Brenda Gantt Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

November is here, and I can’t stop thinking about Thanksgiving. I really love this time of year.

Planning the holiday menu can feel like a big job, but it’s always worth it. For me, a perfect Thanksgiving is all about the classic dishes everyone expects on the table. That means a juicy turkey, coconut cake, and obviously sweet potato casserole.

Over the years, I’ve tried lots of sweet potato casseroles, but Brenda Gantt’s version is really different. It’s a simple recipe that anyone can make, and it always turns out yummy. I remember my grandma making a dish like this too.

Today, I’m going to share my version of her famous sweet potato casserole so you can easily make this copycat Brenda Gantt Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe at your home.

Why Sweet Potatoes Became a Holiday Favorite

Sweet potatoes have been part of American cooking for hundreds of years. Early cooks discovered that sweet potatoes grew well in warm climates and stored nicely through winter months. This made them perfect for fall and winter meals.

During the 1900s, casserole dishes became popular because they were easy to make and could feed many people at once. Someone had the brilliant idea to combine sweet potatoes with sugar, butter, and nuts, creating what we now know as sweet potato casserole.

The dish became a Thanksgiving tradition because it brought sweetness to the meal without being a dessert. Some people like their version with marshmallows on top, but many Southern cooks prefer the pecan topping, just like Brenda Gantt does.

The pecan version adds a nutty crunch that balances the soft, sweet potatoes underneath. This combination reminds people of home, comfort, and special times with loved ones.

That’s why this casserole keeps showing up on holiday tables year after year.

Is It Better to Boil or Bake Sweet Potatoes for Casserole?

Both methods work, but boiling is faster and easier.

Boiling sweet potatoes takes about 15 to 20 minutes. They cook evenly and quickly. After draining, they mash easily and absorb other ingredients well. The moisture level stays consistent.

Baking takes longer, usually 45 to 60 minutes. The potatoes develop a deeper flavor, but they can dry out. Some spots might cook faster than others.

For casserole, you want smooth, evenly cooked potatoes that blend well. Boiling gives you this result every time. That’s why most casserole recipes, including this one, call for boiling.

Brenda Gantt Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients

The ingredients are simple and easy to find. You can swap some items based on what you have.

• Sweet Potatoes – 3 medium, peeled and chopped. These are the base of the casserole, creamy and sweet. Choose firm potatoes without soft spots. The orange flesh variety works best. Substitute with yams if needed.
• Butter – 1 stick (melted). Adds richness and smooth texture to both the filling and topping. You can also use margarine or coconut oil. Coconut oil will add a slight coconut flavor.
• Brown Sugar – 3/4 cup. Gives sweetness and helps the topping turn golden and crispy. The molasses in brown sugar adds depth. Use white sugar mixed with a little molasses. Dark brown sugar makes it slightly richer.
• Flour – 1 cup. Helps the topping hold together and get slightly crispy. All-purpose works best. Whole wheat flour can be used but will make the topping heavier.
• Cinnamon – 1/4 teaspoon. Adds warmth and a hint of spice that pairs well with sweet potatoes. Nutmeg can be used as a substitute, or use half of each for more depth.
• Pecans – 1/2 cup, chopped. Adds crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them lightly before using for extra taste. Walnuts or almonds work too. Almonds give a milder flavor.
• Milk or Half-and-Half – 1/4 cup. Makes the potatoes creamy and easy to blend. Can also use cream for extra richness or almond milk for a lighter version.
• Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon. Enhances the natural sweetness and adds a warm note. Pure vanilla works best, but imitation vanilla is fine too.

Equipment Needed

1. Large Pot – For boiling sweet potatoes.
2. Colander – To drain water after boiling.
3. Mixing Bowl – To mash and mix ingredients.
4. Hand Mixer or Potato Masher – For creamy texture.
5. Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accuracy.
6. Casserole Dish – To bake the sweet potato mixture.
7. Microwave-Safe Bowl – For melting butter.
8. Spatula or Spoon – For mixing and spreading.

How to Make Brenda Gantt Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1 | Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and peel them with a vegetable peeler. Cut into small circles or chunks to allow faster cooking. Place the pieces in a large pot and cover with water.

Heat over high heat until the water boils. Reduce to a low boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces a piece.

Step 2 | Mash the Potatoes

Drain the cooked sweet potatoes using a colander. Transfer the hot potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add brown sugar, butter, milk and vanilla.

Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.

Step 3 | Prepare the Topping

In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix with a fork until a thick, crumbly paste forms. Stir in chopped pecans and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Step 4 | Assemble the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Drop small pieces of the topping over the sweet potatoes without pressing down.

Step 5 | Bake the Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–35 minutes, until the edges are hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to set the layers.

Step 6 | Serve

Scoop the casserole into bowls or onto plates while it’s still warm. Now you can enjoy this copycat Brenda Gantt Sweet Potato Casserole.

Recipe Perfection Tips

• For Extra Smooth Potatoes: After you drain the potatoes, put them back in the warm pot for a minute. The heat will help steam away extra water, so your potato mix is not watery.
• Topping Texture: For a chunkier topping, use your fingers to mix the butter into the flour and sugar. This creates bigger, crispier clumps.
• Prevent a Burnt Topping: If the top is browning too fast, place a loose piece of aluminum foil over the casserole dish for the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Sweetness Level: Taste the sweet potato mixture before you put it in the dish. If you like things sweeter, you can add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.

What to Serve With Brenda Gantt’s Sweet Potato Casserole

The classic pairing for any holiday meal.

1. Roasted Turkey – The savory turkey meat balances the sweet casserole perfectly. This combination defines traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

2. Baked Ham – Sweet glazed ham goes wonderfully with this sweet potato dish. Both have similar flavor profiles that complement each other nicely.

3. Green Bean Casserole – Another creamy side dish that offers a different texture. The green beans add a fresh vegetable element to balance the sweetness.

4. Cranberry Sauce – The tart cranberries cut through the richness of the sweet potatoes. This creates a nice balance of flavors on your plate.

5. Mashed Potatoes – Yes, you can serve two potato dishes together. Regular mashed potatoes offer a savory option alongside the sweet version.

Make Ahead, Storing, and Reheating Instructions

1. To Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day before baking. Assemble everything, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then bake as directed.

2. To Store: After baking, let the casserole cool completely. Cover tightly with foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

3. To Reheat: For best results, reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm. This keeps the topping crisp. Avoid using the microwave, as it softens the topping too much. If using the microwave, cover loosely and reheat in short intervals.

4. To Freeze: You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake or reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Brenda Gantt Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe FAQs

1. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the edges bubble and the topping turns golden brown. Insert a knife in the center.

It should come out hot to the touch. The topping should feel firm when you tap it gently with a spoon. Most casseroles take 25 to 35 minutes to bake.

2. My topping burned before the casserole was hot. What happened?

This can happen if your oven is too hot, or if the rack is too high. Ovens can sometimes have hot spots.

Try placing your casserole dish on a rack in the middle of the oven. You can also place a sheet of aluminum foil loosely over the top for the last 10 minutes of baking. This will shield the topping from getting too dark.

3. Why is my sweet potato mixture watery?

A watery mixture usually comes from the potatoes holding too much liquid. This can happen if they are boiled for too long, or if you use canned potatoes and don’t drain them well.

To fix it, you can try to mash the potatoes without adding the milk at first. See how the texture looks, and then add the milk slowly until it is as creamy as you want.

4. My topping is not crunchy. What did I do wrong?

A soft topping usually happens for two reasons.

The first reason is that the topping was pressed down into the sweet potato mixture. You must just drop it on top lightly.

The second reason is reheating in a microwave. The oven is the only way to reheat and keep the crunch.

Also, check that you used enough butter in your topping mixture.

5. Can I make this recipe without nuts?

Of course. If someone in your house cannot eat nuts, you can leave them out. The topping will still be good with just the flour, sugar, and butter mixture.

It will be a little less crunchy, but still sweet and delicious.

Continue to Content

Yield: 8

Brenda Gantt Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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Make this Copycat Brenda Gantt Sweet Potato Casserole recipe with creamy sweet potatoes & crunchy pecan topping. It's a Perfect holiday side dish!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

• Sweet Potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and chopped
• Butter: 1 stick (melted)
• Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup
• Flour: 1 cup (all-purpose)
• Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon
• Pecans: 1/2 cup, chopped
• Milk or Half-and-Half: 1/4 cup
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

Instructions

1. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and peel them with a vegetable peeler. Cut into small circles or chunks to allow faster cooking. Place the pieces in a large pot and cover with water. Heat over high heat until the water boils. Reduce to a low boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces a piece.
2. Drain the cooked sweet potatoes using a colander. Transfer the hot potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add brown sugar, butter, milk and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
3. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix with a fork until a thick, crumbly paste forms. Stir in chopped pecans and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Drop small pieces of the topping over the sweet potatoes without pressing down.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–35 minutes, until the edges are hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to set the layers.
6. Scoop the casserole into bowls or onto plates while it’s still warm. Now you can enjoy this copycat Brenda Gantt Sweet Potato Casserole.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 330Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 90mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 4gSugar: 22gProtein: 4g

This Brenda Gantt Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe brings together creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping.

The simple steps mean anyone can create this dish. Each bite offers smooth texture and warm spices. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spices to match what you like.

Try this at home during your next holiday meal. Let me know how it turns out in your kitchen.