Best Sweet Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Christmas Comfort Dish

When it comes to Christmas dinners, some dishes go beyond being “just food” and become part of the celebration itself. This Sweet Potato Casserole is one of them. With its velvety sweet potatoes, a buttery crunch of pecans, and that irresistible brown sugar topping, it’s a little taste of holiday magic in every bite.

What makes it even more special? It’s the perfect blend of cozy, creamy, and crunchy that warms both hearts and bellies—a dish that truly feels like home.

I first made this recipe years ago for a family Christmas dinner, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. My uncle, who’s always been a “mashed potatoes or nothing” kind of guy, went back for thirds. That’s the magic of this casserole—it bridges generations and preferences, making everyone at the table a fan.

The sweet potato’s natural goodness is a bonus, offering fiber and nutrients that make this dish a little indulgent but still wholesome. Pair it with the creamy Green Bean Casserole, crumbly White Cornbread, and soft Cloverleaf Dinner Rolls to complete a holiday feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

It’s a dish that fills the kitchen with warm, nutty aromas and the table with smiles. Trust me, your Christmas spread isn’t complete without it.

So, grab your apron and let’s make some magic!


Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

The finished sweet potato casserole sits on a festive dinner table. Its golden, crispy pecan topping glistens, and a serving spoon lies beside the dish, ready to serve alongside a holiday meal.

  • It’s the perfect holiday side dish: Sweet, savory, and nostalgic—it brings Christmas to life on your plate.
  • A foolproof crowd-pleaser: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist the rich flavors and textures of this casserole.
  • Customizable to taste: Want it extra crunchy? Add more pecans. Prefer less sugar? Adjust the topping to fit your preferences.
  • A healthier indulgence: Packed with vitamins from sweet potatoes, it’s a festive dish you can feel good about serving.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it the day before and simply bake when you’re ready, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday cheer.

What’s your twist on this classic? Share your versions in the comments below—I’d love to hear your ideas!

The finished sweet potato casserole sits on a festive dinner table. Its golden, crispy pecan topping glistens, and a serving spoon lies beside the dish, ready to serve alongside a holiday meal.

Sweet Potato Casserole

A holiday favorite, this Sweet Potato Casserole combines creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for festive family dinners!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 43 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 7
Calories 226 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Pastry Cutter
  • medium mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups peeled cubed sweet potatoes
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter softened
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Pecan Topping:
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons butter softened
  • ½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  • Boil sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan until tender (10–15 minutes), then drain and mash in a large bowl.
    A medium saucepan on the stovetop with cubed sweet potatoes boiling in water, steam rising from the pot. In the background, a large bowl shows mashed sweet potatoes with a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Mix mashed potatoes with eggs, sugar, milk, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
    A large bowl containing mashed sweet potatoes is being mixed with beaten eggs, white sugar, milk, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. A wooden spoon stirs the mixture until smooth, surrounded by various ingredients.
  • In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar and flour.
    The creamy sweet potato mixture is being poured into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. A spoon gently smooths the top, and the dish sits on a countertop, ready for the pecan topping.
  • Cut in butter until coarse, then stir in pecans to make the topping.
    A medium bowl with brown sugar, flour, and softened butter is mixed with a pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form. Chopped pecans are added, creating a textured, golden topping.
  • Sprinkle pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the topping is lightly browned.
    The sweet potato casserole is baking in the oven, with the pecan topping turning golden brown and crispy. A warm, inviting light highlights the casserole’s rich texture.
  • Let cool slightly, serve, and enjoy!
    The finished sweet potato casserole sits on a festive dinner table. Its golden, crispy pecan topping glistens, and a serving spoon lies beside the dish, ready to serve alongside a holiday meal.

NUTRIONAL FACTS

Calories85kcal
Cholesterol3 g
Fat3g
Fiber1g

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Archie Johnson

Hi! I’m Archie Johnson

Archie Johnson is a San Diego-born home cook who turns her kitchen into a playground of flavors. With a passion for California's vibrant food scene and a knack for creating delicious, approachable recipes, she's on a mission to show that great cooking is about joy, not perfection.

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