This classic holiday side dish brings together creamy, sweet, and savory flavors that truly warm the soul. You get the comforting taste of sweet potatoes, infused with warm spices, and topped with a delightful pecan crunch. We offer two super easy methods: the hands-off Crockpot approach or the traditional Oven bake. This Sweet Potato Casserole is perfect for any family gathering or festive occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

You’ll love how straightforward this recipe is, designed for beginners and busy parents alike.

Effortless: We use simple ingredients and clear, step-by-step instructions for a stress-free cooking experience.

Versatile: Choose the Crockpot method for a hands-off approach, freeing up oven space, or opt for the traditional Oven roast.
Flavorful: Enjoy the natural sweetness of potatoes perfectly balanced with warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.
Texture Contrast: Savor the creamy, smooth sweet potato base topped with a delightful, crunchy pecan and brown sugar topping.

Make-Ahead: Prepare this delicious sweet potato casserole in advance, making it an ideal choice for hectic holiday schedules.
Crowd-Pleaaser: This beloved dish is always a hit, bringing smiles to faces of all ages at any meal.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your unforgettable Sweet Potato Casserole.

Main Casserole:
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Salt to taste
Pecan Topping:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily customize this sweet potato dish to your liking. For the best flavor, use orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties like Garnet or Jewel. Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference; maple syrup also makes a great alternative. Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness, but salted butter works if that’s what you have on hand. Experiment with other spices such as nutmeg or allspice for added warmth. If pecans aren’t your favorite, consider a marshmallow or streusel crumb topping instead.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes preparing this easy sweet potato dish even simpler.

Crockpot Method:
- A 6-quart slow cooker is essential for this hands-off method.
- You’ll also need a vegetable peeler for the potatoes.
- A sharp knife will help you cube the potatoes uniformly.
- Large mixing bowls are handy for combining ingredients.
- Use a potato masher or hand mixer for a perfectly smooth consistency.

Roasted Method:
- A 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for oven baking.
- You’ll use the same prep tools as the Crockpot method.

Instructions

Prepare a comforting Sweet Potato Casserole using either your slow cooker or traditional oven. Both methods deliver incredible flavor with straightforward steps, making holiday cooking simple for everyone.

For Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole

This method is perfect for freeing up oven space and offering a truly hands-off experience.

Prepare Potatoes: Start by peeling your sweet potatoes, then cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniformity helps ensure even cooking.

Mix Casserole Base: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and water. Stir in the ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt.
Combine: Add the cubed sweet potatoes to your 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the seasoned liquid mixture over the potatoes. Stir everything well to ensure all potato pieces are coated.
Cook: Place the lid securely on your slow cooker. Cook the sweet potato mixture on the LOW setting for 8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender when done.

Mash: Once cooked, mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker using a potato masher or a hand mixer until you reach your desired consistency. You can leave it slightly chunky or go for perfectly smooth.
Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and the chopped toasted pecans for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes.
Finish: Replace the lid on the slow cooker. Continue to cook on the LOW setting for an additional 5-10 minutes, just until the pecan topping softens slightly and warms through. Serve your Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole warm.

For Roasted Sweet Potato Casserole (Oven)

Opt for this method for a more traditional, beautifully browned oven-baked sweet potato dish.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is ready for baking.
Prepare Potatoes: Just like with the Crockpot method, peel and cube your sweet potatoes into even 1-inch pieces.

Mix Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, water, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
Combine & Bake: Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the bowl with the liquid mixture. Toss everything together until the potatoes are well coated. Transfer the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake Initially: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Mash: Carefully remove the dish from the oven and uncover it. Mash the sweet potatoes directly in the baking dish to your preferred consistency – smooth or with a few rustic chunks.
Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and the chopped toasted pecans. Sprinkle this pecan topping evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes.
Final Bake: Return the uncovered baking dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and slightly bubbly. Let the Sweet Potato Casserole cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve sweet potato perfection every time with these helpful hints and fixes.

Even Cubes: Cut your sweet potatoes into similarly sized cubes. This ensures they cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or mushy.
Avoid Watery Casserole: Sweet potatoes release moisture as they cook. If your Crockpot version seems too watery after mashing, you can let it cook uncovered on high for an extra 10-15 minutes to reduce some liquid.

Mashing Perfection: For a super smooth texture, use a hand mixer. If you prefer a rustic, slightly chunky feel, a simple potato masher will do the trick.
Sweetness Balance: Taste your sweet potato mixture before the final bake or topping. Adjust the sugar level if you prefer it sweeter or less sweet.
Flavor Boost: A dash of fresh orange zest stirred into the mashed sweet potatoes adds a bright, citrusy note that wonderfully complements the spices.

Prevent Burning: For the roasted version, keep an eye on the edges and the topping during the final bake. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile sweet potato casserole shines in many roles beyond just the holiday table.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet potato dish is a beloved staple for various occasions. It’s a quintessential side for major holiday meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, complementing roasted meats beautifully. Don’t reserve it just for holidays, though! It also makes a fantastic side dish for everyday meals, pairing wonderfully with roast chicken, pork loin, or even a simple weeknight dinner. Some people even enjoy this comforting casserole as a light dessert alternative, thanks to its inherent sweetness.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage helps you enjoy your sweet potato goodness for longer. Store any leftover Sweet Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply warm portions in the microwave or heat the entire dish in the oven until it’s heated through and bubbly.

Variations

Get creative with your sweet potato bake!

Marshmallow Topping: For a classic twist, swap the pecan topping for marshmallows. Add them during the last 10-15 minutes of baking or slow cooking, just until they’re golden and gooey.
Streusel Crumb Topping: Create a buttery streusel crumb topping by combining rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cold butter. Sprinkle this over the mashed potatoes before the final bake.

Savory Twist: For an unexpected flavor, add a touch of fresh rosemary or thyme to the sweet potato mixture. It offers a sophisticated counterpoint to the sweetness.
Dairy-Free: Easily make this recipe dairy-free by using plant-based butter and a splash of your favorite plant-based milk instead of water if extra moisture is needed.
Spiced Nuts: Experiment with different spiced nut toppings beyond pecans. Walnuts or even candied pecans can add an exciting new dimension to your sweet potato dish.

Nutrition Information

This estimated nutritional information is provided as a general guideline. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients, preparation methods, and portion sizes used.

According to the USDA, sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber and essential vitamins.

This delicious Sweet Potato Casserole offers a good source of fiber and essential vitamins.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	461 kcal
Carbohydrates	87 g
Protein	5 g
Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Cholesterol	20 mg
Sodium	180 mg
Potassium	1060 mg
Fiber	10 g
Sugar	36 g
Vitamin A	43137 IU
Vitamin C	7 mg
Calcium	117 mg
Iron	2 mg

FAQ

Got questions about this delightful Sweet Potato Casserole? We have answers!

Can I make sweet potato casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without the topping for the oven version) and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking or slow cooking.
What kind of sweet potatoes are best for this recipe? Orange-fleshed varieties, such as Garnet or Jewel sweet potatoes, are ideal for their sweetness and creamy texture.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Yes, you can. If using canned, drain them well and reduce the amount of added water in the recipe, as they are already quite moist.
How do I keep it warm for a potluck? The Crockpot method is perfect for this! Simply set your slow cooker to its “warm” setting once cooked, and it will stay hot and ready for serving.
Is sweet potato casserole a side or dessert? While primarily served as a holiday side dish, its sweet profile means it often feels like a comforting dessert, blurring the lines deliciously.

Conclusion

Whether you choose the convenient Crockpot method or the classic roasted approach, this Sweet Potato Casserole delivers incredible flavor with minimal fuss. It’s a comforting, versatile, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply a cozy family meal. Enjoy the simple pleasure of creating a crowd-pleasing side that everyone will adore. Get ready to enjoy the perfect side for any occasion!