The Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is creamy, sweet and perfect for family dinners or holidays. This casserole combines mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping for a comforting side dish everyone loves.
The Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is easy to make at home using simple ingredients. In this guide, you will learn how to make Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe step by step, with tips and tricks to get the perfect texture and flavor.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this recipe for Thanksgiving last year and it was a hit. The sweet potatoes were creamy, smooth and slightly sweet. The pecan topping added a crunchy contrast that made every bite delicious.
I loved how easy it was to prepare and it baked perfectly in the oven. My family couldn’t stop talking about it. Making this casserole became fun and stress-free. Now, it’s a favorite side dish for holidays and special dinners.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Potato masher or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl for topping
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Boil Sweet Potatoes
Place peeled, cubed sweet potatoes in a pot of water. Boil 15–20 minutes until tender.
3. Mash Sweet Potatoes
Drain sweet potatoes and mash in a large bowl until smooth. Use a potato masher or electric mixer.
4. Add Butter and Sugar
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs and vanilla into mashed sweet potatoes.
5. Prepare Topping
In a small bowl, mix chopped pecans, flour, granulated sugar and melted butter until crumbly.
6. Spread Sweet Potatoes
Transfer mashed sweet potato mixture into prepared baking dish. Smooth surface with a spatula.
7. Add Pecan Topping
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes, covering the entire surface.
8. Bake Casserole
Place dish in the oven and bake 35–40 minutes until topping is golden brown and sweet potatoes are set.
9. Cool Slightly
Remove from oven and let casserole cool 5 minutes before serving. This helps it hold its shape.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Scoop casserole onto plates and enjoy warm. It’s perfect as a holiday side or a comforting dinner addition.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for natural sweetness
- Mash potatoes thoroughly for creamy texture
- Toast pecans lightly for extra flavor
- Do not overbake to keep casserole moist
- Let casserole cool slightly before serving
- Add spices gradually and taste for balanced flavor
- Use unsalted butter to control overall saltiness
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overboiling sweet potatoes can make them waterlogged
- Not mixing eggs well can cause uneven texture
- Skipping the butter in topping makes it dry
- Crowding the baking dish reduces even baking
- Baking at too high temperature can burn pecans
Serving Suggestions
Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe pairs well with roasted turkey, baked chicken or ham. Add green beans, cranberry sauce or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serve warm to enjoy creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy topping together. This casserole is perfect for holidays, family dinners or potlucks.
Variations You Can Try
- Add mini marshmallows on top for extra sweetness
- Mix in orange zest for a fresh citrus flavor
- Substitute walnuts for pecans in the topping
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup before serving
- Sprinkle a pinch of ground ginger for warmth
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes until warm
- Avoid microwaving for too long to keep topping crisp
- You can prepare casserole a day ahead and bake before serving
- Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Health Benefits
Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C and antioxidants. This casserole provides natural sweetness without refined sugars. Using pecans adds healthy fats and protein. Eggs contribute additional protein and richness.
Baking at home allows control over ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to pre-made dishes. Enjoying this casserole provides energy, supports immunity and satisfies sweet cravings in a nutritious way.
Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Boil Sweet Potatoes
- Place peeled, cubed sweet potatoes in a pot of water. Boil 15–20 minutes until tender.
Mash Sweet Potatoes
- Drain sweet potatoes and mash in a large bowl until smooth. Use a potato masher or electric mixer.
Add Butter and Sugar
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs and vanilla into mashed sweet potatoes.
Prepare Topping
- In a small bowl, mix chopped pecans, flour, granulated sugar and melted butter until crumbly.
Spread Sweet Potatoes
- Transfer mashed sweet potato mixture into prepared baking dish. Smooth surface with a spatula.
Add Pecan Topping
- Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes, covering the entire surface.
Bake Casserole
- Place dish in the oven and bake 35–40 minutes until topping is golden brown and sweet potatoes are set.
Cool Slightly
- Remove from oven and let casserole cool 5 minutes before serving. This helps it hold its shape.
Serve and Enjoy
- Scoop casserole onto plates and enjoy warm. It’s perfect as a holiday side or a comforting dinner addition.
Notes
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for natural sweetness
- Mash potatoes thoroughly for creamy texture
- Toast pecans lightly for extra flavor
- Do not overbake to keep casserole moist
- Let casserole cool slightly before serving
- Add spices gradually and taste for balanced flavor
- Use unsalted butter to control overall saltiness
FAQs about Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare sweet potatoes and topping separately. Assemble and bake just before serving for best results.
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but fresh sweet potatoes taste better and provide a firmer texture for baking.
3. Can I make it vegan?
Yes, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a flax egg or other egg replacer.
4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, assemble unbaked casserole and freeze up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen.
5. Can I add spices for extra flavor?
Absolutely! Nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon can be adjusted for more warmth and flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is creamy, flavorful and perfect for any holiday or dinner. Now you know how to make Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe step by step.
The Ingredients for Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe are simple and easy to find. With tips, variations and easy instructions, you can create a side dish everyone will love.
Once you taste the sweet, creamy potatoes with crunchy pecans, this casserole will become a family favorite.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!