Southern Sweet Potato Casserole 🍠 | A Classic Holiday Side Dish Full of Comfort and Flavor

By Chef Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) & Chef Bobby Flay | Presented by FreshTonerHungar Culinary Team

There are few dishes as iconic, heartwarming, and utterly delicious as Southern Sweet Potato Casserole. Whether it graces your Thanksgiving table or appears at Sunday dinner, this creamy, buttery, and perfectly spiced casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Topped with a crunchy pecan crumble, it’s both a dessert and a side dish — and everyone will be asking for seconds! 🥰

“Sweet potato casserole is the soul of a Southern holiday meal,” says Chef Ree Drummond. “It’s cozy, creamy, and just the right balance of sweet and savory.”

Why This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Works

This recipe stays true to the Southern roots of the dish — whipped sweet potatoes blended with brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and a touch of cream, then crowned with a golden pecan topping. The texture contrast between the silky base and crunchy topping makes it irresistible. Best of all, it’s simple enough for beginners yet elegant enough for any holiday gathering.

• ✅ Made with real ingredients — no marshmallows required (though you can add them if you like!).
• ✅ Perfect make-ahead dish — saves time during busy holidays.
• ✅ Balanced flavor — naturally sweet potatoes enhanced by butter and spice, not overwhelmed by sugar.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

For the Sweet Potato Base

• 3 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 3–4 medium sweet potatoes)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup half-and-half (or whole milk)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Pecan Crumble Topping

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp melted butter

Optional Add-Ins

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth
• Mini marshmallows for a traditional sweet touch
• A dash of bourbon or maple syrup for deeper flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, softened butter, half-and-half, egg, vanilla, and salt. Stir or beat until smooth and creamy.

Chef Bobby Flay advises: “Don’t overmix the potatoes — you want them silky, not gummy. Gentle folding preserves their natural texture.”

Step 3: Transfer to the Baking Dish

Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. The base should be thick but pourable.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. This topping will bake into a sweet, nutty crust that’s absolutely divine. 😋

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot throughout.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes slicing easier. Serve warm, and prepare for the compliments to roll in!

Chef Tips & Variations 👨‍🍳

• Make it extra creamy: Add 2 tbsp of cream cheese or mascarpone to the potato base.
• Want a dessert-style version? Add a layer of mini marshmallows halfway through baking for a gooey, golden topping.
• Nut allergy alternative: Replace pecans with crushed cornflakes or oatmeal for crunch without nuts.
• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking) a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

Chef Ree Drummond’s take: “The best part about sweet potato casserole is that it can be sweet or savory — it adapts to any menu.”

Health & Nutrition Tips 🥗

• Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports eye and immune health.
• Pecans add healthy fats and plant-based protein to balance the sweetness.
• Substitute low-fat milk for half-and-half to reduce calories.
• For less sugar, cut the brown sugar by one-third — the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes shines through beautifully.

Chef Bobby Flay adds: “This dish doesn’t need to be overly sweet. Let the ingredients speak for themselves.”

Nutrition Facts Table 📊

Storage & Reheating Instructions 🧊

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

Pro Tip: For best texture, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to keep the topping crisp!

Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

• Serve alongside Honey Glazed Ham or Roasted Turkey for a traditional holiday spread.
• Pair with Green Bean Casserole for a perfect Southern side combo.
• Finish your meal with Classic Pumpkin Pie for the ultimate autumn feast.

Chef’s Commentary & Expert Tips 👨‍🍳

• Chef Ree Drummond: “Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect balance of comfort and elegance — simple ingredients with spectacular results.”
• Chef Bobby Flay: “The pecan topping gives this dish texture and character. Toast your nuts slightly before mixing to enhance their flavor.”
• Chef Ina Garten: “Add a splash of orange juice or zest to brighten the flavor — it cuts through the richness beautifully.”

FAQs About Southern Sweet Potato Casserole 🍠

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes! Prepare it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh before serving.
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
   You can, but drain them well. Freshly cooked and mashed sweet potatoes give the best flavor and texture.
3. Is this dish sweet or savory?
   Traditionally, it’s slightly sweet — though some families make it more dessert-like.
4. Can I use marshmallows instead of the pecan topping?
   Absolutely! Just add mini marshmallows in the last 10 minutes of baking until golden.
5. Can I substitute nuts?
   Yes — try walnuts or almonds, or omit nuts altogether for a smoother topping.
6. How can I make it dairy-free?
   Use coconut milk and vegan butter instead of dairy ingredients.
7. What can I do with leftovers?
   Reheat for breakfast with a drizzle of maple syrup — it’s incredible!
8. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes, double all ingredients and use a deep 9×13-inch dish or two smaller ones.
9. Can I add spices?
   Definitely — cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice all enhance the flavor.
10. Where can I find more Southern side dish recipes?
    Visit this Southern sides collection for more inspiration.

Related Recipes You’ll Love ❤️

• Classic Mashed Potatoes with Creamy Butter Sauce
• Southern Cornbread Stuffing
• Pumpkin Soufflé with Maple Drizzle

Final Thoughts 🧡

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish — it’s a piece of Southern tradition passed down through generations. Creamy, nutty, and just sweet enough, it captures everything we love about home-cooked comfort food. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or cooking a Sunday supper, this casserole brings warmth, love, and nostalgia to every table.

“It’s like a hug in a casserole dish,” says Chef Ree Drummond. “Simple ingredients, made with heart — that’s Southern cooking.”

For more classic comfort dishes, family recipes, and holiday favorites, visit FreshTonerHungar.com — your home for timeless flavors and modern kitchen inspiration.