Nothing says comfort like a warm, gooey serving of sweet potato casserole straight from the oven. This version is made with canned yams, which makes it not only incredibly convenient but also rich, creamy, and full of nostalgic flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone back to the table for seconds — whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy night at home.
The balance of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a lightly spiced mash, topped with a sweet, buttery pecan streusel that crisps up beautifully in the oven. And the best part? It takes just minutes to prep and can be made ahead. Whether you’re short on time or planning a big meal, this recipe fits in effortlessly.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole With Canned Yams
This dish is pure Southern charm in every bite. Using canned yams means no peeling or boiling, saving time without compromising on flavor. The brown sugar and butter blend together into a caramelized topping that contrasts perfectly with the smooth yam base. And if you’re a fan of texture, the crisp pecan crumble on top adds the perfect crunch.
It’s kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and always welcome at the Thanksgiving table. But don’t box it into just one season — this casserole shines year-round.
Can I Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes Instead of Canned Yams?
Yes, you can, but canned yams are a game-changer for speed. If you do go the fresh route, peel and boil them until fork-tender, then mash. Canned yams come pre-cooked and soft, ready to use right out of the can, which is why this recipe is such a time-saver. Plus, the syrup they’re packed in adds extra sweetness to the mix. Just make sure to drain them before using.
Ingredients for the Sweet Potato Casserole With Canned Yams
This sweet potato casserole keeps things simple, but each ingredient brings its own magic. The combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy flavors is what makes this dish so beloved.
Ingredients:
- Canned yams
These are the base of the recipe, soft and flavorful with just the right amount of natural sweetness. - Brown sugar
Adds a deep caramel note that blends into both the mash and the topping. - Butter
Helps create that creamy consistency in the yam mixture and adds richness to the pecan topping. - Eggs
Help bind the mash and give it structure while baking. - Vanilla extract
Enhances the sweetness and warmth of the yams with a hint of aroma. - Milk
Thins the mash slightly for a silkier texture. - Cinnamon
Brings in warm spice that complements the sweetness. - Salt
A pinch of salt balances all the sugar and keeps the flavors rounded. - Flour
Used in the streusel topping to bind the pecans and sugar. - Chopped pecans
For that irresistible crunch on top.
How To Make the Sweet Potato Casserole With Canned Yams
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Drain the canned yams and place them in a large bowl. Mash them with a fork or hand mixer until mostly smooth. Add brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 2: Spread in the Baking Dish
Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Streusel
In a separate bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and melted butter until crumbly. This will form the buttery topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden and bubbly and the casserole is set. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to help the topping crisp up a bit more.
How to Serve and Store This Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole serves about 8 generous portions, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday tables. Serve it warm with your main dishes — it holds its own against even the most seasoned stuffing or turkey.
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze it before or after baking. Just allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve With Sweet Potato Casserole?
Classic Roast Turkey
An obvious but essential pairing, especially during the holidays.
Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
The savory-sweet flavor of salmon balances beautifully with the casserole. Try it with this salmon recipe for an easy dinner.
Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
The buttery crunch of these cornbread bites makes a great contrast to the creamy yams.
Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
A bolder take on your main dish that complements the sweetness of the casserole perfectly.
Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake
Savory, cheesy, and just the right balance of richness to offset the sweet casserole.
Best Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Wings
For a more casual dinner, serve your sweet potato casserole next to sticky, smoky wings.
Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf
Comfort food meets comfort food — buttery, cheesy bread with that soft sweet yam mash.
Want More Casserole Ideas?
If you loved this Sweet Potato Casserole With Canned Yams, you’re going to want to explore these irresistible ideas:
- Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for a cheesy, hearty bite.
- Sausage Egg and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole to kick off the morning with flavor.
- Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole for that Southern diner-style goodness.
- Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole for the ultimate comfort combo.
- Best Chicken and Rice Casserole if you’re craving something simple and satisfying.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic or sprinkle in mini marshmallows? Maybe you tossed in a little maple syrup?
I love hearing how everyone makes this casserole their own. Don’t hesitate to ask questions — we’re all here to help each other cook with love.
Explore beautifully curated comfort recipes and health-boosting dishes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to side!
Sweet Potato Casserole With Canned Yams
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Potato Casserole With Canned Yams is the ultimate holiday side dish packed with brown sugar, buttery pecan streusel, and warm cinnamon spice. This easy recipe made with canned yams is creamy, quick to prep, and always a crowd favorite. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
3 cups canned yams, drained
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter, melted
0.5 cup milk
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.33 cup all-purpose flour
0.33 cup brown sugar (for topping)
0.33 cup butter, melted (for topping)
0.75 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mash the canned yams until mostly smooth.
3. Add eggs, vanilla extract, 1 cup brown sugar, 4 tbsp melted butter, milk, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
5. In another bowl, mix flour, 0.33 cup brown sugar, chopped pecans, and 0.33 cup melted butter to create a crumbly topping.
6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato base.
7. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
8. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be made a day ahead and baked before serving.
You can swap the pecan topping for mini marshmallows if preferred.
Use a fork or mixer to mash the yams depending on desired texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
