This yam casserole is a creamy, sweet, and crunchy side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion.
If you love the famous Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole, this recipe is going to be your new favorite. It skips the marshmallows in favor of a buttery, crunchy pecan praline topping that pairs perfectly with the fluffy, soufflé-like yams. It is the ultimate Southern side dish!
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Made with fluffy mashed yams, rich brown sugar, and a buttery pecan topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you can make ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Why You’ll Love Making This Yam Casserole
- Holiday Favorite – A classic dish that’s a must-have for Thanksgiving and family gatherings.
- Beginner-Friendly – Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make this a no-fail recipe.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dish – Assemble in advance and bake fresh for stress-free entertaining.
- Balanced Texture – Creamy yams topped with a crisp, buttery pecan crumble.
- Customizable – Add marshmallows, swap nuts, or adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Ingredients
For the Yam Casserole
- 6 medium yams (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed – Provides a naturally sweet and creamy base.
- ½ cup dark brown sugar – Adds a deep caramel-like sweetness.
- ½ cup butter, softened – Creates a smooth, rich texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the yams.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds subtle warmth and balance.
- ½ cup milk – Helps create a fluffy, creamy consistency.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the mixture and provides structure.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
For the Topping
- ½ cup flour – Forms the base of the crumbly topping.
- ½ cup brown sugar – Caramelizes while baking for a crispy, sweet finish.
- 4 Tablespoons butter – Helps the topping bake into a buttery, crunchy layer.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – Adds a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy yams.
Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes: What’s the Difference?
You might be wondering: should I buy yams or sweet potatoes for this casserole?
- In the US: What you see labeled as “Yams” in the grocery store (with red skin and orange flesh) are actually just soft Sweet Potatoes! True yams are starchy and white inside, and very hard to find in standard American supermarkets.
- The Verdict: You can use anything labeled “Yam” or “Sweet Potato” for this recipe. As long as it has orange flesh, it will result in that beautiful, creamy texture.
Why We Use a Pecan Topping (No Marshmallows!)
While many classic casseroles use marshmallows, we prefer a Pecan Crumble Topping (similar to a Streusel).
- Texture: The yams are already soft and creamy. Adding a crunchy brown sugar and pecan crust creates the perfect contrast in every bite.
- Flavor: The buttery topping caramelizes in the oven, creating a “candied” effect that tastes almost like dessert.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Yams
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the peeled and cubed yams and cook for 15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the yams and discard the water.
Step 2: Mash the Yams
Transfer the drained yams to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or use a hand mixer and large bowl). Add brown sugar, softened butter, salt, black pepper, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the mashed yam mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: Make the Topping
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and butter. Use a fork or your hands to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Step 5: Add the Topping & Bake
Sprinkle the crumbly pecan topping evenly over the yam mixture. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then bake as directed.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work just as well and offer a similar creamy texture and natural sweetness.
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