Alton Brown’s Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for Fall Joy

Sweet potato casserole transforms ordinary root vegetables into a magical holiday sensation that warms both heart and plate.

This classic comfort dish combines creamy, smooth textures with rich, decadent flavors that dance across your palate.

Brown’s signature approach elevates the humble sweet potato into a culinary masterpiece with unexpected depth and complexity.

Each carefully selected ingredient contributes a unique note to the symphony of taste, creating balance and intrigue.

Soft, velvety sweet potatoes mingle with luxurious spices and a crunchy pecan topping that adds delightful contrast.

The recipe promises a side dish that feels simultaneously nostalgic and innovative, bridging traditional cooking with modern culinary artistry.

Generations of food lovers have celebrated this indulgent creation as a must-have centerpiece for festive gatherings: prepare to be delighted.

Step-by-Step Method for Alton Brown’s Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Boil Sweet Potatoes

Place sweet potatoes in a large pot and add water until it reaches 3-4 inches above potatoes. Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 20-40 minutes depending on potato size.

Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Remove potatoes from water and let cool on a cutting board. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and discard. Transfer peeled potatoes to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Create Creamy Potato Base

• Butter
• 2 eggs
• Evaporated milk
• Vanilla extract
• Sugar
• Salt

Mash potatoes first, then use an electric mixer on low speed for 45 seconds until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Lightly grease a baking dish (8×11, 9×13, or 10×14 inch pan). Transfer potato mixture to the prepared dish.

Step 5: Make Crunchy Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Chopped pecans

Cut in butter using a fork or pastry cutter until mixture is well blended.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35-40 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious sweet potato casserole as a side dish or dessert.

Pro Tips for Alton Brown’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Spice Up Wisely: Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice carefully to prevent overwhelming the sweet potato's natural flavor.
• Prevent Gluey Disaster: Gently mix ingredients until just combined. Too much mixing transforms your casserole into a dense, unappetizing mess.
• Smooth Operator: Use a potato ricer or food mill for silky-smooth texture. Prefer chunky? A traditional masher works perfectly.
• Quick Skin Removal: Plunge boiled sweet potatoes into cold water for effortless peeling. No more burned fingers or stubborn skin.
• Doneness Detective: Grab a fork or knife and test potato tenderness. Soft and yielding means they're ready. Stop before turning them into potato pudding.

Storing Alton Brown’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Freezer Preservation: Seal the casserole in heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers, removing all excess air to prevent freezer burn. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil for extra protection, ensuring the sweet potato dish stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating to maintain its original creamy texture.
• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftovers to a sealed glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid within two hours of cooking. Keep the casserole at the back of the fridge where temperature remains most consistent, lasting perfectly for 3-5 days. Minimize moisture by placing a paper towel underneath the container to absorb any condensation.
• Portion Separation: Divide the casserole into individual serving sizes before storing.

Fun Ways to Change Up Alton Brown’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Marshmallow Mountain: Transform the classic topping by spreading a layer of fluffy marshmallows over the sweet potato mixture, creating a golden-brown, gooey crust that melts in your mouth.
• Pecan Praline Paradise: Enhance the nutty topping by caramelizing pecans with brown sugar and a touch of bourbon, adding a rich, Southern-inspired crunch to the casserole.
• Maple Cinnamon Bliss: Infuse the sweet potato base with pure maple syrup and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle a streusel topping made with oats and maple-glazed walnuts for a warm, comforting flavor profile.
• Coconut Crunch Carnival: Mix shredded coconut into the topping and add a splash of coconut milk to the sweet potato base, creating a tropical-inspired version that brings a hint of exotic sweetness to the traditional recipe.

Looking Back at Alton Brown’s Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole embodies Southern comfort with its rich, creamy base and crunchy nut topping.

Alton Brown’s recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a luxurious side dish that connects generations around holiday tables.

Maple-like sweetness mingles with buttery nuances, creating an irresistible flavor profile that whispers home and tradition.

Nutty crumble adds delightful texture, elevating this classic comfort dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Family gatherings sparkle with anticipation when this golden-brown casserole emerges from kitchen ovens.

Passionate cooks and curious palates will discover pure culinary magic in Alton Brown’s masterful sweet potato creation – go ahead, share this recipe, spread deliciousness, and watch connections bloom around your dinner table.

Why Alton Brown’s Sweet Potato Casserole Is a Must-Have

• Comfort Food Champion: This sweet potato casserole delivers pure comfort with its creamy, smooth texture and rich, warming flavors that remind you of home-cooked family gatherings.
• Super Simple Preparation: The recipe offers an easy cooking method with straightforward steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious side dish without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Adventure: The combination of silky smooth sweet potato base and crunchy nutty topping creates an incredible contrast that will surprise and delight taste buds, making every bite exciting and satisfying.
• Holiday Meal Hero: This casserole shines during thanksgiving and winter celebrations, providing a classic dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table while being impressively delicious and crowd-friendly.

Ingredients to Gather for Alton Brown’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that forms the core of the casserole, best when fresh and firm with smooth skin.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the potato mixture, choose unsalted for better control of seasoning.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the casserole ingredients together.
• Evaporated Milk: Creates smooth and luxurious consistency, more concentrated than regular milk.
• Vanilla: Brings warm, sweet undertone to enhance overall flavor.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the savory elements of the dish.
• Salt: Helps to highlight and balance all other flavors in the casserole.

• Flour: Creates crumbly texture for the casserole topping.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness to the crumb topping.
• Nuts: Adds crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the casserole surface.

• Butter (for greasing): Prevents casserole from sticking to the baking dish.

Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s sweet potato casserole delivers southern comfort with a perfect balance of creamy potatoes and crunchy pecan topping. Classic holiday flavors merge in this irresistible side dish that will make you the star of any family gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 large sweet potatoes
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup evaporated milk

Dairy and Fats:

• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup evaporated milk (or substitute cream, or half and half)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

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Instructions

1. Submerge sweet potatoes in a large pot, ensuring water covers at least 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 centimeters) above the vegetables. Bring water to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium.
2. Cover the pot and simmer potatoes until a fork glides smoothly through their flesh, approximately 20 to 40 minutes depending on size. Monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
3. Remove potatoes from boiling water and transfer to a clean cutting board. Allow them to cool until comfortable to handle, then carefully strip away the skin and discard.
4. Transfer peeled potatoes to a spacious mixing bowl. Add butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and salt. Initially mash the potatoes manually, then use an electric mixer on low speed for 45 seconds to achieve a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Lightly grease a casserole dish measuring 8×11 inches (20×28 centimeters), 9×13 inches (23×33 centimeters), or a deep 10×14 inches (25×35.5 centimeters) pie pan. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly across the surface.
6. Prepare the crumble topping by combining all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and chopped nuts in a separate mixing bowl. Incorporate softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Generously sprinkle the prepared topping over the sweet potato base. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is heated through.

Notes

• Elevate your sweet potato game by picking vibrant orange or red varieties, packed with natural sweetness and creamy potential.
• Cold water is your boiling buddy, ensuring even cooking and adding a pinch of salt for flavor-boosting magic.
• Culinary doneness detective work involves a simple fork test – glide it through smoothly, and you’re golden, but beware of mushy mishaps.
• Skin removal gets a cool twist: plunge boiled potatoes into cold water for effortless peeling that’ll make prep a breeze.
• Texture transformation happens with a potato ricer for silky smoothness or a classic masher for rustic charm.
• Spice up your mash with warming cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to create a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance.
• Gentle mixing is the secret weapon – combine ingredients with love, but stop before turning your casserole into a dense disaster.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg