The Ultimate Guide to Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness, gratitude, and—let’s be honest—delicious food! One dish that holds a special place on the Thanksgiving table is sweet potato casserole. Its warm, rich flavors and delightful toppings make it a favorite among all ages. Whether you prefer the sweetness of marshmallows or the crunch of pecans, sweet potato casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. In this guide, we’ll explore some detailed recipes. Here we go:

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

This recipe brings the comforting flavors of the South to your table, complete with creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping.

Ingredients

For the casserole:

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes:
   Begin by washing, peeling, and chopping the sweet potatoes. Boil them in a large pot of water for about 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly before mashing.
2. Make the Sweet Potato Base:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, brown sugar, cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the sweet potato mixture evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Prepare the Topping:
   In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.
5. Bake to Perfection:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy.
6. Optional Marshmallow Touch:
   If you’re a fan of gooey sweetness, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top halfway through baking. They’ll melt into a golden, toasty layer that’s absolutely irresistible.

Pro Tips:

• For extra depth of flavor, roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them.
• Add a pinch of cloves or ginger for a spiced twist.

Candied Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

If you love your sweet potatoes with a caramelized glaze, this recipe is for you. The combination of maple syrup and butter creates a melt-in-your-mouth side dish perfect for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 6 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Slice the Sweet Potatoes:
   Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into even rounds. This ensures they cook evenly and look beautiful when served.
2. Create the Syrup:
   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Assemble the Dish:
   Arrange the sweet potato slices in overlapping layers in a greased baking dish. Pour the syrup mixture over the potatoes, ensuring every slice is coated.
4. Bake and Caramelize:
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the sweet potatoes to caramelize.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Once out of the oven, garnish with toasted pecans for an added crunch. Serve warm, and watch your guests swoon!

Pro Tips:

• Sprinkle a touch of sea salt on top before serving for a sweet-salty balance.
• Add a splash of orange juice to the syrup for a citrusy twist.

Sweet Potato Casserole Serving Suggestions

To make your casserole the star of the table:

• Pair with other sides: Complement it with savory dishes like green bean casserole or cornbread stuffing.
• Dress it up: Add festive garnishes like dried cranberries or edible flowers.
• Make it a main: Top with shredded turkey or ham for a hearty meal.

Vegetarian and Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole Recipes

Whether you’re accommodating dietary preferences or simply exploring new flavors, these vegetarian and vegan sweet potato casseroles are equally delicious. Packed with the same comforting vibes, they offer a plant-based twist that’s sure to impress your Thanksgiving guests.

Vegetarian Sweet Potato Casserole

This vegetarian version uses plant-based ingredients without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients

For the casserole:

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• ½ cup unsalted butter (or plant-based butter for a vegan option)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup milk (substitute with almond or oat milk for vegan)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the topping:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil for vegan)

Instructions

1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes:
   Boil or roast the sweet potatoes until fork-tender. If roasting, wrap the whole potatoes in foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40-50 minutes.
2. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
   Peel and mash the sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Prepare the Oat Topping:
   In a separate bowl, combine oats, chopped nuts, brown sugar, and melted butter or coconut oil. Mix until crumbly.
4. Assemble and Bake:
   Grease a baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish and sprinkle the oat topping on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden.

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple-Pecan Topping

This fully vegan casserole is sweetened naturally with maple syrup and topped with a crunchy pecan crust.

Ingredients

For the casserole:

• 5 large sweet potatoes
• ¼ cup coconut oil or vegan butter
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ½ cup coconut milk (or any non-dairy milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the topping:

• ½ cup almond flour
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans
• ¼ cup coconut sugar
• 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
   Steam or boil the sweet potatoes until tender. Drain and let them cool slightly before peeling.
2. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
   In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes and mix in coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until creamy.
3. Prepare the Pecan Topping:
   Combine almond flour, chopped pecans, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir to create a crumbly mixture.
4. Assemble and Bake:
   Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and fragrant.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

• For a spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sweet potato mixture.
• For extra crunch: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on the topping before baking.
• For a fruity twist: Mix dried cranberries or chopped dates into the topping for a pop of sweetness.

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

• Healthier Ingredients: Both versions skip the marshmallows for naturally sweetened alternatives.
• Versatility: Perfect as a side dish or a main course for plant-based eaters.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with comforting flavors everyone will enjoy.

So friends! We really hope you will love these recipes. Please share your experiences in the comments section below, we would love to hear your thoughts.