Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

This Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole is a savory and crunchy side dish, which features a tangy yogurt mash and a topping of pecans and bacon. It’s a sophisticated update to the marshmallow classic, ready in about 1 hour.

Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes

• 3 lbs sweet potatoes (approx. 4 large), peeled and cubed
• 1 cup plain yogurt (full fat is best)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for warmth)
• Pinch of nutmeg

For the Topping

• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (optional but recommended)

How To Make Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Cook the potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot or steamer basket. Steam over boiling water for 20 minutes, or until very tender when pierced with a fork. (Steaming prevents them from becoming waterlogged).
2. Mash the filling: Transfer the hot potatoes to a large bowl. Add the yogurt, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, salt, cayenne, and nutmeg. Mash with a potato masher until smooth (or leave slightly chunky if preferred).
3. Fill the dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish. Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish.
4. Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, and 1/3 cup brown sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture looks like wet crumbs. Stir in the crumbled bacon.
5. Top and bake: Sprinkle the pecan-bacon crumble evenly over the sweet potatoes. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the potatoes are heated through.
6. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Steaming vs. Boiling: Alton recommends steaming the potatoes rather than boiling them directly in water. This preserves their natural sweetness and prevents them from absorbing excess water, which leads to a runny casserole.
• The Yogurt: Using plain yogurt instead of heavy cream or milk adds a necessary tangy acidity that cuts through the intense sweetness of the potatoes and sugar.
• Bacon: The salty, smoky bacon in the topping is the perfect counterpoint to the sweet mash. If you are vegetarian, you can omit it or use smoked almonds instead.
• Topping texture: Ensure the butter is fully incorporated into the flour and sugar so the topping crisps up rather than staying powdery.

What To Serve With Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole

• Roast Turkey: The classic Thanksgiving partner.
• Glazed Ham: Sweet on sweet/salty works well here.
• Green Beans: A fresh vegetable contrast.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft yeast rolls.

How To Store Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven to keep the topping crisp. Microwave will make the topping soft.
• Freeze: You can freeze the mashed potato base (without topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw, add fresh topping, and bake.

Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 350kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturates: 5g
• Sugar: 22g
• Salt: 0.6g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 8 servings).

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