Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Grandma’s Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams is the perfect side dish for your holiday feast. This recipe is easy to make and delicious.

Ready to dazzle your holiday table with something sweet, creamy, and oh-so scrumptious? Let me introduce you to my Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams!

Imagine a wonderful layer of creamy sweet potatoes topped with a golden brown layer of nutty pecans. On top of all that we’re going to add a sweet, buttery topping of brown sugar streusel.

It’s a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but honestly, why not make it a star at any holiday meal? I’m going to walk you through this, step by step.

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams will have your family asking for seconds. Actually, a couple of my kids have thirds or fourths with this one, haha!

This dish is a sweet memory you’ll make over and over. So, head to the grocery store, grab those simple ingredients, and prepare to impress this holiday season!

Be sure to print out this recipe card so it can become a beloved part of your holiday traditions.

Let me know if you give this dish a try, guys. I would love to hear how it turns out. Trust me, this could be your next family favorite!

Common Questions About Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Can I Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes Instead of Canned?

Absolutely! If you’d rather go the fresh route, peel and dice fresh yams or sweet potatoes, then boil them until they’re tender. Keep in mind that the fresh ones will change the texture of the dish a fair bit. I can’t argue if you want to do it fresh, though!

What’s the Best Milk to Use?

Whole milk is ideal for a rich and creamy texture, but you can also use heavy cream for an even richer experience! The creamier, the better!

Can I Double the Recipe?

Certainly! If you have a large gathering, just double the ingredients and split it into two dishes. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You may need to cook them separately, depending on your oven!

Storage

I’m pretty sure this will get gobbled up before you need to think about storing it. If you made a whole bunch, though, here are a few pointers!

Refrigerator

Wrap the cooled casserole in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Your delicious sweet potato casserole will keep in the fridge for up to 1-2 days.

Freezer

For best results, I would suggest freezing the casserole without the topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep well for up to a month.

If the toppings are already on it and you’re just saving the leftovers, that works too!

Tips

Bust out your potato masher! In fact, you can let the kids get in on this one. I know my kids love the mashing part of any recipe, haha! I mean, what’s not to like about that?

• We are not draining these before starting. Keep the liquid, they will all cook together.
• If using fresh yams, cook until they’re tender for easy mashing. The little extra time spent cooking will save you frustration in mashing too-hard potatoes, haha!
• I love vanilla. Not only can you add it to the mashed sweet potato mixture, you can also throw some into the topping. Why not?
• To achieve that golden brown top, set your oven to broil for the last 5 minutes of cooking time. Keep an eye on it, though. You don’t want to burn it!

Ingredients

Don’t skimp on the chopped pecans! That crunchy layer on top of this dish really levels things up. I mean, the fact that it’s topped with delicious brown sugar also helps. Ha!

• Canned Yams
• Unsalted Butter
• Granulated Sugar
• Milk
• Large Eggs
• Vanilla Extract
• Chopped Pecans
• Brown Sugar
• All-Purpose Flour

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

This one is really simple, which is exactly how I like it. Mash it, mix it put in in the pan. Then sprinkle it all with buttery, sugary pecans. I love it!

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 2-quart baking dish by greasing it with butter.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the canned sweet potatoes and their liquid to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until sweet potatoes are tender. Drain and mash sweet potatoes.
3. In a medium bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and melted butter. Mix well.
6. Sprinkle the pecan mixture over the sweet potato mixture.
7. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Get that baking dish good and buttered! Not only does this help everything slide off the pan, but it adds flavor too! You really can’t have too much butter when you’re cooking yams, right?

• Medium Saucepan
• Large Mixing Bowl
• 2-Quart Prepared Baking Dish
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

What to Serve With Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

I’m sure you can imagine what would go well with these wonderful potatoes. I personally think the sweetness really goes well with ham. It will be the perfect side dish at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just any old weekday!

• Roast Turkey for a classic Thanksgiving dinner.
• Glazed Ham for a sweet and salty combo.
• Green bean casserole for another popular side dish.
• A great salad as another side to go along with it. Your choice of dressing!

Why You Should Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

It’s simple and sweet. Do you need any other reason than that? Ha! Well, I’ve got a few more for you, just in case.

• Time-Saver: Using canned yams cuts down on prep time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a family favorite and a hit at any gathering.
• Versatile: Easily switch up the nuts or add marshmallows to suit your preference.
• Easy Recipe: Simple ingredients make for a straightforward and delicious casserole.

Variations and Add-Ins for Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Marshmallows are so great with these potatoes! Here are just a few more ideas for you. It’s great to be able to change things up!

• Mini Marshmallows: For a different kind of sweetness, add a layer of mini marshmallows before baking.
• Spice It Up: Add just a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal kick.
• Nut-Free: Use oatmeal instead of nuts for a crunchy topping. 
• Extra Sweet: Add a splash of real maple syrup to your sweet potato filling for an added layer of sweetness.

If you love this easy casserole recipe, you’re going to love these other holiday side dishes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Casseroles

Turkey Tetrazzini

Baked Mac and Cheese

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Loaded Green Bean Casserole

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