Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams
This Sweet Potato Casserole with canned yams is a holiday shortcut that tastes homemade. A creamy, spiced base topped with pecan crumble (or marshmallows!) makes it the perfect side for Thanksgiving or any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Base
- 29 oz canned yams in syrup (not drained)
- ¼ cup salted butter (melted)
- ½ cup half and half
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
Brown Sugar and Pecan Topping
- ¼ cup salted butter melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup crushed pecans
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, lightly mash the 29oz of canned yams. Add ¼ cup melted butter, ½ cup half and half, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg. Stir well.
- Pour mixture in a greased 8x8" glass baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, use a fork to mix ¼ cup melted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup crushed pecans, ½ cup flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes at 350° until brown sugar and pecan topping starts to turn golden brown.
Notes
- Don’t drain the canned yams - the syrup adds sweetness and moisture. For a less-sweet casserole, pour off half before mashing.
- Use an 8x8-inch dish for one 29 oz can. Double everything for a 9x13 pan and bake 45–50 minutes.
- The mixture will look thin before baking - it thickens as it cooks and sets while cooling.
- For extra crunch, toast pecans before mixing into the topping.
- Prefer marshmallows? Top with about 3 cups mini marshmallows and broil 2–3 minutes after baking.
- To make ahead, prep the base a day in advance and refrigerate. Add topping just before baking.
- Freezer option: assemble the base in a foil pan, wrap well, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, add topping, and bake as directed.
- Avoid over-mixing the sweet potato base - leave a little texture for the best flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 408kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 5gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 181mgPotassium: 461mgFiber: 4gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 15053IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 2mg
