Name: Orange-Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; Unsalted butter, melted; Brown sugar; Eggs; Fresh orange juice; Orange zest; Vanilla extract; Ground cinnamon; Ground nutmeg; Ground ginger; Salt; Brown sugar (for streusel); All-purpose flour; Chopped pecans; Ground cinnamon (for streusel); Unsalted butter, melted (for streusel); Mini marshmallows (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole offers the perfect balance of sweet, citrusy, and warmly spiced flavors. Fresh orange zest and juice enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes, while cinnamon and nutmeg create a cozy aroma. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and can be customized with your favorite toppings, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sweet Potato Filling

Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Unsalted butter, melted
Brown sugar
Eggs
Fresh orange juice
Orange zest
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground ginger
Salt

For the Pecan Streusel Topping

Brown sugar
All-purpose flour
Chopped pecans
Ground cinnamon
Unsalted butter, melted

Optional Marshmallow Topping

Mini marshmallows

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot.
Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined.
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake for 30–35 minutes.
If using marshmallows, sprinkle them over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking and continue baking until lightly golden.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8–10 people.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Rest time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Marshmallow Version: Skip the streusel and top with mini marshmallows for a classic holiday favorite.
Maple Sweet Potato Casserole: Replace some of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup.
Cranberry Orange: Fold dried cranberries into the sweet potato mixture.
Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans and use an oat-based crumble topping instead.
Extra Citrus: Add a little lemon zest for even brighter flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Orange-Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through. Freeze the casserole without the marshmallow topping for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and add fresh marshmallows just before baking if desired.

FAQs

What type of sweet potatoes work best?

Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, such as Beauregard or Jewel varieties, are ideal because they are naturally sweet and creamy.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Should I boil or bake the sweet potatoes?

Either method works well. Boiling is faster, while baking produces a richer, more concentrated flavor.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes. Drain them well and reduce the added sugar if they are packed in syrup.

Can I use fresh orange juice?

Absolutely. Freshly squeezed orange juice provides the brightest and freshest citrus flavor.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes. Freeze it before adding marshmallows for the best texture after reheating.

Which topping is better, pecans or marshmallows?

Both are delicious. Pecans provide a crunchy topping, while marshmallows create a classic sweet, gooey finish.

How do I make the casserole dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter in both the filling and the streusel topping.

What main dishes pair well with this casserole?

It pairs beautifully with roast turkey, glazed ham, roast chicken, pork loin, beef roast, or holiday stuffing.

Can I add more spices?

Yes. A pinch of cloves, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice adds even more warm holiday flavor.

Conclusion

Orange-Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious twist on a holiday classic, combining creamy sweet potatoes with fresh citrus and cozy spices for a memorable side dish. Whether topped with buttery pecan streusel or golden marshmallows, this make-ahead casserole is perfect for holiday celebrations and family dinners. Its rich flavor, beautiful presentation, and comforting texture are sure to make it a favorite year after year.

Orange-Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Orange-Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole is a rich, creamy holiday side dish made with mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices, and bright citrus flavor, finished with a buttery pecan streusel or toasted marshmallows. It’s a comforting favorite for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and family gatherings.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Boil the sweet potatoes for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender, then drain thoroughly.
Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
Mix in the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined.
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake for 30–35 minutes.
If using marshmallows, sprinkle them over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking and continue baking until lightly golden.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Fresh orange juice and zest provide the brightest flavor.
Use marshmallows instead of streusel for a classic variation.
Freeze without marshmallows for up to 3 months.
Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra holiday warmth.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 340 kcal
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 220 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 49 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg