If you're looking for a delicious side dish that will steal the show, look no further than Natasha Sweet Potato Casserole. I remember the first time I made this for Thanksgiving; my son Jake couldn't stop raving about it. This sweet potato casserole is creamy, sweet, and topped with a crunchy pecan streusel that everyone loves.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a family favorite that brings everyone together.
- The combination of sweet potatoes and crunchy topping is irresistible.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy gathering.
Pure Comfort
This casserole is pure comfort food, with its creamy texture and sweet flavor. It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and brings back fond memories of family gatherings.
What You Need
- 4 cups 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed – About 3 large sweet potatoes.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar works.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup milk – Use whole or 2% milk for creaminess.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract – For added flavor.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp cinnamon – Feel free to add more if you love cinnamon.
- 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp nutmeg – A pinch adds warmth.
- 1 cup 1 cup pecans, chopped – You can substitute with walnuts.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup granulated sugar – For the topping mix.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Use gluten-free flour if needed.
Time to Cook
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 50 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden color on top.
- In a large pot, boil the sweet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This will be the base of your casserole, so make it nice and even.
- In a separate bowl, mix the chopped pecans, granulated sugar, and flour. This will create the crunchy topping that everyone loves.
- Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer. It should cover the entire surface for that delightful crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. You’ll love the aroma wafting through your kitchen!
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set a bit and make it easier to scoop out.
Make It Perfect
- For a creamier texture, add an extra splash of milk when mashing the sweet potatoes.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, prepare it up to the baking step and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar, depending on your taste.
Mix It Up
- Try adding mini marshmallows on top for a classic twist.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sweet potato mixture.
Perfect Partners
- Serve alongside roasted turkey or ham for a perfect holiday meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
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FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?
You can use butternut squash or pumpkin puree for a different flavor.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour in the topping.
Conclusion
Natasha Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to your holiday table. With its creamy filling and crunchy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite, just like it is in ours. Enjoy every bite!

Natasha Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
sweet potato group
- 4 cups cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed About 3 large sweet potatoes.
- 1/2 cup cup brown sugar Light or dark brown sugar works.
- 1/4 cup cup milk Use whole or 2% milk for creaminess.
- 1/4 cup cup unsalted butter, melted Can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1 tsp tsp vanilla extract For added flavor.
- 1/2 tsp tsp cinnamon Feel free to add more if you love cinnamon.
- 1/4 tsp tsp nutmeg A pinch adds warmth.
- 1 cup cup pecans, chopped You can substitute with walnuts.
- 1/2 cup cup granulated sugar For the topping mix.
- 1/2 cup cup all-purpose flour Use gluten-free flour if needed.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden color on top.
- In a large pot, boil the sweet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This will be the base of your casserole, so make it nice and even.
- In a separate bowl, mix the chopped pecans, granulated sugar, and flour. This will create the crunchy topping that everyone loves.
- Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer. It should cover the entire surface for that delightful crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. You’ll love the aroma wafting through your kitchen!
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set a bit and make it easier to scoop out.