Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Introduction

Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams is rich, creamy, and irresistibly comforting—made easy with canned yams for a smooth, perfectly sweet base. Finished with a buttery topping or gooey marshmallows, this classic holiday side delivers all the cozy flavor of traditional sweet potato casserole with half the prep. It’s dependable, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime comfort is on the menu.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Quick and easy using canned yams
• Creamy, smooth texture every time
• Perfect balance of sweet and buttery
• Holiday-ready and crowd-friendly

• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly

Ingredients (serves 8–10)

Sweet Potato Base

• 2 (29 oz) cans yams, drained
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup milk or evaporated milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ tsp salt

Topping (choose one or both)

• 2 cups mini marshmallows

OR

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Potato masher or hand mixer
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Preheat and prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Mash the yams

Place drained canned yams in a large bowl. Mash until smooth using a potato masher or hand mixer.

3. Mix the base

Add melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly until creamy and well combined.

4. Transfer to baking dish

Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.

5. Add topping

For marshmallows: sprinkle evenly over the top.
For pecan streusel: mix brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and pecans, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

6. Bake

Bake uncovered 25–30 minutes, until heated through and lightly set.

7. Brown the topping

If using marshmallows, switch oven to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until golden brown.

8. Rest and serve

Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets properly.

Mistakes to avoid

• Not draining yams — watery casserole
• Overmixing — dense texture
• Burning marshmallows — broil too long
• Under-seasoning — bland flavor
• Skipping rest time — loose consistency

Variations of Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

• Less Sweet — reduce sugar by half
• Bourbon — add 1 tbsp bourbon
• Coconut — add shredded coconut to the topping
• Nut-Free — use marshmallows only

• Extra Spiced — add cloves or allspice

Tips for storage & make-ahead

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days
• Assemble ahead and refrigerate 24 hours before baking
• Freeze-baked casserole up to 2 months
• Reheat covered to prevent drying

Frequently Asked Questions

Are canned yams the same as sweet potatoes?
Yes—most canned “yams” in the U.S. are actually sweet potatoes.

Do I need to add sugar?
Yes, but you can adjust the sweetness to taste.

Can I use only pecan topping?
Absolutely—skip marshmallows if preferred.

Is this a dessert or a side dish?
Traditionally served as a side dish.

Conclusion

Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams brings classic holiday flavor with modern convenience. Creamy, sweet, and topped just the way you like it, this easy casserole proves that shortcuts can still deliver unforgettable comfort.