Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Best Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Streusel

ByBella Skye

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Southern sweet potato casserole is a staple on many holiday tables, especially during Southern Recipes Thanksgiving gatherings. This dish is comforting, flavorful, and carries a sense of tradition that makes it unforgettable. Unlike simple mashed sweet potatoes, this casserole features two layers. The base is creamy, lightly spiced mashed sweet potatoes that are naturally sweet and rich. On top sits a golden streusel topping made with butter, sugar, flour, and pecans that bakes into a crisp, flavorful crust.

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The result is a perfect balance of smooth and crunchy textures. The flavor combines the natural sweetness of the potatoes with warm spices, complemented by the nutty topping. It is one of those Thanksgiving sweet potato recipes that pleases both children and adults. For many families, southern sweet potato casserole is as essential as turkey or stuffing. It can serve as a side dish, but with its dessert-like qualities, it often steals the spotlight. This recipe for sweet potato casserole has become a beloved tradition because it is both practical and indulgent, making it a true highlight of Southern Thanksgiving recipes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Southern sweet potato casserole has stood the test of time because it combines ease of preparation with impressive results. Here are the reasons this dish deserves a permanent place in your cooking rotation.

  • The combination of textures sets it apart. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes paired with a crisp, nutty streusel topping create contrast in every bite.
  • The flavor is naturally balanced. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, and with careful seasoning, the dish avoids being overly sugary while still feeling indulgent.
  • It adapts easily to different occasions. Whether it is a Southern Thanksgiving recipes feast or a simple family dinner, this casserole feels appropriate and special.
  • It can be made ahead of time. Assemble it a day before and bake fresh when needed, saving time and reducing stress during busy holidays.
  • It highlights the versatility of recipes with sweet potatoes, which work beautifully in both sweet and savory preparations.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also Serving

  • Preparation time: 25 minutes
  • Cooking time: 40 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base

  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

For the Streusel Topping

  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped

Substitution Notes

  • If fresh sweet potatoes are unavailable, canned sweet potatoes can be used but must be drained well.
  • Salted butter can be used, but reduce additional salt.
  • Half and half or coconut milk works as a substitute for cream.
  • Pecans can be swapped with walnuts or almonds.
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then place them in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a small pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, usually 15 to 20 minutes. Drain thoroughly and let them release steam for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.

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Step 2: Mash and Mix the Base

Transfer the hot sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl. Mash until smooth. Add softened butter, both sugars, cream, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the texture is creamy and everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In another bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour. Add melted butter and mix until a crumbly texture forms. Stir in the chopped pecans. The mixture should look coarse with small clumps.

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Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F or 175°C. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish, then sprinkle the streusel topping across the surface.

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Step 5: Bake and Rest

Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. The streusel should be golden and crisp while the sweet potato base is slightly puffed. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This step helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve neat portions.

How to Serve

Southern sweet potato casserole looks inviting straight from the baking dish, but with a few small touches you can elevate its presentation. Use a flat spatula to cut and lift squares neatly, keeping the streusel layer intact. For a more formal dinner, bake in individual ramekins for personal servings.

This dish pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or fried chicken. To balance its natural sweetness, serve it with sautéed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp salad. It works beautifully as a bridge between savory sides and desserts on a Southern Recipes Thanksgiving table.

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Additional Tips

  • Mash the potatoes while still hot to achieve a smoother texture.
  • Avoid overmixing after adding eggs to prevent a dense texture.
  • Toast the pecans before mixing them into the streusel for more flavor.
  • If making ahead, refrigerate unbaked casserole for up to 24 hours and bake before serving.
  • Reduce sugar in the base if you prefer a more savory version.

Recipe Variations

  • Marshmallow topping Instead of streusel, cover with mini marshmallows and bake until golden for a classic Southern Thanksgiving recipes style dish.
  • Savory twist Lower the sugar, skip spices, and add shredded cheddar cheese under the topping for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
  • Individual portions Prepare the base and topping in small ramekins and bake for elegant personal servings.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat at 325°F until warmed through.
Freezing before baking Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Freezing after baking Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutritional Information per serving approximate

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated fat: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg

Final Words

Southern sweet potato casserole is a dish that combines comfort, tradition, and celebration. It has earned its place as one of the most beloved Thanksgiving sweet potato recipes. With its creamy base and crunchy topping, it satisfies every kind of eater at the table.

Cooking this dish at home allows you to customize sweetness, texture, and flavor to suit your family. It is a recipe for sweet potato casserole that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Among Southern Thanksgiving recipes, this casserole is always a highlight and a reminder of why recipes with sweet potatoes are treasured across generations.

FAQ’s

Yes, you can prepare the base and topping, refrigerate separately, and assemble just before baking.

Cut the sugar in the filling by half and rely on the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

Yes, simply omit pecans or substitute oats in the streusel for crunch.

Sweet potato pie is a dessert with pastry crust, while southern sweet potato casserole is a side dish with streusel topping.

Yes, substitute dairy milk with almond or coconut milk and use vegan butter.

Best Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Streusel
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Best Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Streusel

Recipe by Bella SkyeCourse: Casserole Recipes
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

25

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

420

kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • Pinch of salt

  • For the Streusel Topping

  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 cup pecans, chopped

Directions

  • Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then place them in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a small pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, usually 15 to 20 minutes. Drain thoroughly and let them release steam for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.
  • Transfer the hot sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl. Mash until smooth. Add softened butter, both sugars, cream, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the texture is creamy and everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • In another bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour. Add melted butter and mix until a crumbly texture forms. Stir in the chopped pecans. The mixture should look coarse with small clumps.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F or 175°C. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish, then sprinkle the streusel topping across the surface.
  • Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. The streusel should be golden and crisp while the sweet potato base is slightly puffed. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This step helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve neat portions.

Notes

  • Mash the potatoes while still hot to achieve a smoother texture.
  • Avoid overmixing after adding eggs to prevent a dense texture.
  • Toast the pecans before mixing them into the streusel for more flavor.
  • If making ahead, refrigerate unbaked casserole for up to 24 hours and bake before serving.
  • Reduce sugar in the base if you prefer a more savory version.

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