I’m a stay-at-home mom turned home design and DIY expert. I've discovered the thrill of creating a beautiful, functional home, and I'm here to inspire and teach you to do the same
I have a confession: I used to sidestep sweet potato casserole at holiday gatherings. The overly sweet versions with marshmallows just didn’t appeal to me. But then, everything changed.
When planning our Thanksgiving menu, I realized that sweet potato casserole is a beloved staple for many. So, I reached out to my sister for her go-to recipe, and let me tell you—it’s a game-changer! The combination of creamy sweet potatoes, a hint of coconut, and a crunchy pecan topping creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Even my husband, Stuart, who shares my previous reservations, couldn’t stop raving about it.
Balanced Sweetness: The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is complemented, not overshadowed, by the other ingredients.
Textural Delight: The contrast between the smooth filling and the crisp, nutty topping is simply irresistible.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s become a must-have at our holiday table, winning over even the most skeptical guests.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a former skeptic like me, this sweet potato casserole might just become your new favorite. Give it a try and see for yourself!
Check out this video to watch me make the recipe!
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 glass baking dish, then set it aside.
Step 2 – Prepare Sweet Potatoes
Cook the potatoes until tender and mashable. I used my Instant Pot, which was quicker and made the skins easier to peel after they were done cooking. I cooked mine for about 9 minutes on high pressure, but if your sweet potatoes are extra thick, they may not be soft in the center. For those, I just poked some holes with a fork and finished them off in the microwave for a minute or two.
Step 3 – Mix the Filling
Combine the potatoes, sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, and coconut. Mash everything together until it’s creamy, then pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 4 – Prepare Topping and Assemble
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped nuts until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
Step 5 – Bake
Bake 350 for 25 minutes.
Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy!
Become a sweet potato lover! It’s a super simple recipe and is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
Are you interested in other Thanksgiving recipes or need ideas? If so, I created a complete guide on hosting a Friendsgiving / Thanksgiving dinner party.
This sweet potato casserole combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a hint of vanilla and shredded coconut, topped with a crunchy brown sugar and pecan crumble.It’s a delightful side dish that adds warmth and sweetness to any meal.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled, cooked, and mashed
¾ cup sugar
½ cup butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
⅓ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
For the Topping:
1 cup brown sugar
⅓ cup butter, melted
1 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans)
Instructions
Preheat Oven:Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
Prepare Sweet Potatoes:Cook the sweet potatoes until tender.You can use an Instant Pot for about 9 minutes on high pressure or boil them until soft.If needed, finish cooking in the microwave.
Mix Filling:In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut.Mix until smooth and well combined.
Assemble Casserole:Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Prepare Topping:In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped nuts until crumbly.Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
Bake:Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Serve:Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.Enjoy this comforting dish as a side to your favorite meals!
