How To Fix Runny Sweet Potato Casserole? Top 99 Best Answers

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Peel potatoes, then cut into large pieces. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pieces until slightly tender when pierced with a fork. (Only takes a few minutes, don’t cook until mushy.) Remove the potatoes from the pot, but reserve some of the liquid (about 1/3 cup). Melt butter in pan. Add at least a cup of brown sugar and stir until well combined. (You may need more brown sugar later if it doesn’t thicken into a nice glaze. You want it to be like a nice, thick syrup consistency.) Add about half of the total reserved 1/3 cup liquid from the boil Pot. Keep stirring until thick. Add more brown sugar again if it doesn’t thicken nicely. Add yams or sweet potatoes to skillet and gently fold in glaze until thickened and potatoes are warmed through. (Keep an eye on the glaze. Stir it around the potatoes occasionally and continue to coat the potatoes. If it doesn’t start to thicken, you may need to add a little more brown sugar until it thickens nicely.)

Sweet Potato Casserole is made with a rich, velvety sweet potato filling and topped with a crunchy and delicious pecan streusel topping. There’s a secret ingredient that brings out the flavors and takes this Thanksgiving side dish to the next level!

This post is sponsored by Tony Chachere.

Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping

The holidays are just around the corner and I’m counting the days! I am so looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas this year and this recipe will be my pride and joy to share with everyone.

Whether as a side dish or dessert, this yam casserole is sure to turn heads anywhere on the dinner table. We shared it with our family and got rave reviews (and lots of requests to make it for our next vacation)!

I love using Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning in this recipe because honestly it’s the flavor you didn’t know you needed in this classic dish. The flavors in their Creole spiciness perfectly complement the sweetness in the sweet potato casserole! Find out where to buy the full range of Tony Chachere products here.

ingredients

For the sweet potato casserole filling, you will need sweet potatoes cut in half (you can also substitute milk or cream), brown sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning, and eggs.

I recommend small to medium sized sweet potatoes. They’re easier to peel and much easier to cut into 2-inch pieces.

For the streusel topping you will need all-purpose flour, brown sugar, Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning, unsalted butter, and pecans.

I like to halve the pecans instead of just roughly chopping them. It really makes the finished dish look that much prettier and is a nice touch when you’re cooking for a special holiday.

How to make a sweet potato casserole

Start by cooking the peeled sweet potato chunks until tender. In a large mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher. If you like a really smooth sweet potato filling, you can use a hand mixer to get an even texture. (See the recipe card below for the full printable recipe.)

Add the butter, half and half, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning. Stir until the butter is completely melted, then mix in the eggs. Be sure to whisk in the eggs until there are no streaks of egg white left.

Whisk together all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning. Use a cookie cutter to score the butter.

Mix in the chopped pecans for a pecan crumble topping.

Spread the sweet potato filling in a greased 13 x 9 baking pan, then sprinkle the sprinkles on top.

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the center is set. See the recipe card below for full written instructions including ingredient amounts, cooking times and helpful tips etc.

Should I put eggs in my sweet potato casserole?

Yes, sweet potato casseroles taste best with eggs. Eggs add structure to the dish, making it more than just mashed sweet potatoes.

It’s important that the sweet potatoes are sufficiently cool before you mix in the eggs, otherwise they’ll just scramble in the bowl.

Sweet Potato Casserole Topping

I love serving this easy side dish with a pecan topping (walnuts work great too!). If you want a nut-free dish, you can omit the crumble topping and use mini marshmallows instead. Just keep an eye on it so the marshmallows don’t burn.

Keep in touch

I would love to hear what you think of this recipe in the comments or on Instagram! @KeyToMyLime #KeyToMyLime

Click here to pin this recipe for later!

If you like this recipe, be sure to check out our entire side dish recipes section! Some reader favorites are:

Are You Making This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving? Be sure to check out these popular Thanksgiving recipes to serve it up!

Continue to Content Yield: 12 servings BEST Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Print Sweet Potato Casserole is made with a rich, velvety sweet potato filling and topped with a crunchy and delicious pecan crumble topping. Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 40 minutes Extra Time 10 minutes Total Time 1 hour Stuffing Ingredients: 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes, about 5 medium sweet potatoes)

1/2 cup half and half

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)*

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3/4 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning

2 large eggs Pecan Streusel Topping: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning

1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

1 cup coarsely chopped pecans Instructions Preheat the oven to 350 F (176 C). Grease a 13 x 9 baking dish and set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once cooked, add the peeled diced sweet potatoes and cook until fork tender (about 15 minutes). Drain the sweet cubes and place in a large mixing bowl. Mash the sweet potatoes. Add the butter to the mashed sweet potatoes and stir until completely melted. Add half and half, brown sugar, pure vanilla extract and Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning. Stir until the sweet potato filling is fully incorporated. Once the butter has completely melted, mix in the eggs (making sure to mix long enough so that there are no streaks of egg white). Place the sweet potato mixture in the greased casserole dish. In a medium mixing bowl, prepare the pecan crumble topping. Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning. Add the softened butter and use a pastry cutter to score the butter until you achieve a sandy texture. Mix in the chopped pecans. Spread the pecan crumble topping evenly over the sweet potato filling in the casserole dish. Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the center is set (about 25-30 minutes). Carefully remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Notes *I prefer not to dice the butter that is mixed with the sweet potatoes. This is because it takes longer to melt a large knob of butter into the sweet potatoes. If it melts, you’re pretty sure the sweet potatoes have cooled enough not to cook the eggs when you mix them in in the next step. Nutritional Information: Serving Size: 1/12

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 366 Total Fat: 19.3g Carbohydrates: 46.6g Fiber: 4.5g Sugars: 23.4g Protein: 3.6g Nutritional information is not always accurate. DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Tag @KeyToMyLime on Instagram so we can see your delicious food!

If you’re looking for the best sweet potato recipe that you can make ahead of time, this Sweet Potato Casserole is the recipe for you!

Want to make the perfect sweet potato pie for Thanksgiving but it never comes out right? Start by knowing when is the best moment to pull the cake out of the oven. That boils down to answering the question – should it wiggle when it comes out of the oven?

Is there anything more disappointing than baking a dessert and not bringing it out?

Like a cherry pie that’s soup in the middle. Or a desert dry cheesecake.

It’s very frustrating to say the least.

We want to help play a small role in ending this frustration, especially for the holidays.

Just like we’ve helped people avoid an overcooked pumpkin pie. We’re here to help you with a sweet potato pie.

How can I tell when it’s done?

It really comes down to answering a simple question: should sweet potato pie wiggle in the middle?

Just like cookies are overkill when they look done in the oven, sweet potato pie shouldn’t look done in the oven. The center of the cake should wobble slightly.

The reason for this is the carryover heat. Just because we take the cake out of the oven doesn’t mean it suddenly stops baking.

The cake comes from a 350 degree oven and the cake itself is definitely not that hot. It takes time for the cake to cool enough that it no longer gets hot.

The strategy is to stretch the pie before the filling is fully set so the heat transferred will bring it to a point where the custard will set (yam pie is considered a custard pie).

The filling settles around the edges before the middle. If it also wobbles on the sides, there is enough heat to fully cure it.

Here’s a short video showing you how wobbly the center of the cake should be.

More accurate methods

A wobbly middle is not an exact science. You can be more specific by checking the temperature of the cake. According to Alton Brown, the filling will set between 160 and 180 degrees. So if your pie is in that range, you know you’re good.

Most people don’t like sticking a thermometer in their cake to check the temperature because it puts a whole in the cake. Paula Deen recommends sticking a knife in and seeing if it comes out clean, which would put a hole in it (and I don’t think it’s as good as the wiggle test.

Of course, making a hole in the cake isn’t a problem if you top the cake with whipped cream or pecans.

There is a way to completely eliminate the guessing game. Make sous vide sweet potato pies! The magic of the immersion circulator is that you can cook to the exact temperature without the risk of exceeding it.

do you already have one I highly recommend them. In fact, I’ve come up with a whole list of things you can make sous vide for Thanksgiving.

You can do what I did with pumpkin pie and make individual sweet potato pies in mason jars. Serve with chunks of baked and broken pie crust or a streusel topping sprinkled with graham crackers or ginger schnapps cookies.

Why is it mushy or soft? Did you bake your cake and it turned out soggy or too soft? Why could that be? Remember only the center needs to wiggle when you pull them out of the oven. It will be too soft if the entire cake wobbles. The cake needs to reach the right temperature to set.

recipe ideas

The recipe I suggest is Alton Brown’s Sweet Potato Pie.

Alton’s cake contains sweet potatoes, plain yogurt, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, egg yolk and salt. Optionally, you can top it off with pecans if you like.

And if you can find them, you can make a gorgeous looking pie that everyone will notice with these purple yams!

More Thanksgiving troubleshooting

You’ve got Thanksgiving dinner problems, we’ve got solutions!

Disclosure: We may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

No matter how you cook them, sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious side dish. However, getting your sweet potatoes just right can be a little tricky. We did some research and figured out how long to bake sweet potatoes for the best results every time.

Sweet potatoes should be baked in a 400 to 425 degree oven for about 30 to 75 minutes, depending on the size of the potato. Bake sweet potatoes, regardless of size, until they reach an internal temperature of 450 to 450 degrees.

Next, we’ll take a close look at how to bake sweet potatoes in terms of oven temperature and potato size, while reviewing some tasty recipes along the way. We’ll also answer some questions and concerns you might have, including how to cook sweet potatoes in the microwave. Read on to find out more!

How do you bake sweet potatoes?

Baking the best sweet potatoes starts with the right preparation. To make sweet potatoes, pick potatoes that are all relatively the same size so they cook evenly in the oven. Next, wash each sweet potato with water and scrub off the dirt thoroughly with a vegetable brush.

After cleaning, pierce each side of the sweet potato with a fork. Finally you can start cooking! Let’s take a look at some amazing sweet potato recipes you can make in your oven.

Whole baked sweet potatoes

This perfect baked sweet potato recipe feeds a family of four and is super easy. These potatoes are baked in a 425 degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes. To see the full recipe click here.

sweet potato fries

These sweet potato fries are baked instead of fried, and the smaller chunks mean they cook faster in a 400-degree oven. To have perfectly seasoned fries in 25 minutes, check out the recipe here.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving necessity, but you can enjoy this decadent dish year-round. The potatoes are diced and boiled before being mashed and made into a filling. Then this casserole is topped with a pecan crumble and baked in a 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes.

roasted sweet potatoes

These sweet potatoes are roasted in a 425 degree oven for 27 to 35 minutes. They are diced, sprinkled with oil and spices, and baked on a large baking sheet. This recipe includes instructions for making plain or flavored roasted sweet potatoes.

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

Twice baked sweet potatoes are baked in the oven until done. Then the filling is scooped out, mixed with delicious ingredients, put back into the potato skin and baked again. Total baking time is one hour in a 400 degree oven. This lighter recipe features light butter and non-fat cream cheese.

Candied Sweet Potatoes

This rich sweet potato dish has caramelized sweet potatoes with a sweet maple syrup glaze. Sweet potatoes are sliced, placed on a greased baking sheet, and topped with a sauce made with maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and more. This dish is baked in a 375 degree oven for an hour. To see the full recipe click here.

Do Sweet Potatoes Bake Faster Than Regular Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes take about the same amount of time to bake as regular potatoes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes you are baking. For example:

Small potatoes less than 5 cm wide need to be baked for about 30 minutes

Medium potatoes, two to three inches wide, should bake for about 60 minutes

Large potatoes, more than three inches wide, typically need to be baked for about 75 minutes

After the recommended baking time, check if your potato is soft to the touch by gently squeezing them with a potholder or oven mitt. If the potato is still firm to the touch, bake an additional 15 minutes or until tender.

How to bake sweet potatoes in foil?

Wrapping sweet potatoes in foil before baking can speed up the baking time slightly, and they will stay warm for some time after they come out of the oven. In addition, foil traps moisture, giving the potato a cushioned texture and softer skin. If you’re a fan of restaurant-style baked sweet potatoes, foil will give you the best results. How to achieve perfect foil oven sweet potatoes:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare the sweet potatoes by washing, scrubbing, and patting dry. Prick the skin of each potato several times with a fork. If you like, season the skin with olive oil and salt and pepper. Wrap each potato thoroughly in foil, making sure the ends are sealed tightly. Place the wrapped potatoes on a large baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes or until tender.

Click here to see this set of Large Baking Sheets on Amazon.

How to bake sweet potatoes in the microwave?

Luckily, sweet potatoes can be microwaved in about five minutes! This method is ideal if you only want to fix a sweet potato or two and don’t want to use the oven. All you need is a microwave-safe plate, clean and prepared sweet potato(es), a knife, and your choice of toppings.

After cleaning and piercing the sweet potato:

Place on a microwave-safe plate and cook for five minutes. Check the doneness by sticking a knife in the center. If still firm, cook an additional minute or until tender. Garnish the potato with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Or go the savory route with sour cream and chives.

How Long to Cook Sweet Potatoes on a Charcoal Grill?

Sweet potatoes on the grill have a deliciously smoky flavor. Try making foil packets with diced sweet potatoes and spices like cumin and cayenne pepper. This recipe grills in about 20 to 30 minutes.

You can also wrap whole sweet potatoes in foil and broil them over indirect heat for about 40 minutes or more, depending on the size of your sweet potato. If you prefer a crispier skin, omit the foil and place the potato directly on the wire rack; Just be careful not to burn them!

Check out this helpful YouTube video on how to use indirect heat for charcoal grills:

Can You Overcook Sweet Potatoes in the Oven?

Overcooking sweet potatoes in the oven would be a tough one! It’s far better to have a soft, fluffy, overcooked sweet potato than a hard, crunchy one.

If you’d rather cook your sweet potatoes before baking or grilling to reduce cooking time, you can overcook them this way. Because sweet potatoes absorb water, they become too watery and mushy if overcooked. Cook whole sweet potatoes for 30 to 50 minutes and diced sweet potatoes for about 20 to 25 minutes.

Do you have to pierce sweet potatoes before baking?

Yes, you should pierce all potatoes, including sweet potatoes, before baking. Piercing the potato skin allows accumulated steam to escape. Too much pressure in the potato can cause unsightly cracks in the skin or even cause them to explode in the oven – talk about a mess! To prevent this, poke the skin of the potato several times on each side with a fork or knife before baking.

How do you know when to cook sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are thoroughly cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 205 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. For an accurate reading, be sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the sweet potato.

After you bake or boil your sweet potatoes, use a fork or knife to see if they’re done. When the fork or knife easily slides through the center of the sweet potato, it’s ready to eat.

Click here to see this digital food thermometer on Amazon.

Wrap up

Baking sweet potatoes takes a little time and patience, but the result is totally worth it! Whether you want your sweet potatoes to be sweet or savory, you really can’t go wrong with this tasty root vegetable.

Thank you for reading! For more cooking wisdom about potatoes, be sure to read these posts:

What is the best potato for pot roast?

20 types of potatoes every cook should know

Southern sweet potato casserole rounds off your Thanksgiving meal this holiday season. Creamy sweet potato filling is topped with a crunchy and buttery pecan topping.

Everyone has a favorite Thanksgiving side dish. For us, it’s the sweet potato casserole.

You’ll love this southern sweet potato casserole because it’s easy to make and has the most amazing crunchy pecan crust. Serve this side dish alongside this spirally sliced ​​ham at your next Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner – they make the perfect pair!

Besides, what other holiday has a side dish that’s basically dessert? Whether you’re serving this alongside the main course or with the desserts, this recipe is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Ways to cook sweet potatoes

For this recipe you will need boiled and mashed sweet potatoes. Feel free to use whichever method is easiest for you.

Sweet potatoes can be baked in the oven with very little preparation. First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Next, scrub your potatoes and prick them all over with a fork.

Then bake your sweet potatoes for 45-55 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool slightly, then peel off the skin.

You can also boil your sweet potatoes. Peel and quarter the potatoes and place in a saucepan with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer 15-20 minutes or until potatoes can be pierced with a fork.

Whether you boil or bake your potatoes, once they’re cooked they can be mashed for your casserole.

ingredients and substitutes

can be replaced with granulated sugar if necessary. If you want a less sweet casserole, you can also halve the sugar.

Any milk can be used successfully in this recipe.

Crunchy pecan topping

This crunchy pecan topping is the best part of the recipe. This topping turns into a crunchy and sweet sugar crust once baked in the oven.

can be substituted with walnuts or flaked almonds – but pecans are definitely my go-to choice for this recipe!

Once you’ve mixed your topping together, it looks like clumpy wet sand. That is normal! Sprinkle in an even layer over your casserole before baking.

Get ahead

If you’re short on time on Thanksgiving, prepare your sweet potato casserole the day before.

Assemble your casserole as directed. Cover and cool your casserole before baking. On Thanksgiving, pull out your casserole and bake as directed – add an extra 5 minutes to allow for the dish to be cold.

Sweet potato casserole is another dish that doesn’t need to be served piping hot. So if you run out of room in the oven, bake this dish first.

Then cover and place on the dining table until ready to serve. Your casserole will keep for an hour or more.

leftovers

Southern sweet potato casserole also freezes well. If you have leftovers, spoon them into freezer-safe containers and freeze them for up to a month (or longer if tightly sealed).

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to reheat, then transfer to an ovenproof casserole dish. Heat at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until warm in the center.

If reheating from frozen, add an additional 10 minutes of baking time. If desired, leftovers can also be cooked in the microwave.

Print Recipe 4.60 out of 5 Ratings Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect finishing touch to your Thanksgiving meal this holiday season. Creamy sweet potato filling is topped with a crunchy and buttery pecan topping. Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 35 minutes Total Time 50 minutes Servings: 12 servings Calories: 471 kcal Author: Heather Ingredients Sweet Potato Filling 4 pounds sweet potatoes cooked and mashed*

2 large eggs

½ cup unsalted butter melted

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt pecan topping ½ cup all-purpose flour

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup unsalted butter melted

1 cup chopped pecans Instructions Sweet Potato Filling Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 baking pan and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well blended.

Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared 9×13 pan and spread out into an even layer. Pecan Topping In a bowl, add flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and pecans. Stir until combined (mixture will be soggy and lumpy). Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato filling.

Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned.

Serve warm. Equipment recommendations 9×13 earthenware casserole dish

Kitchenaid hand mixer

Pyrex glass mixing bowls

Measuring spoon Notes *To cook your sweet potatoes: In the oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Peel potatoes and prick all over with a fork. Bake 45-55 minutes or until done. Allow to cool slightly, then peel off the skin and puree.

Cook on the stove: peel the potatoes, quarter each potato, then place in a saucepan of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer 15-20 minutes or until potatoes can be pierced with a fork. Drain and puree. To move forward: Assemble your casserole as directed. Cover and cool your casserole before baking. On Thanksgiving, remove your casserole and bake as directed – add an additional 5 minutes to allow for the dish to be cold. Nutritional Estimate Calories: 471 kcal | Carbohydrates: 63 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 23 g | Saturated fat: 11 g | Cholesterol: 76 mg | Sodium: 208 mg | Potassium: 617 mg | Fiber: 6 g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 21998 IU | Vitamin C: 4 mg | Calcium: 97 mg | Iron: 2 mg

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If your mashed potatoes are a bit runny, you can thicken them by heating them in a large, uncovered saucepan over medium-low heat. While they cook, stir them occasionally with a fork until the extra moisture evaporates. Avoid stirring too much or your mashed potatoes could end up with a gummy consistency. Alternatively, you can microwave your mashed potatoes for 1 to 2 minutes until they reach your desired consistency. Consider adding a thickener like flour, cornstarch, or parmesan cheese to quickly thicken your mashed potatoes. Mix in 1 tablespoon at a time of your thickener until your mashed potatoes are thick enough. For more tips on thickening your mashed potatoes with more potatoes, read on!

Never fret over a batch of “ruined” mashed potatoes again. Here’s everything you need to know about how to thicken liquid potatoes:

Why are my mashed potatoes runny?

There are a few reasons why your mashed potatoes are watery. If you’re staring at a bowl of white liquid and wondering what went wrong, ask yourself these questions:

Did I use wet potatoes? It’s important to drain and dry your potatoes well after boiling them in water. If you don’t do this, all that excess moisture has nowhere to go once you start mashing.

It’s important to drain and dry your potatoes well after boiling them in water. If you don’t do this, all that excess moisture has nowhere to go once you start mashing. Did I only use one type of potato? Waxy (Yukon Gold) and starchy (Russet) potatoes both play important roles in making the perfect mashed potatoes. Use them together instead of relying on just one variety.

Waxy (Yukon Gold) and starchy (Russet) potatoes both play important roles in making the perfect mashed potatoes. Use them together instead of relying on just one variety. Did I use too much liquid? This is an obvious problem. Read your recipe well and use the correct ratio of milk or cream to potatoes.

No matter how it happened, there are a few simple ways to fix your runny potatoes:

1. Add a thickener

Cornstarch Getty 7/1/20 Source: Pawarun/Getty Images

Pawarun/Getty Images

This is the most common and perhaps the easiest way to thicken mashed potatoes. You can use what you have on hand: flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that you probably already have in your pantry.

For what it’s worth, we recommend sticking with cornstarch — it has twice the thickening power of flour and is safe for gluten-free diets.

Gradually stir in the thickener, about a tablespoon at a time, until the potatoes reach the desired consistency.

2. Use heat to your advantage

Potatoes on the stove Getty 7/1/20 Credit: ARTindividual/Getty Images

ARTindividual/Getty Images

You can also thicken your mashed potatoes by continuing to cook them on the stove. Heat pulls the excess moisture out of runny potatoes, leaving a denser end product.

This is a risky move, however, as overdone mashed potatoes are sticky and uncomfortable. Be sure to keep a close eye on them if this is the method you choose.

Stir frequently while cooking to keep them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. But don’t stir too much! Overworking is another way to ruin the texture of the potatoes.

If your stove is full, you can use the oven to achieve the same. Simply place the potatoes in an uncovered, ovenproof casserole dish and heat at 325 degrees for about 10 minutes.

See also: How to store potatoes so they last longer

3. Add dehydrated potatoes

Potato Flakes Getty 7/1/20 Source: Alina555/Getty Images

Alina555/Getty Images

This easy sweet potato casserole recipe features a creamy and buttery sweet potato base with a crunchy brown sugar pecan topping. Served as a casserole, this side dish is a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!

This sweet potato casserole recipe is decadent and creamy and goes well with any holiday dinner. It’s made with fresh sweet potatoes and a touch of brown sugar, making it relatively low in refined sugar. It’s made without marshmallows to make the sweet potatoes shine.

A southern sweet potato soufflé has similar ingredients to a sweet potato casserole, although the milk and eggs make it slightly fluffy and creamy.

You can omit the pecans and brown sugar if you like. This recipe is naturally gluten free.

What is the difference between a sweet potato casserole and a sweet potato casserole?

Although the ingredients are very similar, the main difference is in the texture. In a casserole, the sweet potatoes are mixed with a specific amount of butter and milk to make them creamier and more pudding-like. That’s why it can also serve as a dessert!

Why you will love this recipe

It uses fresh sweet potatoes that are boiled until tender, which gives the dish a freshly baked flavor.

The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes along with a light sprinkling of brown sugar makes this a low-refined-sugar side dish.

You can serve it as a comforting holiday side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or as a decadent dessert with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

This recipe is made with simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store.

ingredients you need

Sweet Potato – Peeled and diced sweet potatoes form the base of this souffle casserole, giving it a natural orange color and sweet flavor.

– Peeled and diced sweet potatoes form the base of this souffle casserole, giving it a natural orange color and sweet taste. Eggs – Help hold the mixture together so it stays together and is easier to serve. You can omit if necessary.

– Help binds the mixture together so it holds together and is easier to serve. You can omit if necessary. Spices – A blend of ground cinnamon, ginger and salt gives this souffle a soothing, warming flavor. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for more flavor.

– A blend of ground cinnamon, ginger and salt gives this souffle a soothing, warming taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for more flavor. Butter – Adds a rich and smooth buttery flavor and texture to the souffle base.

– Gives the souffle base a rich and smooth buttery flavor and texture. Milk – Helps thin the mixture while keeping it nice and creamy. Use whole milk for the best flavor, but any type of milk will work. You can replace with cream.

– Helps to thin the mixture while keeping it nice and creamy. Use whole milk for the best flavor, but any type of milk will work. You can replace with cream. Vanilla Extract – Gives the souffle a slight vanilla flavor.

– Gives the souffle a slight vanilla taste. Light Brown Sugar – Adds a sweet, caramel-like flavor to the casserole. The recipe only uses 1 tablespoon and you can omit it if you wish.

– Gives the top of the souffle a sweetened caramel-like taste. The recipe only uses 1 tablespoon and you can omit it if you wish. Chopped Pecans – Gives the top a nutty pecan crunch that pairs well with the smooth sweet potato casserole. You can omit the nuts if you like.

How to make sweet potato casserole

Prepare to Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 Fahrenheit. Spray nonstick cooking spray in an 8-inch casserole dish until well coated. Put aside. Cooking Sweet Potatoes: Prepare the sweet potatoes by washing, peeling, and then dicing for sharp knives. Place the diced potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water to ½ inch above the sweet potatoes. Bring the water to medium heat for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through and tender. Mash the sweet potatoes: Drain the sweet potatoes in a colander, then place in a bowl and mash with a potato masher. You can also use a stand mixer or hand mixer to mash the potatoes. Assemble the Sweet Potato Base: In the bowl with the mashed potatoes, add the eggs, cinnamon, ginger, salt, butter, milk, and vanilla. Mix the mixture with a whisk until smooth and all the ingredients are incorporated. Bake the sweet potato casserole soufflé: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth out with a rubber spatula. Scatter the brown sugar and pecans evenly on top. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the casserole is cooked through and brown on the edges. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

expert tips

For an extra fluffy and creamy souffle base, use a high-speed blender, stand mixer, or food processor to beat the sweet potato mixture until smooth. If your oven is running hot, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil, then remove it halfway through cooking to prevent the souffle topping from browning too much. To make a large batch, simply double or triple each recipe ingredient and use a large casserole dish or divide into 2-3 baking pans. To create individual serving sizes, divide mixture evenly into greased ramekins and place on a baking sheet to bake.

variations

Little time? Try using canned sweet potatoes or yams in the base. Just make sure they aren’t wrapped in syrup and drained completely to avoid excess moisture.

Try using canned sweet potatoes or yams in the base. Just make sure they aren’t wrapped in syrup and drained completely to avoid excess moisture. If you’re following a nut-free lifestyle, simply omit the pecans from the topping. You can use dried fruit or marshmallows as an alternative topping option.

, just omit the pecans from the topping. You can use dried fruit or marshmallows as an alternative topping option. Change the flavor extract. Use maple or almond extract to replace the vanilla to change the flavor slightly.

Use maple or almond extract to replace the vanilla to change the flavor slightly. You can use pumpkin pie spice to flavor the souffle base for a warming fall flavor.

frequently asked Questions

How to tie sweet potato casserole? The best way to thicken the dish is to add eggs. This will ensure the base will bond and help set it in place while baking. Some recipes add flour to the mixture, but this one doesn’t need it. Why is my sweet potato casserole soupy? The main reason it might be mushy is that the potatoes might not have been properly drained after cooking. For best results, make sure to drain them in a colander for at least 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Is it better to boil or roast sweet potatoes for a souffle? While either option could work, frying does run the risk of drying out the sweet potato too much, which can result in the filling becoming too thick and dry. For best results, boil and drain sweet potatoes.

More sweet potato recipes

Did you make this sweet potato casserole recipe? Leave a rating and review for the recipe below!

Want to make the perfect sweet potato pie for Thanksgiving but it never comes out right? Start by knowing when is the best moment to pull the cake out of the oven. That boils down to answering the question – should it wiggle when it comes out of the oven?

Is there anything more disappointing than baking a dessert and not bringing it out?

Like a cherry pie that’s soup in the middle. Or a desert dry cheesecake.

It’s very frustrating to say the least.

We want to help play a small role in ending this frustration, especially for the holidays.

Just like we’ve helped people avoid an overcooked pumpkin pie. We’re here to help you with a sweet potato pie.

How can I tell when it’s done?

It really comes down to answering a simple question: should sweet potato pie wiggle in the middle?

Just like cookies are overkill when they look done in the oven, sweet potato pie shouldn’t look done in the oven. The center of the cake should wobble slightly.

The reason for this is the carryover heat. Just because we take the cake out of the oven doesn’t mean it suddenly stops baking.

The cake comes from a 350 degree oven and the cake itself is definitely not that hot. It takes time for the cake to cool enough that it no longer gets hot.

The strategy is to stretch the pie before the filling is fully set so the heat transferred will bring it to a point where the custard will set (yam pie is considered a custard pie).

The filling settles around the edges before the middle. If it also wobbles on the sides, there is enough heat to fully cure it.

Here’s a short video showing you how wobbly the center of the cake should be.

More accurate methods

A wobbly middle is not an exact science. You can be more specific by checking the temperature of the cake. According to Alton Brown, the filling will set between 160 and 180 degrees. So if your pie is in that range, you know you’re good.

Most people don’t like sticking a thermometer in their cake to check the temperature because it puts a whole in the cake. Paula Deen recommends sticking a knife in and seeing if it comes out clean, which would put a hole in it (and I don’t think it’s as good as the wiggle test.

Of course, making a hole in the cake isn’t a problem if you top the cake with whipped cream or pecans.

There is a way to completely eliminate the guessing game. Make sous vide sweet potato pies! The magic of the immersion circulator is that you can cook to the exact temperature without the risk of exceeding it.

do you already have one I highly recommend them. In fact, I’ve come up with a whole list of things you can make sous vide for Thanksgiving.

You can do what I did with pumpkin pie and make individual sweet potato pies in mason jars. Serve with chunks of baked and broken pie crust or a streusel topping sprinkled with graham crackers or ginger schnapps cookies.

Why is it mushy or soft? Did you bake your cake and it turned out soggy or too soft? Why could that be? Remember only the center needs to wiggle when you pull them out of the oven. It will be too soft if the entire cake wobbles. The cake needs to reach the right temperature to set.

recipe ideas

The recipe I suggest is Alton Brown’s Sweet Potato Pie.

Alton’s cake contains sweet potatoes, plain yogurt, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, egg yolk and salt. Optionally, you can top it off with pecans if you like.

And if you can find them, you can make a gorgeous looking pie that everyone will notice with these purple yams!

More Thanksgiving troubleshooting

You’ve got Thanksgiving dinner problems, we’ve got solutions!

Disclosure: We may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

No matter how you cook them, sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious side dish. However, getting your sweet potatoes just right can be a little tricky. We did some research and figured out how long to bake sweet potatoes for the best results every time.

Sweet potatoes should be baked in a 400 to 425 degree oven for about 30 to 75 minutes, depending on the size of the potato. Bake sweet potatoes, regardless of size, until they reach an internal temperature of 450 to 450 degrees.

Next, we’ll take a close look at how to bake sweet potatoes in terms of oven temperature and potato size, while reviewing some tasty recipes along the way. We’ll also answer some questions and concerns you might have, including how to cook sweet potatoes in the microwave. Read on to find out more!

How do you bake sweet potatoes?

Baking the best sweet potatoes starts with the right preparation. To make sweet potatoes, pick potatoes that are all relatively the same size so they cook evenly in the oven. Next, wash each sweet potato with water and scrub off the dirt thoroughly with a vegetable brush.

After cleaning, pierce each side of the sweet potato with a fork. Finally you can start cooking! Let’s take a look at some amazing sweet potato recipes you can make in your oven.

Whole baked sweet potatoes

This perfect baked sweet potato recipe feeds a family of four and is super easy. These potatoes are baked in a 425 degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes. To see the full recipe click here.

sweet potato fries

These sweet potato fries are baked instead of fried, and the smaller chunks mean they cook faster in a 400-degree oven. To have perfectly seasoned fries in 25 minutes, check out the recipe here.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving necessity, but you can enjoy this decadent dish year-round. The potatoes are diced and boiled before being mashed and made into a filling. Then this casserole is topped with a pecan crumble and baked in a 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes.

roasted sweet potatoes

These sweet potatoes are roasted in a 425 degree oven for 27 to 35 minutes. They are diced, sprinkled with oil and spices, and baked on a large baking sheet. This recipe includes instructions for making plain or flavored roasted sweet potatoes.

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

Twice baked sweet potatoes are baked in the oven until done. Then the filling is scooped out, mixed with delicious ingredients, put back into the potato skin and baked again. Total baking time is one hour in a 400 degree oven. This lighter recipe features light butter and non-fat cream cheese.

Candied Sweet Potatoes

This rich sweet potato dish has caramelized sweet potatoes with a sweet maple syrup glaze. Sweet potatoes are sliced, placed on a greased baking sheet, and topped with a sauce made with maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and more. This dish is baked in a 375 degree oven for an hour. To see the full recipe click here.

Do Sweet Potatoes Bake Faster Than Regular Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes take about the same amount of time to bake as regular potatoes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes you are baking. For example:

Small potatoes less than 5 cm wide need to be baked for about 30 minutes

Medium potatoes, two to three inches wide, should bake for about 60 minutes

Large potatoes, more than three inches wide, typically need to be baked for about 75 minutes

After the recommended baking time, check if your potato is soft to the touch by gently squeezing them with a potholder or oven mitt. If the potato is still firm to the touch, bake an additional 15 minutes or until tender.

How to bake sweet potatoes in foil?

Wrapping sweet potatoes in foil before baking can speed up the baking time slightly, and they will stay warm for some time after they come out of the oven. In addition, foil traps moisture, giving the potato a cushioned texture and softer skin. If you’re a fan of restaurant-style baked sweet potatoes, foil will give you the best results. How to achieve perfect foil oven sweet potatoes:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare the sweet potatoes by washing, scrubbing, and patting dry. Prick the skin of each potato several times with a fork. If you like, season the skin with olive oil and salt and pepper. Wrap each potato thoroughly in foil, making sure the ends are sealed tightly. Place the wrapped potatoes on a large baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes or until tender.

Click here to see this set of Large Baking Sheets on Amazon.

How to bake sweet potatoes in the microwave?

Luckily, sweet potatoes can be microwaved in about five minutes! This method is ideal if you only want to fix a sweet potato or two and don’t want to use the oven. All you need is a microwave-safe plate, clean and prepared sweet potato(es), a knife, and your choice of toppings.

After cleaning and piercing the sweet potato:

Place on a microwave-safe plate and cook for five minutes. Check the doneness by sticking a knife in the center. If still firm, cook an additional minute or until tender. Garnish the potato with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Or go the savory route with sour cream and chives.

How Long to Cook Sweet Potatoes on a Charcoal Grill?

Sweet potatoes on the grill have a deliciously smoky flavor. Try making foil packets with diced sweet potatoes and spices like cumin and cayenne pepper. This recipe grills in about 20 to 30 minutes.

You can also wrap whole sweet potatoes in foil and broil them over indirect heat for about 40 minutes or more, depending on the size of your sweet potato. If you prefer a crispier skin, omit the foil and place the potato directly on the wire rack; Just be careful not to burn them!

Check out this helpful YouTube video on how to use indirect heat for charcoal grills:

Can You Overcook Sweet Potatoes in the Oven?

Overcooking sweet potatoes in the oven would be a tough one! It’s far better to have a soft, fluffy, overcooked sweet potato than a hard, crunchy one.

If you’d rather cook your sweet potatoes before baking or grilling to reduce cooking time, you can overcook them this way. Because sweet potatoes absorb water, they become too watery and mushy if overcooked. Cook whole sweet potatoes for 30 to 50 minutes and diced sweet potatoes for about 20 to 25 minutes.

Do you have to pierce sweet potatoes before baking?

Yes, you should pierce all potatoes, including sweet potatoes, before baking. Piercing the potato skin allows accumulated steam to escape. Too much pressure in the potato can cause unsightly cracks in the skin or even cause them to explode in the oven – talk about a mess! To prevent this, poke the skin of the potato several times on each side with a fork or knife before baking.

How do you know when to cook sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are thoroughly cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 205 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. For an accurate reading, be sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the sweet potato.

After you bake or boil your sweet potatoes, use a fork or knife to see if they’re done. When the fork or knife easily slides through the center of the sweet potato, it’s ready to eat.

Click here to see this digital food thermometer on Amazon.

Wrap up

Baking sweet potatoes takes a little time and patience, but the result is totally worth it! Whether you want your sweet potatoes to be sweet or savory, you really can’t go wrong with this tasty root vegetable.

Thank you for reading! For more cooking wisdom about potatoes, be sure to read these posts:

What is the best potato for pot roast?

20 types of potatoes every cook should know

This easy sweet potato casserole recipe features a creamy and buttery sweet potato base with a crunchy brown sugar pecan topping. Served as a casserole, this side dish is a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!

This sweet potato casserole recipe is decadent and creamy and goes well with any holiday dinner. It’s made with fresh sweet potatoes and a touch of brown sugar, making it relatively low in refined sugar. It’s made without marshmallows to make the sweet potatoes shine.

A southern sweet potato soufflé has similar ingredients to a sweet potato casserole, although the milk and eggs make it slightly fluffy and creamy.

You can omit the pecans and brown sugar if you like. This recipe is naturally gluten free.

What is the difference between a sweet potato casserole and a sweet potato casserole?

Although the ingredients are very similar, the main difference is in the texture. In a casserole, the sweet potatoes are mixed with a specific amount of butter and milk to make them creamier and more pudding-like. That’s why it can also serve as a dessert!

Why you will love this recipe

It uses fresh sweet potatoes that are boiled until tender, which gives the dish a freshly baked flavor.

The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes along with a light sprinkling of brown sugar makes this a low-refined-sugar side dish.

You can serve it as a comforting holiday side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or as a decadent dessert with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

This recipe is made with simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store.

ingredients you need

Sweet Potato – Peeled and diced sweet potatoes form the base of this souffle casserole, giving it a natural orange color and sweet flavor.

– Peeled and diced sweet potatoes form the base of this souffle casserole, giving it a natural orange color and sweet taste. Eggs – Help hold the mixture together so it stays together and is easier to serve. You can omit if necessary.

– Help binds the mixture together so it holds together and is easier to serve. You can omit if necessary. Spices – A blend of ground cinnamon, ginger and salt gives this souffle a soothing, warming flavor. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for more flavor.

– A blend of ground cinnamon, ginger and salt gives this souffle a soothing, warming taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for more flavor. Butter – Adds a rich and smooth buttery flavor and texture to the souffle base.

– Gives the souffle base a rich and smooth buttery flavor and texture. Milk – Helps thin the mixture while keeping it nice and creamy. Use whole milk for the best flavor, but any type of milk will work. You can replace with cream.

– Helps to thin the mixture while keeping it nice and creamy. Use whole milk for the best flavor, but any type of milk will work. You can replace with cream. Vanilla Extract – Gives the souffle a slight vanilla flavor.

– Gives the souffle a slight vanilla taste. Light Brown Sugar – Adds a sweet, caramel-like flavor to the casserole. The recipe only uses 1 tablespoon and you can omit it if you wish.

– Gives the top of the souffle a sweetened caramel-like taste. The recipe only uses 1 tablespoon and you can omit it if you wish. Chopped Pecans – Gives the top a nutty pecan crunch that pairs well with the smooth sweet potato casserole. You can omit the nuts if you like.

How to make sweet potato casserole

Prepare to Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 Fahrenheit. Spray nonstick cooking spray in an 8-inch casserole dish until well coated. Put aside. Cooking Sweet Potatoes: Prepare the sweet potatoes by washing, peeling, and then dicing for sharp knives. Place the diced potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water to ½ inch above the sweet potatoes. Bring the water to medium heat for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through and tender. Mash the sweet potatoes: Drain the sweet potatoes in a colander, then place in a bowl and mash with a potato masher. You can also use a stand mixer or hand mixer to mash the potatoes. Assemble the Sweet Potato Base: In the bowl with the mashed potatoes, add the eggs, cinnamon, ginger, salt, butter, milk, and vanilla. Mix the mixture with a whisk until smooth and all the ingredients are incorporated. Bake the sweet potato casserole soufflé: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth out with a rubber spatula. Scatter the brown sugar and pecans evenly on top. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the casserole is cooked through and brown on the edges. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

expert tips

For an extra fluffy and creamy souffle base, use a high-speed blender, stand mixer, or food processor to beat the sweet potato mixture until smooth. If your oven is running hot, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil, then remove it halfway through cooking to prevent the souffle topping from browning too much. To make a large batch, simply double or triple each recipe ingredient and use a large casserole dish or divide into 2-3 baking pans. To create individual serving sizes, divide mixture evenly into greased ramekins and place on a baking sheet to bake.

variations

Little time? Try using canned sweet potatoes or yams in the base. Just make sure they aren’t wrapped in syrup and drained completely to avoid excess moisture.

Try using canned sweet potatoes or yams in the base. Just make sure they aren’t wrapped in syrup and drained completely to avoid excess moisture. If you’re following a nut-free lifestyle, simply omit the pecans from the topping. You can use dried fruit or marshmallows as an alternative topping option.

, just omit the pecans from the topping. You can use dried fruit or marshmallows as an alternative topping option. Change the flavor extract. Use maple or almond extract to replace the vanilla to change the flavor slightly.

Use maple or almond extract to replace the vanilla to change the flavor slightly. You can use pumpkin pie spice to flavor the souffle base for a warming fall flavor.

frequently asked Questions

How to tie sweet potato casserole? The best way to thicken the dish is to add eggs. This will ensure the base will bond and help set it in place while baking. Some recipes add flour to the mixture, but this one doesn’t need it. Why is my sweet potato casserole soupy? The main reason it might be mushy is that the potatoes might not have been properly drained after cooking. For best results, make sure to drain them in a colander for at least 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Is it better to boil or roast sweet potatoes for a souffle? While either option could work, frying does run the risk of drying out the sweet potato too much, which can result in the filling becoming too thick and dry. For best results, boil and drain sweet potatoes.

More sweet potato recipes

Did you make this sweet potato casserole recipe? Leave a rating and review for the recipe below!