How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Looking for a show-stopping dish that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to impress? Sweet potato casserole is the answer. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, a holiday potluck, or just a cozy family dinner, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. And here’s the best part: we’re using canned yams to keep things simple without sacrificing flavor. Trust me, no one will know the difference—except for how much time you saved!

What You’ll Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather the ingredients. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cans (29 ounces each) of canned yams – These are the star of the show and make the recipe a breeze.
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted – Because everything’s better with butter, right?
• 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar – For that rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar – To balance out the flavors.
• 2 large eggs – They help bind everything together.
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – A little goes a long way to enhance the flavor.
• 1/2 cup of milk – Whole milk works best for creaminess, but any kind will do.
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt – Just a pinch to bring out the sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon – Warm, cozy, and absolutely essential.
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg – Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
• 1 cup of chopped pecans – For a little crunch in the filling.
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour – The base for our crumbly topping.
• 3/4 cup of additional packed light brown sugar (for topping) – Because more sugar is always a good idea.
• 3/4 cup of chopped pecans (for topping) – Double the pecans, double the fun.
• 1/4 cup of softened butter (for topping) – To make the topping irresistibly buttery.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Yam Mixture

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab your canned yams and drain them well. Toss them into a large mixing bowl and grab your potato masher. Mash those yams until they’re smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! (Unless you’re into that sort of thing, in which case, mash to your heart’s content.)

Next, add the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and has a velvety texture. Pro tip: If you’re feeling fancy, you can use a hand mixer for an extra-smooth consistency.

Step 2: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of butter or cooking spray. This step is crucial—no one wants to deal with stuck-on casserole later. Pour the yam mixture into the dish and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Think of it as frosting a cake, but way less stressful.

Step 3: Make the Topping

Now for the fun part: the topping. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped pecans, flour, and softened butter. Use your hands or a fork to mix it all together until it’s crumbly and delicious. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the yam mixture in the baking dish. Don’t be shy—pile it on!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid burning—nobody likes a charred casserole.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This casserole pairs perfectly with savory dishes like roasted turkey, baked ham, or even grilled chicken. But honestly, it’s so good it could probably stand on its own. For a dessert twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. Trust me, your guests will be begging for seconds.

Why This Recipe Works

Using canned yams is a game-changer. Not only do they save you time, but they also ensure a consistently sweet and tender texture every single time. Plus, the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pecans gives this dish a warm, comforting flavor that screams “holidays.” And let’s not forget that buttery, crumbly topping—it’s the stuff dreams are made of.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a foolproof recipe for sweet potato casserole that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this dish is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try at your next gathering. And don’t be surprised when it becomes a new family tradition. Happy cooking!