Alton Brown’s Dreamy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Sweet potato casserole emerges as a culinary gem that transforms mundane meals into extraordinary experiences.

This beloved dish weaves comfort and elegance through its creamy, luscious layers of flavor.

Velvety sweet potatoes blend seamlessly with warm, aromatic spices that whisper of home and tradition.

Topped with a crunchy pecan crust, the casserole delivers a symphony of textures that titillate the senses.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through rich, indulgent goodness that transcends ordinary side dishes.

The recipe captures the essence of festive gatherings, inviting warmth and connection to the table.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible creation that turns simple ingredients into a masterpiece of comfort cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Alton Brown’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, vibrant orange tubers without bruises or soft spots for the best flavor and texture.
• Butter: Select high-quality, unsalted butter for a rich, smooth consistency.
• Eggs: Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for smooth blending and better incorporation.
• Evaporated Milk: Opt for a creamy, full-bodied brand to enhance the casserole's richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Pick pure vanilla extract for a deep, authentic flavor profile.
• Sugar: Select fine granulated sugar for even sweetness distribution.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt to balance and enhance the overall taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for a more natural texture.
• Brown Sugar: Pick fresh, soft brown sugar without hardened clumps.
• Pecans: Select whole, fresh pecans with a rich, nutty aroma for maximum crunch.

• Butter (for greasing): Use a neutral, unsalted butter to prevent sticking and add subtle richness.

Tools for Preparing Sweet Potato Casserole

• Large Pot: For boiling sweet potatoes with plenty of water.
• Cutting Board: To cool and peel sweet potatoes safely.
• Peeler: Helps remove potato skin smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Combines potato ingredients and creates creamy base.
• Electric Mixer: Whips potatoes into smooth, fluffy texture.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Baking Dish (8×11, 9×13, or 10×14 inch): Holds and bakes the casserole.
• Separate Mixing Bowl: Prepares crunchy pecan topping.
• Fork or Pastry Cutter: Blends butter into topping mixture.
• Oven: Bakes casserole to golden perfection.
• Serving Spoon: Helps transfer casserole onto plates.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

• Boil Potatoes

Submerge sweet potatoes in a large pot with water covering them generously. Heat until bubbling, then lower temperature and simmer. Cook until potatoes feel tender when pierced, roughly 25-35 minutes.

• Prepare Potato Base

Cool boiled potatoes, then gently remove skin. Mash thoroughly in a mixing bowl, blending with butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whip using an electric mixer until silky smooth.

• Craft Crunchy Topping

Mix flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans in a separate bowl. Work butter into the dry ingredients using fingertips or a fork until crumbly and well combined.

• Assemble Casserole

Grease a baking dish and spread potato mixture evenly. Sprinkle pecan crumble across the top, creating a delightful crunchy layer.

• Bake and Serve

Slide casserole into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake until topping transforms into a golden, crispy crust, about 35-40 minutes. Let rest briefly before serving, allowing flavors to settle and textures to meld perfectly.

Tips for Flavoring Sweet Potato Casserole

• Smooth Mashing Magic: Use a potato masher first to break down chunks, then switch to an electric mixer for ultra-creamy results without overworking the potatoes.
• Nutty Topping Trick: Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before chopping to enhance their rich, deep flavor and add extra crunch to the casserole.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the entire casserole up to the topping stage a day before, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save time during holiday meal prep.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace evaporated milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, dairy-free version that still maintains a creamy texture and delicious taste.

Serving Sweet Potato Casserole from Alton Brown

• Garnish with Freshness: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a vibrant color burst and light, zesty flavor.
• Pair with Complementary Dishes: Serve alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or grilled chicken to create a balanced and hearty meal.
• Dessert Transformation: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn this casserole into a decadent sweet treat that will delight guests.
• Customize with Extras: Add a handful of mini marshmallows or a light drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra layer of indulgence and personal touch.

Storage Advice for Sweet Potato Casserole

• Preserve Perfect Flavor: Store leftover sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining its delicious texture and taste.
• Smart Reheating Strategy: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve its creamy consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 2 days in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if coming directly from the cold refrigerator.

Incredible Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s sweet potato casserole delivers rich, creamy comfort with a crunchy pecan streusel topping. Hearty Southern flavors combine in this classic holiday side dish that welcomes you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 5 large sweet potatoes
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup evaporated milk (or substitute cream, or half and half)
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 3 tbsps butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Submerge sweet potatoes in a large pot with water covering 3-4 inches above vegetables. Boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until fork-tender, approximately 20-40 minutes.
2. Potato Processing: Remove potatoes, cool slightly, peel, and transfer to a mixing bowl. Combine with butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and salt. Mash manually, then blend with electric mixer for 45 seconds until smooth and creamy.
3. Dish Assembly: Grease a casserole dish and evenly spread the sweet potato mixture across the surface. Create the crumble topping by mixing all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and chopped nuts, then incorporate softened butter until it forms coarse crumbs.
4. Baking Finale: Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the sweet potato base. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is thoroughly heated.

Notes

• Choose the Right Potato: Select firm, uniform-sized sweet potatoes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Prevent Overcooking: Test potato doneness carefully with a fork; potatoes should be tender but not mushy to maintain their rich, creamy consistency.
• Smooth Mixing Technique: Start mashing manually, then use an electric mixer briefly to create a silky smooth sweet potato base without developing a gluey texture.
• Topping Texture Tip: Work the butter into the crumble mixture gently, creating coarse crumbs that will provide a delightful crispy contrast to the creamy sweet potato base.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg