Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Cracker Barrel’s Sweet Potato Casserole is the kind of dish that brings comfort, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia to the dinner table.
Whether you’re gathering with family during the holidays or looking for a delicious side dish to accompany a special meal, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
With its smooth, creamy texture from perfectly mashed sweet potatoes and its signature sweet topping of melted marshmallows and crunchy pecans, it’s a dish that offers the perfect balance of flavors.
In this post, I’m sharing a tried-and-true recipe that will help you recreate this Southern classic at home, bringing all the cozy, comforting goodness right into your own kitchen.
Get ready for a recipe that is as easy to make as it is delicious — the ultimate side dish for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Cracker Barrel’s Sweet Potato Casserole has earned its spot as one of the most beloved comfort food dishes on their menu.
But what makes this recipe so special? Let’s dive into a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with making this casserole at home.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
The best part about this casserole is the harmonious balance of flavors.
The naturally sweet, creamy mashed sweet potatoes are contrasted with a crunchy, caramelized topping that’s a perfect mix of brown sugar, toasted pecans, and gooey marshmallows.
Every bite offers a comforting sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory mains like roasted turkey, ham, or even fried chicken.
A Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish
This casserole is the kind of dish that everyone will gravitate toward.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal, a family get-together, or a casual dinner, you’ll find that this dish quickly disappears from the table.
The combination of soft, mashed sweet potatoes and the sweet, crunchy topping ensures that this recipe will satisfy both children and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Convenience
One of the most appealing features of this recipe is its ability to be made ahead of time.
You can prep the casserole earlier in the day or even the night before, making it an ideal dish for busy holiday meals or dinner parties.
Simply bake it before serving, and you’ll have a delicious, stress-free side dish ready to go!
Versatility for Any Occasion
While this casserole is a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round.
It pairs perfectly with everything from weeknight meals to more extravagant holiday spreads, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Easy to Customize
Want to make it your own? This recipe is highly customizable.
You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar, or swap out the marshmallows for a streusel topping if you’re looking for something different.
If you love a particular spice, adding cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor even further.
No matter how you make it, this Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole
Creating this Cracker Barrel-inspired Sweet Potato Casserole at home requires just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to deliver a delicious, comforting dish.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking:
Sweet Potatoes
The star of the show, sweet potatoes create the base of the casserole.
Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for the best texture.
You can either peel and chop them into chunks for boiling or opt for roasting them for an extra depth of flavor.
Fresh sweet potatoes will provide the perfect balance of sweetness and smoothness once mashed.
Butter
Butter adds richness and a velvety texture to the sweet potatoes.
You’ll need unsalted butter for control over the seasoning, ensuring you get that perfect buttery taste without it being too salty.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is key to creating the signature sweetness in the casserole.
It also brings a touch of molasses flavor, which pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on how deep you want the flavor to be.
Milk & Eggs
To make the casserole creamy and smooth, you’ll need a bit of milk (whole milk works best) and eggs.
The milk adds a slight creaminess, while the eggs help bind everything together and create a smooth, fluffy texture.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract brings out the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and brown sugar, giving the casserole a warm, comforting flavor.
A little goes a long way, so just a teaspoon is all you need.
Pecans (Optional)
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, chopped pecans make for an excellent topping.
They give the casserole a nutty texture that contrasts nicely with the soft, creamy sweet potatoes.
Plus, when toasted in the oven, pecans develop a rich, caramelized flavor that elevates the dish.
Marshmallows
The marshmallow topping is what makes this casserole feel extra special.
When baked, the marshmallows melt into a gooey, golden layer that’s both sweet and satisfying.
You can use mini marshmallows for even distribution or large ones for a more dramatic look.
How to Make Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole at Home
Making Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole at home is simpler than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it.
Follow these steps to recreate this Southern favorite in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping your sweet potatoes into chunks, about 1-2 inches in size.
This helps them cook evenly and faster. Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the sweet potato pieces.
Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
Alternatively, you can roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for 45-60 minutes at 400°F, which will deepen their flavor.
Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes before mashing.
Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes with a potato masher or use a hand mixer for a smoother texture.
Add in the unsalted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Use a whisk or spoon to combine everything until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed, adding more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter casserole.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
For the topping, combine brown sugar and chopped pecans in a small bowl.
You can toast the pecans for an extra crunchy texture, but it’s optional.
This mixture will give the casserole its crispy, sweet crust. If you’re using marshmallows, set them aside for now.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Spoon the mashed sweet potato mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
Now, evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and pecan topping over the sweet potatoes.
For the classic marshmallow topping, arrange the mini marshmallows (or large ones if preferred) evenly on top of the pecans.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.
If you want an extra crispy marshmallow topping, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
The sweet potato casserole can be served warm, allowing the marshmallows to stay gooey and the pecans to remain crispy.
This dish is perfect as a side for holiday meals, special occasions, or even a comforting weeknight dinner.
Tips for Perfecting Your Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole
While this recipe is easy to follow, there are a few tips and tricks that can elevate your Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole to perfection.
These helpful pointers will ensure your casserole is not only delicious but also has the ideal texture and flavor.
Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes
The key to a great casserole starts with the sweet potatoes.
Make sure you pick firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes without any blemishes.
If you opt for organic, they tend to be even sweeter and more flavorful.
While most people boil sweet potatoes, roasting them enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor, so try roasting for an extra boost.
Don’t Overmix the Sweet Potato Mixture
Once you add the milk, eggs, and butter to the mashed sweet potatoes, mix gently.
Overmixing can lead to a less-than-perfect texture, making the casserole dense and less airy.
A light hand will result in a smoother, fluffier dish.
Adjust the Sweetness to Your Taste
Sweet potato casseroles vary in sweetness, and you can always adjust the flavor to suit your preferences.
If you like your casserole on the sweeter side, add a bit more brown sugar or even a touch of maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar.
Get the Perfect Marshmallow Topping
For that signature gooey marshmallow topping, make sure the casserole is fully cooked before you add the marshmallows.
If you place them on too early, they can melt into the sweet potatoes before the casserole has time to bake.
Broiling them for a minute or two at the end gives you that golden, crispy layer on top — just be sure to watch them closely, as they can burn quickly.
Make It Ahead for Convenience
This casserole is even better when you prepare it in advance.
You can assemble the casserole the day before, store it in the fridge, and bake it the next day.
If you plan to bake it from the fridge, you may need to extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
This makes it an excellent choice for busy holidays or gatherings.
Use the Right Baking Dish
A 9×13-inch baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe, but you can also use a smaller or larger dish depending on how many servings you need.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if the casserole is thinner or thicker than usual.
Variations to Try
One of the great things about this Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole is its versatility.
While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
Here are some fun variations to try:
Marshmallow-Free Option
For those who prefer a more traditional approach without the marshmallow topping, you can skip the marshmallows and instead top the casserole with a buttery, brown sugar streusel topping.
Combine oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar to make a crumbly topping that gives the casserole a deliciously sweet and nutty flavor.
Add Spices for Extra Flavor
If you love warm spices, adding a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice can give your casserole an extra layer of flavor.
These spices complement the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and create a cozy, fall-inspired dish. Just a teaspoon of each should do the trick without overwhelming the casserole’s flavors.
Use a Different Nut for Topping
While pecans are the traditional choice for the topping, you can easily swap them for other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts.
You can also make the topping nut-free by skipping the nuts altogether, and adding a sprinkle of granola or crushed graham crackers for a crunchy texture.
Try a Dairy-Free Version
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, swap out the butter for coconut oil or dairy-free margarine, and use coconut milk or almond milk in place of regular milk.
There are also non-dairy marshmallow options available if you still want that sweet topping.
Add a Twist of Citrus
For a refreshing twist, try adding a bit of orange zest or lemon zest to the sweet potato mixture.
The citrus zest will brighten up the flavors and add a subtle, fragrant layer to the casserole.
Spice it Up with Chipotle
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of chipotle pepper or cayenne to the sweet potato mixture.
The mild heat will pair surprisingly well with the natural sweetness of the potatoes, giving the casserole a unique and exciting flavor profile.
Maple Syrup Swap
For a natural sweetener, substitute some of the brown sugar with maple syrup.
Not only does this add a rich, earthy sweetness to the casserole, but it also imparts a lovely, fragrant maple flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet potatoes.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel’s Sweet Potato Casserole is an irresistible dish that combines the natural sweetness of tender mashed sweet potatoes with a warm, gooey marshmallow topping and a touch of crunch from toasted pecans.
Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast, a special family dinner, or just because, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity, versatility, and the ability to customize it to your tastes.
From adjusting the sweetness to adding your favorite spices or toppings, this dish offers plenty of opportunities for creativity.
Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re serving it for a festive occasion or as a comforting side dish any time of the year.
So go ahead—try this recipe and treat your family and friends to the delicious, heartwarming flavors of Cracker Barrel’s Sweet Potato Casserole. You won’t be disappointed!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes if you’re short on time.
Make sure to drain and mash them well before mixing with the other ingredients.
However, fresh sweet potatoes will give you a richer flavor and texture, so we recommend using fresh if you can.
2. Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead by assembling it and storing it in the fridge.
When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.
You might need to bake it a bit longer if it’s cold from the fridge, so keep an eye on it.
3. Can I freeze Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. After assembling it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze.
When ready to bake, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
The texture may slightly change after freezing, but it will still be delicious!
4. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave, but be careful not to overcook it, as the marshmallows may burn if heated for too long.
5. Can I make this casserole without marshmallows?
Yes, if you prefer not to use marshmallows, you can skip them and create a crunchy streusel topping instead.
Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter to make a delicious alternative that gives a sweet and nutty flavor to the casserole.
Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole
Equipment
- 1 9×13-inch baking dish
- 1 Large pot (for boiling sweet potatoes)
- 1 Potato masher or hand mixer
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 Small bowl (for topping)
- 1 Whisk or spoon (for mixing)
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 4 cups Sweet potatoes about 3-4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup Brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup Whole milk or dairy-free milk
- 2 Large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup Pecans chopped (optional)
- 2 cups Mini marshmallows or large marshmallows, halved
Instructions
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the sweet potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly before mashing.
Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
- Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Mash them with a potato masher or use a hand mixer for a smoother consistency. Add the softened butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
Make the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and chopped pecans (if using). This will form the crunchy topping.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon the mashed sweet potato mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes. Then, layer the mini marshmallows on top.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through. If you prefer a golden, crispy marshmallow topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch carefully to avoid burning).
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, comforting flavors of this classic Southern dish!
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. If baking from cold, you may need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cook time.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then bake from frozen for about 50-60 minutes. You can also thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Pecan Alternatives: If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer a different flavor, you can skip the pecans or use a streusel topping made with oats or crushed graham crackers.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: For added flavor, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for a cozy, spiced note.
