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Home » Recipes » Potatoes

Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole

Published: Nov 20, 2024 · Updated: Mar 26, 2025 by Marye

Bourbon Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish! Creamy sweet potatoes are infused with bourbon and vanilla, topped with a crunchy-sweet praline layer, and baked to perfection. Sorry, marshmallows—this one steals the show!
Total time for the recipe to be finished.Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Jump to Recipe
Close up of sweet potato crunch casserole with a serving removed from dish.
Closeup of sweet potato casserole with text overlay for Pinterest.
Casserole with black and white text overlay for Pinterest.

Bourbon sweet potato casserole is hands down one of my favorite side dishes. Buttery sweet potatoes are always a treat, but for Thanksgiving dinner, this dish takes it to the next level with rich bourbon, warm fall spices, yams, and crunchy pecans. It doesn’t get more "fall" than this!

First published November 4, 2014. Last Updated November 20,2024, to improve readability and update information.

Overhead view of bourbon sweet potato casserole in a white casserole dish. The top is covered with toasted pecans.
Bourbon sweet potato casserole with crunchy pecan streusel topping is perfect for the holidays!
Table of Contents
  • 🗝️ Key takeaways: why this recipe is your new favorite
  • 🧾 Gather your ingredients: what you'll need
  • 📖 Make it your own: yummy variations
  • 🔪 Step-by-step guide: instructions for success
  • 🎥 Watch and cook: step-by-step video tutorial
  • Table template
  • 🥫 Leftover love: how to store and reheat bourbon sweet potato casserole
  • Marye's Tip o' the day
  • 💭 Insider tips: things to know
  • 👩‍🍳 Let's answer those questions: FAQs
  • 📚 More Southern comfort: related recipes you'll love
  • 🍽️ No waste: creative ways to repurpose
  • 📞 Wrapping it up: the last word
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Save this recipe by clicking on the ❤️ heart on the right-hand side of the screen or in the recipe card.

🗝️ Key takeaways: why this recipe is your new favorite

  • Bourbon balances the sweetness and adds layers of flavor while the crunchy praline adds texture.
  • This is a classic holiday recipe but it's delicious any time of the year.
  • The best way to cook the sweet potatoes for this recipe is by baking. If you've never done it before check out my tutorial on how to bake sweet potatoes !

This is a little upgrade on the classic Thanksgiving side dish, sweet potatoes with marshmallows. Even if you're not a fan of yams/sweet potatoes you may find yourself taking another helping!
Another family favorite holiday dish is this pineapple casserole recipe - we just can't get enough!

🧾 Gather your ingredients: what you'll need

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Labeled ingredients for sweet potato crunch recipe.
Ingredients for bourbon sweet potato casserole.

📖 Make it your own: yummy variations

  • Sweet potatoes or yams can be fresh or canned. Technically, in the US they are the same thing.
  • If you prefer not to use bourbon you can use extra cream, cream soda, or even ginger ale in place of it.
  • A teaspoon of vanilla extract is delicious in this - especially if you're leaving the bourbon out.
  • Heavy cream lightens the sweet potatoes and gives them creaminess. You can substitute whole milk or evaporated milk if you wish to cut down on some of the fat. The texture will not be the same.
  • You can use walnuts in place of the pecans if you like.

🔪 Step-by-step guide: instructions for success

This is an overview of the instructions. Be sure to watch the video below. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Collage of images showing how to make this recipe step by step.
Step-by-step images showing how to make bourbon sweet potato casserole.
  1. After baking, scoop the sweet potato flesh out into a mixer and throw the peels away. If you're using canned yams then be sure to drain them thoroughly.
  2. Whip on high speed until fluffy.
  3. Add vanilla and spices to the mashed sweet potatoes.
  4. Whip in the brown sugar.
  5. Add melted butter, heavy cream, and bourbon.
  6. Spoon the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish and set aside.
  7. Chop the pecans.
  8. Combine sugar and melted butter. Mix in the pecans.
  9. Saute until the brown sugar is melted and no longer grainy. Watch carefully!
  10. Place the candied pecans on the top of the casserole and bake.

🤫 Marye's secret for zhuzhing it up -

Sprinkle a little flaked sea salt or smoked sea salt over the top before serving - not too much. It balances out the sweetness and brings out the flavor of the pecans.

zhuzh: verb. To make something more interesting or attractive

🎥 Watch and cook: step-by-step video tutorial

Table template

Sometimes you need to bake two things at once - here's how to adjust the time and/or temperatures of your casserole!

These times are only an estimate. Be sure to check your casserole often. It's done when an instant-read thermometer registers 165F when stuck in the middle of the casserole.

TemperatureTimeTime From Frozen
300F1 hourDon't recommend
325F50 minutes1 ½ hours
350F40 minutes1 hour and 10 minutes
375F30 minutes1 hour
400F20 minutes watch the topping that it doesn't scorch. Cover with foil if needed.40 minutes - watch the topping that it doesn't scorch. Cover with foil if needed.
If you increase the temperature be sure to watch the topping carefully.

🥫 Leftover love: how to store and reheat bourbon sweet potato casserole

While we all love to sit around the table and chat after dinner be sure to cover and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Refrigerate

Leftover sweet potato casserole should be covered with plastic wrap or put in an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. This will be fine in the fridge for 3 or 4 days total.

Freeze

For longer storage you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Cover tightly with plastic wrap then aluminum foil.

Make ahead

This is the perfect side dish recipe for Thanksgiving Day because you can make it up to 3 days ahead of time and cover it with plastic wrap. Make the topping and put it in a separate container.

When ready to bake just uncover, add the topping in an even layer, and bake as directed. Since it's cold you may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Reheat

To reheat just cover with aluminum foil and reheat in a 325F oven for about 15 minutes. Take the foil off and let the topping crisp up for a few minutes more.

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Marye's Tip o' the day

Due to differences in ovens and casserole dishes baking times can vary. Be sure to check the sweet potato casserole after about 20 minutes... The internal temperature will be 160F-165F.

💭 Insider tips: things to know

  1. Make sure fresh sweet potatoes are firm to the touch and the skin is intact with no soft spots.
  2. Completely drain canned yams.
  3. Even though it's not in a traditional sweet potato casserole use a good bourbon in this. Trust me! It makes a huge difference in the flavor.
  4. The bourbon cooks out - you don't have to worry about getting the kids tipsy.
  5. Put your casserole dish on a baking sheet in case there are bubble overs.
  6. I prefer to roast or bake the potatoes when I make this dish with fresh produce. I think it gives them more flavor.
  7. I don't recommend chopping the pecans with a food processor. Chop them by hand. They need to be coarsely chopped for the best texture.

👩‍🍳 Let's answer those questions: FAQs

Have other questions? Ask me in the comments!

Can a homemade sweet potato casserole be frozen?

Yes, just prepare as directed but leave the topping off and don't bake it. Cover with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. The night before you plan to serve it put it in the fridge to thaw. Add the pecans, bake, and serve as directed.

How long does this keep in the fridge?

You can cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator 3-5 days.

How do you reheat sweet potato casserole?

Cover with aluminum foil and reheat in a 325F oven for about 15 minutes.

Serving of sweet potato crunch on a white plate.
Easy bourbon sweet potatoes are fantastic with just about any Fall meal.

⏲️ Marye's time saving hacks -

If using fresh sweet potatoes, microwave them instead of boiling or baking.

📚 More Southern comfort: related recipes you'll love

More great sweet potato recipes. If you're looking for classic sweet potato casserole try the Southern candied yams.

  • Overhead view of sweet potato pineapple casserole with cranberries and pecans.
    Pineapple Sweet Potato Casserole
  • close up of sweet potato fries on a blue table.
    Baked Sweet Potato Fries {+Air Fryer Instructions}
  • Orange sweet potato cubes with caramelized edges on a plate waiting to be served.
    Sweet-Spicy Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes Cubes
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    Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

🍽️ No waste: creative ways to repurpose

Use leftover mashed sweet potatoes in place of pumpkin in pumpkin bread or in this sweet potato rum cake. They can be used in place of pumpkin in most recipes.

You may want to skim the topping off first.

📞 Wrapping it up: the last word

These creamy sweet potatoes are a family favorite! Sometimes I skip the "crunch" topping and use marshmallows instead, but no matter what, this dish is always on our Thanksgiving table.

It’s a recipe I’ve been making for over 40 years, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it just as much as we have. With its sweet, comforting flavors, it’s perfect as a side dish—or even as a semi-healthy dessert!

Click over to this post for more prep ahead sides for Thanksgiving

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

If you love this recipe please comment below and give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

Close up of sweet potato crunch casserole with a serving removed from dish.

Bourbon Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole

4.77 from 108 votes
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Bourbon Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish! Creamy sweet potatoes are infused with bourbon and vanilla, topped with a crunchy-sweet praline layer, and baked to perfection. Sorry, marshmallows—this one steals the show!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American - Southern,Holiday
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Servings:8 servings
Calories:576
Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds sweet potatoes/yams, or 3 29-ounce cans, drained
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • ¼ cup butter

Instructions

  • Slice sweet potatoes in half, brush with butter, and bake at 350F until tender - or drain canned yams.
  • Remove the peels and add the cooked sweet potatoes to the bowl of your mixer and blend until smooth.
  • Add the remaining ingredients, except topping, and whip until well blended and fluffy.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings.
  • Spoon into a greased casserole dish.
  • Sprinkle with the pecan topping.
  • Bake at 375 for 30 minutes.

Topping

  • Melt butter in a heavy saucepan.
  • Add the chopped pecans and brown sugar.
  • Cook, stirring often, until the pecans are well coated.
  • Spoon the topping over the yam mixture.

Notes

Note: In the video I say there are eggs in this recipe. There are no eggs in this recipe. Once in awhile I forget what I am actually doing.::shakes head:::
Storage:
Leftover sweet potato casserole should be covered with plastic wrap or put in an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. This will be fine in the fridge for 3 or 4 days total. For longer storage you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Cover tightly with plastic wrap then aluminum foil.
Tips:
    • Use a good bourbon in this. Trust me! It makes a huge difference in the flavor.
    • If you prefer not to use bourbon you can use extra cream, cream soda, or even ginger ale in place of it.
    • Save time by using canned yams that have been well drained - but... it won't be as good.
    • I don't recommend chopping the pecans with a food processor. Chop them by hand. They need to be coarsely chopped for the best texture.
    • You can prepare this sweet, buttery sweet potato side dish about 3 days ahead of time, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake before serving.
       
You'll find more helpful tips and variations in the body of the post.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 576kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 287mg | Potassium: 855mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 32861IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.

Close up of sweet potato crunch casserole with a serving removed from dish.

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Bourbon sweet potato casserole

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About Marye

Meet Marye Audet, a wizard in the kitchen and a storyteller at heart. Marye is like your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the secret recipes and isn't afraid to spill them.

Comments

    4.77 from 108 votes (107 ratings without comment)

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    Love it? Give it 5 stars!




  1. Laurie says

    November 19, 2024 at 2:24 pm

    5 stars
    This sounds delicious, but my goodness, why wear sleeves that get into the ingredients and all over your sleeves? Just a critic to let you know that the recipe and ingredients sound wonderful. I'd like to make this recipe. I also LOVE that mixer. Does it compare with a Kitchen Aid for durability and mixing stiff ingredients which put a load on a mixer? What's the name of the brand. I think I would replace my Kitchen Aid (knock off) Kenmore mixer for one like your's.

    Reply
    • Marye says

      November 19, 2024 at 5:13 pm

      I have a kitchen aid - this is a Bosch and I do love it. It kneads up to 6 pounds of bread dough and my last one lasted for 20 years before it needed to be replaced.

      Reply
  2. Amanda says

    November 18, 2022 at 9:26 pm

    Can you use pumpkin pie spice instead of all of the seasonings?

    Reply
    • Marye says

      November 19, 2022 at 3:24 pm

      sure.

      Reply
Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

Hey Y'all, I'm Marye

Welcome to my kitchen! ☕

NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies. Collector of old cookbooks.

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