Name: Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup brown sugar (for topping); ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup chopped pecans; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Creamy, buttery sweet potatoes topped with a golden, caramelized pecan streusel – this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish. It walks the delicious line between savory and dessert, making it an irresistible favorite at Thanksgiving tables and Sunday dinners across the South.

With its silky-smooth texture and crunchy topping, this casserole brings together all the warmth and richness of southern comfort food. Whether you’re serving it as a side or sneaking leftovers for dessert, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

What Makes a Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Different?

Southern-style sweet potato casseroles are known for their richness. They often include butter, eggs, and sugar in the mashed sweet potato base to give it a custard-like texture. What truly sets it apart, though, is the topping. Instead of marshmallows (used in many northern versions), Southerners go for a brown sugar and pecan streusel topping that adds texture and deep flavor.

Ingredients for the Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potatoes
The heart of the dish. Roasted or boiled until fork-tender, then mashed until silky smooth.

Butter
Adds richness to the base and helps bind the topping.

Brown Sugar
Used in both the filling and the topping for a warm, molasses-like sweetness.

Eggs
Helps set the sweet potato filling so it bakes up slightly firm, not mushy.

Milk
Adds creaminess to the filling. You can use whole milk, evaporated milk, or even heavy cream.

Vanilla Extract
Rounds out the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg
Classic warm spices that enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

Chopped Pecans
The star of the topping – gives crunch, nuttiness, and a rustic finish.

All-Purpose Flour
Combined with sugar and butter to make the streusel topping hold together.

Salt
Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out flavor.

How To Make the Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain and mash until smooth. You can also roast them for extra flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined and silky.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter until crumbly. This will create a crispy, caramelized crust.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sweet potato filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan streusel evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Serving and Storing Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

This casserole is best served warm right out of the oven, when the top is crunchy and the filling is creamy. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats and other holiday side dishes. Garnish with a few whole pecans or a light drizzle of maple syrup for presentation.

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can reheat portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

It also freezes well! Simply wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.