This Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a rich and comforting side dish, which includes creamy sweet potatoes and a buttery pecan streusel. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 55 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Ingredients
For the sweet potato base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

How To Make Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Cook the sweet potatoes: Preheat oven to 375°F. Boil cubed sweet potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Mash and mix the base: Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add softened butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, eggs, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
- Fill the baking dish: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Top the casserole: Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potato layer. For extra sweetness, add marshmallows or use both toppings.
- Bake the casserole: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the topping is golden and marshmallows are browned, if using.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips
-
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare up to the topping step and refrigerate. Add streusel and bake just before serving. -
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but be sure to drain and mash well before mixing with other ingredients. -
What can I substitute for pecans?
Walnuts or almonds work well, or leave out nuts entirely for a simpler version. -
How to make it dairy-free:
Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use plant-based butter. -
Can I freeze sweet potato casserole?
Yes, freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
What To Serve With Sweet Potato Casserole
This sweet and savory side pairs perfectly with:
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Glazed ham
- Green bean casserole
- Cranberry sauce
- Stuffing or dressing

How To Store Sweet Potato Casserole
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Sweet Potato Casserole Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 4g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use marshmallows and streusel together?
Yes, combining both makes a sweeter and more indulgent topping.
Why is my casserole watery?
Excess moisture can come from overboiled or under-drained sweet potatoes. Drain thoroughly before mashing.
Can I make it egg-free?
Yes, use flax eggs or a plant-based egg replacer for a similar texture.
Should I peel the sweet potatoes first?
Yes, peeling helps create a smooth and creamy texture in the base.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Stuffed Eggplant Recipe
- Ina Garten Vegetable Casserole Recipe
- Ina Garten Potatoes Anna Recipe
Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes40
minutes320
kcalA creamy, cinnamon-spiced sweet potato base topped with a crunchy pecan streusel—perfect for holiday meals or comforting side dishes.
Ingredients
- Sweet Potato Base:
-
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
-
1/2 cup butter, softened
-
1/4 cup brown sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
-
2 large eggs
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Streusel Topping:
-
1/2 cup flour
-
1/3 cup brown sugar
-
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
-
1/2 cup chopped pecans
-
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Boil sweet potatoes until tender (15–20 min), drain, and mash.
- Mix in butter, sugar, cream, vanilla, eggs, salt, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Spread mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter for streusel. Mix until crumbly, stir in pecans.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over sweet potatoes.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden. Let cool 5–10 minutes before serving.
