20 Irresistible Sweet Potato Casserole Recipes

Sweet potato casserole is a beloved classic that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering, especially during the holiday season. With its creamy, naturally sweet base, this versatile dish can be topped with everything from gooey marshmallows to crunchy pecans, or even transformed into savory delights. Whether you're craving the traditional Southern-style version or looking for healthier, vegan, or unique twists, these 20 irresistible sweet potato casserole recipes will inspire you to create something truly special. From indulgent treats to lighter options, there's a perfect casserole here for every taste and occasion.

1. Classic Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

The ingredients for this timeless favorite include four pounds of fresh sweet potatoes that provide the naturally sweet and creamy base, half a cup of unsalted butter for richness, three-quarters of a cup of whole milk to achieve a smooth texture, half a cup of granulated sugar to enhance the sweetness without overpowering it, two large eggs that help bind the mixture and add lift, one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for aromatic depth, half a teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors, and about three cups of miniature marshmallows for that iconic gooey, toasted topping.

Start the process by preheating your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks, then place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat, reducing to a simmer and cooking for about twenty minutes or until the potatoes are completely fork-tender. Drain thoroughly and return the potatoes to the warm pot for a minute to evaporate any excess moisture, then mash them smoothly using a potato masher or transfer to a stand mixer. Add the softened butter, milk, granulated sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing on medium speed until the mixture is velvety and well incorporated with no lumps remaining. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, then spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Arrange the miniature marshmallows in an even layer over the surface, gently pressing them in slightly so they adhere. Bake uncovered for twenty-five to thirty minutes until the casserole is heated through and the marshmallows have puffed up and turned a beautiful golden brown with some charred spots for extra flavor. If you want more toasting, switch to the broiler for the final one to two minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Remove from the oven and let rest for ten minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

For the best results, always use fresh sweet potatoes rather than canned puree for superior flavor and texture, and consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the base for subtle warmth. This casserole reheats beautifully and is the ultimate nostalgic side for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, pairing perfectly with roasted turkey, ham, or even as a sweet finish to the meal.

2. Southern Pecan Streusel Sweet Potato Casserole

The ingredients needed for the filling are four large sweet potatoes weighing about three pounds total, half a cup of unsalted butter softened for creaminess, half a cup of packed light brown sugar for deep caramel notes, one-quarter cup of whole milk or heavy cream, two large eggs, one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg. For the signature streusel topping, gather one cup of chopped pecans, half a cup of all-purpose flour, three-quarters cup of packed light brown sugar, half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and six tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to bring it all together.

Preheat the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then boil in salted water for fifteen to twenty minutes until very tender, drain well, and mash until smooth. Add the softened butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg, beating until light and fluffy. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared dish. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until large crumbs form. Sprinkle this streusel generously and evenly over the sweet potato layer, gently pressing it down just a bit. Bake for thirty-five to forty minutes until the filling is set and the topping is deeply golden and crunchy. Let cool for ten minutes before serving to allow the streusel to crisp further.

This version delivers the perfect contrast of creamy filling and nutty crunch that defines Southern comfort. For extra texture, toast the pecans lightly before chopping, and if you love oats, add a quarter cup to the streusel mixture. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like experience or alongside holiday mains.

3. Healthy No-Added-Sugar Sweet Potato Casserole

To make this healthier version, you will need five medium sweet potatoes about two and a half pounds total, one-quarter cup of melted coconut oil or unsalted butter, half a cup of unsweetened almond milk or any milk of choice, two large eggs, one tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, half a teaspoon of salt, and for the topping one cup of chopped raw pecans, one-quarter cup of almond flour or oat flour, two tablespoons of pure maple syrup or honey if you want a touch of added sweetness, and two tablespoons of melted coconut oil.

Begin by preheating the oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for roasting the sweet potatoes, which intensifies their natural sweetness. Wash and prick the potatoes with a fork, place them on a lined baking sheet, and roast for forty-five to sixty minutes until very soft. Reduce the oven temperature to three hundred fifty degrees. Once cool enough to handle, scoop the flesh into a large bowl and mash well. Add the coconut oil, almond milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, mixing until completely smooth. Transfer to a greased 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking dish and smooth the top. In a small bowl, combine the pecans, almond flour, maple syrup, and coconut oil until crumbly, then sprinkle evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Bake for twenty-five to thirty minutes until the topping is toasted and fragrant. Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.

This lighter casserole relies entirely on the potatoes' inherent sweetness, making it suitable for those reducing refined sugars. Roasting is key for maximum flavor, and you can add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an aromatic twist. It makes a nutritious side for any meal or even a wholesome breakfast option.

4. Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Bacon

The savory ingredients include four pounds of sweet potatoes, four tablespoons of unsalted butter, half a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half, two cloves of minced garlic, two teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme, one teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary, one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and for the topping eight slices of thick-cut bacon cooked until crisp and crumbled, one cup of panko breadcrumbs, two tablespoons of melted butter, and additional chopped herbs.

Preheat oven to three hundred seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, boil until tender about twenty minutes, drain, and mash with the butter, heavy cream, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Spread into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cook the bacon until crispy, reserving some fat if desired, crumble it, and mix with the panko, melted butter, and extra herbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes. Bake for twenty to twenty-five minutes until the casserole is hot throughout and the topping is golden and crisp.

This savory take highlights the vegetable's earthy qualities with smoky bacon and aromatic herbs. Add grated parmesan to the topping for a cheesy version, or sautéed onions to the base for more depth. It pairs excellently with grilled steaks or roast chicken for a comforting dinner.

5. Tropical Pineapple Sweet Potato Casserole

The ingredients consist of three pounds of sweet potatoes, one 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple thoroughly drained with a quarter cup of juice reserved, half a cup of unsalted butter softened, half a cup of packed brown sugar, two large eggs, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of salt, and for the streusel one cup of chopped pecans, half a cup of flour, half a cup of brown sugar, and four tablespoons of melted butter.

Preheat oven to three hundred fifty degrees. Cook the sweet potatoes by boiling or baking until tender, mash smoothly, then incorporate the butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, drained pineapple, and reserved juice until well blended. Spread into a greased baking dish. Mix the streusel ingredients until crumbly and sprinkle over the top. Bake for thirty to thirty-five minutes until the filling is set and the topping is golden.

The pineapple introduces bright, tangy sweetness that lightens the dish beautifully. Be sure to drain the pineapple well to prevent sogginess, and toasted coconut flakes make a wonderful addition to the streusel for even more tropical flair.

6. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

For this fully plant-based version, gather four large sweet potatoes, half a cup of full-fat coconut milk, one-quarter cup of pure maple syrup, two tablespoons of melted coconut oil, two teaspoons of vanilla extract, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, half a teaspoon of salt, and for the topping one cup of chopped pecans, half a cup of rolled oats, one-quarter cup of coconut flour or almond flour, one-third cup of maple syrup, and four tablespoons of melted coconut oil.

Preheat oven to three hundred fifty degrees. Roast or boil the sweet potatoes until soft, scoop the flesh, and mash with coconut milk, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until creamy. Spread into a greased dish. Combine all topping ingredients until clumpy and scatter evenly over the filling. Bake for thirty minutes until the topping is golden and crisp.

This vegan casserole is rich and satisfying thanks to coconut milk. Use canned full-fat for best texture, and add a pinch of sea salt to the topping for flavor pop. It's naturally gluten-free if using certified oats.

7. Streusel and Marshmallow Combo Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients for the base include four pounds of sweet potatoes, half a cup of butter, half a cup of brown sugar, one-quarter cup of milk, two eggs, one teaspoon of vanilla, one teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. For the combo topping, prepare a streusel with three-quarters cup of chopped pecans, half a cup of flour, half a cup of brown sugar, five tablespoons of melted butter, and two cups of miniature marshmallows.

Prepare the sweet potato base as usual and spread into a dish. Make the streusel by combining the dry ingredients and butter. Sprinkle half the streusel over the potatoes, add a layer of marshmallows, then top with remaining streusel. Bake at three hundred fifty degrees for thirty to thirty-five minutes until marshmallows are toasted and streusel is crisp.

This hybrid gives you the best of both worlds in every bite. Adjust the marshmallow-to-streusel ratio to your liking, and it's guaranteed to be the star of any potluck.

8. Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole with Bacon and Pecans

You will need three pounds of sweet potatoes, eight slices of bacon cooked crisp and crumbled with some reserved for topping, half a cup of butter, one-third cup of heavy cream, one-third cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon of cinnamon, salt and pepper to taste, one cup of chopped pecans, and two tablespoons of maple syrup for drizzling.

Mash cooked sweet potatoes with butter, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and half the crumbled bacon. Spread in a dish, top with remaining bacon, pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Bake at three hundred fifty degrees for twenty-five minutes until heated and nuts are toasted.

The smoky bacon throughout and on top makes this ultra-decadent. Use thick-cut bacon for best results, and serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

9. Coconut Pecan Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients include four large sweet potatoes, half a cup of butter, half a cup of brown sugar, two eggs, one teaspoon of vanilla, half a teaspoon of coconut extract, and for the topping one cup of sweetened shredded coconut, one cup of chopped pecans, half a cup of flour, half a cup of brown sugar, and six tablespoons of melted butter.

Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and coconut extract. Spread in dish. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over. Bake at three hundred fifty degrees until golden, about thirty-five minutes.

The coconut adds chewy texture and tropical aroma. Lightly toast the coconut first for deeper flavor, and this variation feels like a vacation on a plate.

10. Bourbon-Infused Sweet Potato Casserole

The base requires three pounds of sweet potatoes, one-third cup of good bourbon, half a cup of butter, half a cup of brown sugar, two eggs, one-quarter cup of cream, one teaspoon of vanilla, and spices. Topping includes one cup of pecans, half a cup of flour, half a cup of brown sugar, five tablespoons of butter, and one tablespoon of bourbon.

Incorporate bourbon into the mashed sweet potato mixture along with other ingredients. Make a boozy streusel for the top. Bake at three hundred fifty degrees for thirty minutes.

The bourbon lends warm, oaky sophistication. Choose a bourbon you enjoy sipping, and this is perfect for adult holiday gatherings.

11. Maple Cinnamon Streusel Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients are four large sweet potatoes, three-quarters cup of pure maple syrup, half a cup of butter, two eggs, one teaspoon of cinnamon, and for streusel one cup of flour, half a cup of brown sugar, one tablespoon of cinnamon, half a cup of butter, and half a cup of chopped pecans if desired.

Sweeten the mash primarily with maple syrup. Reserve some streusel to swirl into the filling before adding the rest on top. Bake until beautifully browned.

The maple offers nuanced sweetness, and swirling ensures cinnamon crunch in every bite. Use darker maple syrup for bolder flavor.

12. Crunchy Cornflake Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

Use three pounds of sweet potatoes, half a cup of butter, half a cup of sugar, two eggs, one teaspoon of vanilla, and spices for the base. Topping consists of three cups of crushed cornflakes, half a cup of melted butter, half a cup of brown sugar, and one cup of chopped pecans.

Prepare standard base, spread in dish, mix crushed cornflakes with butter, sugar, and pecans, and pile generously on top. Bake until deeply crisp and golden.

This retro topping provides incredible crunch. It's lighter than all-nut versions and brings nostalgic charm to the table.

13. Herbed Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients include four large sweet potatoes, three tablespoons of olive oil, three cloves of garlic minced, two tablespoons of mixed fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, salt, pepper, half a cup of grated parmesan optional, and one cup of panko or chopped almonds for topping.

Roast and mash potatoes with olive oil, garlic, herbs, seasoning, and cheese if using. Top with panko or nuts drizzled with oil. Bake until crisp on top.

This celebrates the potato's natural flavor with herbs and no sugar. Roasting first is essential for sweetness development.

14. Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potato Casserole

You need three pounds of sweet potatoes, three firm apples peeled and diced, half a cup of butter, one-third cup of brown sugar, two teaspoons of cinnamon, juice of one lemon, and a simple oat streusel if desired.

Mix half the mashed sweet potatoes in the dish, layer with apples tossed in cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice, top with remaining potatoes and streusel. Bake until apples are tender.

The apples add juicy, tart contrast that evokes autumn. Granny Smith apples hold their shape best.

15. Cranberry Orange Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients are four pounds of sweet potatoes, zest and juice of two oranges, two cups of fresh or frozen cranberries, half a cup of sugar or maple, butter, eggs, and optional pecan topping.

Incorporate orange zest and juice into the mash, fold in cranberries, top as desired, and bake until cranberries burst and release their tartness.

The bright citrus and cranberry provide festive color and balance. Wonderful with holiday turkey.

16. Brown Butter Sage Sweet Potato Casserole

Use four large sweet potatoes, eight tablespoons of butter browned with ten fresh sage leaves, minimal or no sugar, salt, pepper, and optional breadcrumb topping with more fried sage.

Brown the butter with sage, strain and mix into minimal-sweet mash. Top and bake gently to highlight the nutty, herbal notes.

This elegant version bridges sweet and savory with sophisticated flavor. Perfect for refined holiday menus.

17. Praline Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

Base ingredients are standard sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, eggs. Praline topping requires one cup of brown sugar, one-third cup of cream, four tablespoons of butter, one cup of pecans, and vanilla.

Prepare base, then cook praline mixture on stovetop until thick and bubbly, pour over casserole, bake briefly to set.

The praline creates a luxurious candy-like layer. Watch carefully while cooking to prevent burning.

18. Light and Fluffy Sweet Potato Soufflé Casserole

Standard sweet ingredients plus four eggs separated. Whip whites to stiff peaks for airiness, and use pecan topping.

Mix yolks into base, gently fold in whipped whites, top, and bake carefully to preserve height.

This impressive rise creates a delightfully light texture. Serve immediately for maximum fluff.

19. Spiced Ginger Cardamom Sweet Potato Casserole

Include fresh grated ginger two tablespoons, one teaspoon of ground cardamom, cinnamon, standard sweet ingredients, sweetened with honey or maple.

Add spices to the mash, proceed with your favorite topping, and bake as usual.

The exotic spices bring warmth and intrigue. Adjust ginger for desired gentle heat.

20. Cheesy Parmesan Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients are four pounds of sweet potatoes, half a cup of cream, four cloves of garlic, one cup of grated parmesan divided, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and panko for topping.

Mash potatoes with cream, garlic, half the parmesan, herbs, and seasoning. Top with remaining cheese and panko, bake until golden and bubbly.

The cheese adds savory richness, making this a hearty, gratin-style side. Use good-quality parmesan for best results.

These twenty sweet potato casserole recipes showcase the incredible versatility of this humble root vegetable, turning it into everything from nostalgic holiday staples to innovative modern dishes. Experiment with these ideas, mix and match elements to suit your preferences, and enjoy the cozy deliciousness they bring to your table year-round.