Ina Garten’s Velvety Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for Fall

Ina Garten’s sweet potato casserole transforms ordinary root vegetables into a culinary masterpiece that dances between comforting and decadent.

Familiar yet sophisticated, this classic side dish elevates family gatherings with its rich, creamy texture and irresistible crunch.

Marshmallows take a backseat while a nutty, caramelized topping steals the spotlight in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients blend into something extraordinary, creating layers of warm, inviting flavors.

Seasonal spices whisper memories of cozy gatherings, making each bite feel like a nostalgic embrace.

Southern hospitality meets gourmet technique in this foolproof dish that bridges traditional and modern cooking styles.

The result is a harmonious balance of sweet, buttery goodness that guarantees second helpings: dig in without hesitation.

What You Need for Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Hearty, nutritious root vegetable that provides the main body and creamy texture of the casserole.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the casserole together and adds richness.
• White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth flavor profile.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a creamy consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, sweet undertone to the sweet potato mixture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps create a crispy topping.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients and provides structure.
• Pecans: Adds crunch, nutty flavor, and provides textural contrast to the creamy base.

• Butter (for topping): Helps create a crumbly, golden-brown topping.

How to Prep Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 325°F (165°C) and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes

• Grab fresh sweet potatoes
• Place in a large saucepan
• Cover with water
• Boil until fork-tender (10-15 minutes)
• Drain completely
• Let cool slightly

Step 3: Create Creamy Sweet Potato Base

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Beaten eggs
• White sugar
• Milk
• Softened butter
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Whisk everything until beautifully blended and velvety.

Step 4: Settle Into Baking Dish

Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a 9 by 13-inch baking dish, creating a perfect canvas for the topping.

Step 5: Craft Crunchy Pecan Topping

• Packed brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Softened butter

Blend until mixture looks like delicate crumbs

Gently fold in chopped pecans

Step 6: Sprinkle Magical Topping

Generously distribute the pecan mixture across the sweet potato surface, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Celebrate

Remove from oven and let cool briefly. Serve warm, watching everyone’s eyes light up with the first delightful bite.

Tips to Get a Fluffy and Golden Casserole

• Select Premium Sweet Potatoes: Grab fresh, firm sweet potatoes from local markets for maximum flavor and creamy texture.
• Smooth Mashing Technique: Use a potato masher or electric mixer to create silky-smooth sweet potato base without any unwanted lumps.
• Perfect Pecan Crumble: Combine cold butter and topping ingredients by using your fingertips to create delicate, crispy crumbs that will deliver incredible crunch.
• Strategic Topping Distribution: Sprinkle pecan mixture evenly across the surface to guarantee a delightful balance of creamy sweet potatoes and nutty, crisp topping.
• Bake with Precision: Monitor casserole closely during final minutes of baking, looking for golden-brown topping that signals a perfectly caramelized, delectable dish.

How to Store Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole

• Freeze Whole Casserole: Seal the sweet potato casserole completely in heavy-duty aluminum foil, then wrap in a freezer-safe plastic bag to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain peak flavor and texture.
• Refrigerate Individual Portions: Slice the casserole into single-serving portions before storing. Pack each portion in a separate airtight glass container to preserve freshness and make reheating easier. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, ensuring quick and convenient meal prep.
• Room Temperature Safety: Let the casserole cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth. Never leave sweet potato dishes at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Transfer to refrigeration quickly to maintain food safety and prevent potential spoilage.

Flavor Boosts for Sweet Potato Casserole

• Marshmallow Crown Edition: Replace the pecan topping with a layer of mini marshmallows for a classic, gooey sweet finish that kids will love.
• Coconut Crunch Version: Swap pecans with toasted coconut flakes and add a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the sweet potato mixture for tropical flair.
• Maple Spice Remix: Substitute white sugar with maple syrup and add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of ginger to create a warm, autumnal flavor profile.
• Savory Herb Transformation: Reduce sugar, add chopped fresh rosemary and thyme to the sweet potato base, and top with crispy bacon bits for a sophisticated, less sweet approach.

Wrapping Up Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole

Culinary magic unfolds with Ina Garten’s sweet potato casserole, a symphony of southern comfort and gourmet elegance.

Creamy sweet potatoes nestled beneath a crunchy pecan crown create an irresistible harmony of textures and flavors.

Comfort meets sophistication in this classic dish that whispers memories of family gatherings and holiday warmth.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated such simple yet profound recipes that connect generations through shared meals.

Pecan-studded toppings add a delightful crunch that elevates this humble casserole from ordinary to extraordinary.

Golden-brown edges and rich, velvety centers beckon you to savor each delectable spoonful – share this recipe, spread the joy, and let culinary passion spark conversations that bring people closer together.

Why Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Feels Like Fall

• Elevate Holiday Comfort: This sweet potato casserole transforms a simple side dish into a luxurious, crowd-pleasing showstopper that brings warmth and nostalgia to any festive gathering.
• Perfectly Balanced Textures: The creamy, velvety smooth sweet potato base contrasts beautifully with the crunchy, caramelized pecan topping, creating a delightful sensory experience in every single bite.
• Effortless Elegance: With straightforward preparation steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe delivers gourmet-level deliciousness without requiring advanced culinary skills or complicated techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.

Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s sweet potato casserole elevates holiday tables with its luxurious blend of creamy mashed sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping. Comfort meets elegance in this classic Southern-style side dish that promises to delight dinner guests with its rich, buttery flavor profile.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (946 ml) peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup (100 g) white sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk

Baking and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (57 g) butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
• ⅓ cup (42 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons (43 g) butter, softened

Topping:

• ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 325°F (165°C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal baking.
2. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then place them in a large pot with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Mash completely using a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and free of lumps.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with beaten eggs, granulated sugar, whole milk, melted unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the ingredients are fully incorporated and create a creamy consistency.
5. Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Carefully spread the sweet potato mixture evenly across the dish, creating a smooth surface.
6. For the crumble topping, mix packed brown sugar and all-purpose flour in a separate bowl. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse, pebble-like crumbs.
7. Fold the chopped pecans into the brown sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the crumble.
8. Generously sprinkle the pecan crumble over the sweet potato base, covering the entire surface with a uniform layer.
9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the topping turns a golden brown and becomes slightly crispy.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.

Notes

• Grab super-fresh sweet potatoes from local markets or trusted produce sections for maximum flavor depth.
• Smooth out potato mash completely to create silky, luxurious texture without any unexpected lumpy surprises.
• Crumble topping ingredients using cold butter for that perfect crispy, golden-brown finish that melts in your mouth.
• Distribute pecan topping generously and evenly across sweet potato base to guarantee delicious crunch in every single bite.
• Monitor baking closely during last 10-15 minutes to prevent burning while achieving gorgeous caramelized golden color.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 366 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 174 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 67 mg