Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Canned Yams

If you’ve ever had the famous Ruth’s Chris sweet potato casserole, you already know why people talk about it long after dinner’s done. It’s creamy, buttery, and has that irresistible brown sugar pecan topping that makes every bite taste like dessert.

Now, if you want that same magic at home without peeling and boiling potatoes all morning, this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Canned Yams is your answer. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving sweet potato side dish—quick, foolproof, and just as indulgent as the original.

And about those “yams”—let’s clear that up. In the U.S., the canned “yams” you buy are really sweet potatoes. Real yams are white and starchy, used mostly in African and Caribbean cooking. So yes, this is truly a sweet potato casserole using canned yams, even if the label says otherwise.

This dish gives you everything you want from a southern sweet potato casserole—rich flavor, silky texture, and a crunchy, sweet topping that’s the highlight of any holiday table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this homemade sweet potato casserole recipe from start to finish.

For the base:

• 40 ounces canned yams (Bruce’s brand recommended)
  
• ½ cup butter or dairy-free substitute
  
• ¾ cup sugar
  
• ½ cup milk or almond milk
  
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  

For the pecan topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
  
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
  
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  
• 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
  
• Optional: 1 cup mini marshmallows for that gooey finish
  

Chef’s tip: Got extra roasted sweet potatoes from another recipe? Use them instead of canned—especially if you’ve made my Sweet Potato Cubes Oven recipe before.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for the best baked sweet potato casserole from canned yams you’ll ever make.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   
2. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
   
3. Pour canned yams and their syrup into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes.
   
4. Drain and mash the yams until smooth.
   
5. Mix in sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla until creamy.
   
6. Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
   
7. In a separate bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Stir until crumbly.
   
8. Sprinkle the topping over the mashed sweet potato layer.
   
9. Bake for 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp.
   
10. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
    

Chef’s note: If you love that gooey finish, add marshmallows during the last 5–10 minutes of baking. That’s how you get the classic sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and pecans look and flavor.

Variations You Can Try

Once you’ve nailed the basic recipe, you can switch it up a few fun ways:

• Add chopped hazelnuts, dried cranberries, or raisins for texture.
  
• Mix half yams and half pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired twist.
  
• Go full dessert by topping with marshmallows instead of nuts.
  
• Double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch dish if you’re feeding a crowd.
  

This is easily the best sweet potato casserole for holidays—beautiful, balanced, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers? Lucky you. Here’s how to keep them fresh.

• Cool completely before storing.
  
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight container.
  
• Refrigerate for up to three days.
  
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 45 seconds.
  

If you only have a smaller can, use a 29-ounce can of yams and cut the rest of the ingredients in half. You’ll still get the same flavor, just a smaller batch of this simple yam casserole recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This sweet potato casserole recipe with canned yams is everything you want in a cozy, southern holiday dish—rich, sweet, and topped with that crunchy pecan magic. It’s a homemade sweet potato casserole that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to make.

Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting, classic recipes you’ll love.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Sweet Potato Cornbread
  
• Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
  
• Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
  
• Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole
  
• Perfect Chicken Pot Pie
  
• Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits

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