Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
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My easy sweet potato casserole recipe is extra special thanks to the crispy, buttery brown sugar pecan topping that steals the show! It’s the perfect Thanksgiving side dish that can be made ahead of time but it is also easy enough to enjoy year-round, even on busy weeknights!

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It’s hard for me to decide what my favorite Thanksgiving side is: sausage stuffing or this amazing sweet potato casserole? For me it’s a tie but for the kiddos, the sweet potatoes win every time!
We actually make this recipe year round, in fact it was one of the first things I taught my boys to cook on their own since they love it so much. It’s easy and I think you’re going to LOVE it!
Why I love this recipe
- I love how quickly this dish comes together. It’s a no-fuss recipe that doesn’t require a ton of time or ingredients.
- This casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal, everyone loves it.
Ingredients
- canned yams, I use Bruce’s brand
- granulated sugar
- milk
- egg
- butter
- vanilla extract
- brown sugar
- all-purpose flour
- butter
- pecans
Feel free to use fresh sweet potatoes if you prefer. Peel the potatoes and chop into cubes, then boil in a large pot until tender. Drain thoroughly and use as you would canned yams.
Step by step
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Pour yams into a large bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher until desired smoothness. (I leave some lumps.)
- Add granulated sugar, milk, egg, 3 tablespoons of butter, and vanilla the the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until thoroughly blended.
- In a separate small bowl combine brown sugar, flour, and 2 tablespoons of butter and mash with a fork until crumbly. Stir in pecans.
- Pour the yam mixture into an 8 by 8-inch baking dish and top with the crumbly pecan mixture.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes or until top is golden brown and bubbling.



Tips for Best Results
- Lumpy or Smooth: I leave some lumps in the yams for texture, but you can mash them until completely smooth if you prefer.

Variations
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the yam mixture for a warm, spicy twist. You can also mix mini marshmallows with the topping for a sweet, gooey finish.
And if pecans aren’t your thing, chopped walnuts or even a sprinkle of granola can add a unique crunch.
Serving suggestions
- pair it with roasted Turkey or baked ham for the holidays
- serve it alongside baked chicken or pork tenderloin for a easy weeknight meal
Storage
If you have leftovers sweet potato casserole, cover the casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
If you try this recipe please comment and give it a 5-star rating below, I love hearing from you!
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 35 – 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 – 8 servings 1x
Description
My easy sweet potato casserole recipe is extra special thanks to the crispy, buttery brown sugar pecan topping that steals the show! It’s the perfect Thanksgiving side dish that can be made ahead of time but it is also easy enough to enjoy year-round, even on busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 40 oz can yams, I use Bruce’s brand, drained
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Pour yams into a large bowl and mash until desired smoothness. I leave some lumps.
- Add granulated sugar, milk, egg, 3 tablespoons of butter, and vanilla. Mix until thoroughly blended.
- In a smaller bowl combine brown sugar, flour, and 2 tablespoons of butter and mash with a fork until crumbly. Stir in pecans.
- Pour the yam mixture into an 8 by 8-inch baking dish and top with the crumbly pecan mixture.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes or until top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 – 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 263
- Sugar: 25.9 g
- Sodium: 21.7 mg
- Fat: 12.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 35.8 g
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Protein: 2.8 g
- Cholesterol: 42.6 mg







