Canned Sweet Potato Casserole (Easy Recipe)

Bring warmth and comforting sweetness to your table with this canned sweet potato casserole.

Picture this: creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy buttery pecan topping. Sounds like a gift, right? Yes, it tastes as good as it sounds!

This Canned Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is the perfect balance of convenience and homemade goodness.

Canned sweet potatoes can save you valuable time without sacrificing taste or quality. It’s a fantastic solution for busy cooks craving a comforting dish.

So reason up and make this crowd-pleasing treat today!

Canned Sweet Potato Casserole

Canned Sweet Potato Casserole packs sweetness, rich textures, and hearty flavors. It is a classic recipe that is often served during festive seasons.

This casserole is made up of two main components. The base layer consists of baby sweet potatoes. They are crushed until they obtain a creamy and velvety consistency.

The top layer of the casserole is a crumbly walnut topping. Chopped walnuts, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter are mixed together for a crunchy, nutty coating.

Baking the casserole brings all the flavors together and gives the dish its final, cozy touch.

The result is a harmonious mix of flavors and textures. It will bring warmth and sweetness to your table.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes -The star of this dish. The mashed sweet potatoes form the base of the casserole.
• Sugar – Use white sugar to sweeten the casserole and brown sugar for the pecan topping.
• Butter – Gives the casserole a rich, creamy texture and flavor. It also helps the pecan topping spread evenly.
• Milk – Adds creaminess and helps smooth out the sweet potato mixture.
• Eggs – To help bind the ingredients.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a touch of warm vanilla flavor.
• Chopped nuts – To add a delicious crunch and nutty flavor to contrast the creamy sweet potato mixture.
• all purpose flour – Helps thicken and bind the walnut coating.

How to Make Canned Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Prepare the ingredients and preheat the oven. After gathering the ingredients, set the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and lightly grease the baking dish.

2. Cook the sweet potatoes. Pour the canned sweet potatoes into a saucepan along with the juice. Let them boil and drain the liquid.

3. Make the sweet potato mixture. Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth, then let them cool. Add white sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Spread the sweet potato mixture in the prepared baking dish. Be sure to distribute the mixture evenly.

5. Make the pecan topping. Sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.

6. Bake and let rest. Bake the casserole for about 35 minutes or until the pecan topping is golden brown. Let rest and serve!

Tips for the Best Casserole

• Canned sweet potatoes can be quite sweet. The recipe also calls for added sugar. Taste your mix as you prepare it and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• Make sure the sweet potato mixture is spread evenly in your baking dish. This ensures that it cooks evenly and each bite has the right flavors.
• Lightly toast the nuts before adding them to the topping. This brings out its flavor and makes the topping even more delicious.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. Firms up a bit and makes serving easier.
• Add some spices to the sweet potato mixture. Cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice can add more warmth and depth of flavor to the casserole.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Making this sweet potato casserole can be a lifesaver, especially during the busy holiday season. Let’s break down the steps:

Prepare the sweet potatoes:

Make the sweet potato part of the casserole 1 to 2 days in advance. Follow recipe instructions. Stop before adding the pecan topping and allow to cool.

Once it’s cold, cover the dish and put it in the fridge.

Make the walnut topping:

You can also prepare the walnut topping ahead of time. Mix together the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Assemble and bake:

When ready to bake, take sweet potatoes and pecan topping out of the fridge. Spread it evenly over the sweet potatoes.

Doing all the prep work in advance means you have to assemble and bake. It will make getting ready for busy vacations a breeze!

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover Storage:

Leftover sweet potato casserole is a lifesaver for future quick meals or snacks. Just put it in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.

Use an airtight container or cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for about 3-5 days. But it’s so delicious that it may not last as long!

Freezing the casserole:

The freezer is your best friend if you want to store it longer. Make sure your casserole is completely cool. To serve later, separate into portions before freezing.

Whether freezing the whole or individual servings, wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Then, put it in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.

Don’t forget to write the date on it! It should be kept for 2 to 3 months. You’ll have a comforting dish ready to go when you need it.

Reheat the casserole:

When you’re ready to enjoy your stew again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if it’s frozen. Then, either from the fridge or freezer, bake it to warm it up.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap, but keep it covered with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

Bake it for about 20-25 minutes or until it is completely heated through. Remove foil for 5-10 minutes of baking to crisp up the top again.

Canned yams vs. canned sweet potatoes

In the US, canned “yams” and “sweet potatoes” are used interchangeably. But they are not the same!

True yams, starchy tubers from Africa and Asia, are rarely found in American stores.

If you find canned sweet potatoes or sweet potatoes at the grocery store, either will work for this recipe. Just make sure they are packed in water or syrup, not salty spices.

The flavor and texture of the casserole should be excellent with either option.