Sweet Potato Casserole

This canned sweet potato casserole uses a store-bought shortcut, but it's just as delicious as the from-scratch version.

Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this sweet potato casserole with canned yams:

· Sweet potatoes: This casserole starts with a 40-ounce can of undrained, cut sweet potatoes.
· Sugars: You'll need white sugar for the filling and brown sugar for the topping.
· Butter: Unsalted butter goes into the casserole and the topping, ensuring super rich flavor.
· Milk: Use whole milk or your favorite milk alternative.
· Eggs: Two large eggs help bind the casserole together.
· Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds flavor and subtle complexity.
· Pecans: The streusel topping calls for chopped pecans.
· Flour: About ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour is all you'll need for the topping.

How to Make Canned Sweet Potato Casserole

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below – but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this top-rated canned sweet potato casserole:

1. Make the filling: Place the undrained canned sweet potatoes in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and drain. Mash the potatoes and add white sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until well-combined.
2. Make the topping: Mix the pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter in a separate bowl until combined and crumbly.
3. Bake the casserole: Spread the potato mixture in a prepared baking dish, then sprinkle with the topping. Bake in a preheated oven until the topping is golden brown.

Canned Yams vs. Canned Sweet Potatoes

Yams and sweet potatoes are two totally different vegetables, but you can use canned yams and canned sweet potatoes ⁠— the ones you can find in U.S. supermarkets, at least ⁠— interchangeably. Either one (cut and undrained) will work well in this recipe.

Learn more: What's the Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes?

Can You Make Canned Sweet Potato Casserole In Advance?

Sweet potato casserole with canned yams makes a great make-ahead side dish. Prepare it two to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes (or until heated through).

How to Store Canned Sweet Potato Casserole

Allow the leftover sweet potato casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for three to five days.

Can You Freeze Canned Sweet Potato Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze sweet potato casserole. Bake the filling according to the directions (preferably in a foil baking pan) without adding the topping. Allow the casserole to cool, then wrap the entire baking dish tightly in foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Add the topping and reheat in the oven according to the directions above.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"This has become a delicious addition to our Thanksgiving meal," says one Allrecipes community member. "I added a hint of cinnamon and orange juice to add a bit more flavor."

"Not only is this a delicious side dish, I can eat it as a stand-alone dish," according to Kathy Wheat Self. "Smooth and not too sweet. The topping really adds to it."

"This is such a simple recipe," says Nicole33. "I double my crust, just to give it more crunch and sweetness, but it's a huge hit at my house!"

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams