Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and a WHOLE LOTTA DELICIOUSNESS to the table. Whether you’re gearing up for Thanksgiving, hosting a cozy family dinner, or just craving something sweet and savory, this recipe is a WINNER.
Let me tell you my SISTER-IN-LAW made this last year, and everyone went wild for it. It’s not just a side dish; it’s basically dessert pretending to be healthy. Let’s dive in and whip up a casserole so good it’ll make you the star of the dinner table.
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Love Casseroles? Don’t Miss These!
Y’all, if casseroles are YOUR THING (same here!), you’ve GOT to check out these other recipes:
- Brioche French Toast Casserole: Sweet, fluffy, and basically the BEST breakfast casserole EVER.
- Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: Creamy, cheesy, and a TOTAL family favorite.
- Pineapple Casserole: Sweet and savory vibes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Big Mac Casserole: All the burger goodness you love, baked into a cheesy, low-carb dish.
These are perfect for any meal, and TRUST ME, they’ll be the highlight of your table. Give ’em a try!
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Why Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole Is a Must-Try
Old-fashioned sweet potato casserole is a timeless recipe for a reason. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and that SIGNATURE toasted marshmallow topping. There’s also a buttery, pecan crumble option if you’re feeling fancy.
It’s the kind of dish that tastes like a warm hug from your grandma. And guess what? It’s EASY to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
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Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started. Don’t worry these are pantry staples, so no fancy stuff here.
The Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4-5 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk (whole milk works best!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
The Pecan Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
The Marshmallow Topping (Optional but NECESSARY):
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
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How To Make Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole
Let’s get to the fun part: MAKING this casserole. Set aside about 20 MINUTES for prep and 25 MINUTES for baking.
Prep the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Wash, peel, and dice the sweet potatoes into chunks.
- Boil them in a large pot of water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and mash them until smooth. (No lumps here, folks!)
Mix the Sweet Potato Base
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir until creamy and well combined. This is where the MAGIC starts.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add the Topping
- For the Pecan Crumble: Mix flour, brown sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl until crumbly. Stir in the pecans. Sprinkle this heavenly mix evenly over the sweet potato base.
- For the Marshmallow Lovers: Add the mini marshmallows on top, either over the crumble or as a solo topping.
Bake It!
- Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the marshmallows are perfectly toasted.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long).
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Pro Tips for Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Fresh sweet potatoes have a better texture and flavor compared to canned ones. (But if you’re in a pinch, canned will work too!)
- Make It Ahead: Prep everything the day before and refrigerate it. Just bake it before serving — EASY PEASY!
- Customize the Topping: Can’t choose between marshmallows and pecans? Do a half-and-half topping to please everyone.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for an extra festive touch.
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Nutritional Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sugar | 25g |
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Why Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole Is a Southern Legend
Did you know sweet potato casserole is basically a SOUTHERN LEGEND? Back in the early 1900s, marshmallows were just starting to make their way into recipes, and someone had the BRILLIANT idea to slap them on top of sweet potatoes. (THANK YOU, whoever you are.) Now, it’s THE dish everyone fights over at holiday dinners. And honestly? It’s here to stay.
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Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole, Your Way
The best thing about this dish? You can make it YOURS. Want to switch things up? Check out these ideas:
- GO SAVORY: Skip the sugar, toss in some garlic, and top it with parmesan and breadcrumbs.
- COCONUT: Mix shredded coconut into the pecan crumble for a tropical vibe.
- GLUTEN-FREE HERO: Swap regular flour for almond flour in the topping. EASY FIX.
- SPICY KICK: Add a dash of cayenne or chili powder to the mix. Sweet and spicy is a POWER MOVE.
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Why Sweet Potatoes Are Basically Superheroes
Sweet potatoes are NOT just here for flavor. They’re PACKED with vitamin A, potassium, and fiber aka, everything your body loves. Plus, they’re naturally sweet, so you don’t need to go heavy on the sugar. HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS? Yes, please!
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How to Pick the BEST Sweet Potatoes
Here’s the deal: the best sweet potatoes are FIRM, smooth, and free of weird soft spots. Go for smaller ones if you want that creamy texture. (Big ones can get a little stringy — and nobody wants that!) Trust me, this step makes ALL the difference.
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Turn Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole into a Family Tradition
In my house, making this dish is an EVENT. My nieces get to sprinkle the marshmallows (and eat half of them), my sister takes charge of the pecan crumble, and my husband? He’s the OFFICIAL sweet potato masher. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together and gives you all the FEELS.
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How to Serve It Like a PRO
Here’s a little tip: sweet potato casserole can be anything you want it to be. Serve it with turkey and green beans, and it’s a killer side dish. Or slap some whipped cream on top, and BOOM it’s dessert. Either way, it’s always the star of the show.
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FAQs About Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole
Can I Make Sweet Potato Casserole Vegan?
Of course! Instead of regular butter, use plant-based butter; instead of regular milk, opt for almond or oat milk; and use flaxseed egg substitutes instead of ordinary eggs. You can also skip the marshmallows altogether, or get a vegan kind instead.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for no more than 4 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven until warm.
Can I Freeze Sweet Potato Casserole?
Yes! Assemble it without the toppings, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the toppings, and bake as directed.
What’s the Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are sweeter and creamier, while yams are starchier and drier. For this recipe, SWEET POTATOES are the way to go.
What Dishes Pair Well With Sweet Potato Casserole?
This dish is perfect with roasted turkey, ham, or even grilled chicken. Add some green beans or a crisp salad, and you’re SET.
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Key Takeaways
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Servings | 8-10 people |
| Topping Options | Pecan crumble or marshmallows |
| Make-Ahead Friendly? | YES |
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Why This Recipe Will Be Your Go-To
This old-fashioned sweet potato casserole isn’t just a dish; it’s a celebration of comfort, tradition, and pure YUM. My family asks for it every year, and I bet yours will too. Serve it warm, sit back, and soak in the compliments because you DESERVE IT.
Got questions or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments I’d love to hear how YOUR casserole turns out!
