

3. Spread into a Dish

Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and smooth the top.

4. Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and pecans until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potato mixture.

Optional: Add marshmallows over the top, either alone or along with the pecan topping for the best of both worlds.

5. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If using marshmallows, you can broil for the last 1–2 minutes for extra toastiness—just watch closely!

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Make-Ahead Tips

• Make the day before: Assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day.

• Freeze it: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side dish at Thanksgiving or Christmas

• Enjoy with roasted turkey, ham, or even fried chicken

• Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness

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Final Thoughts

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole isn’t just a side—it’s a tradition. A dish that brings everyone to the table with warm memories and second helpings. It’s rich, comforting, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether you’re passing down a family recipe or trying it for the first time, this casserole is the kind of food that feels like home.

So go ahead—make it once, and it’ll be part of your table for years to come.