My top sweet potato recipes for Thanksgiving are all easy to make and total crowd-pleasers. These recipes are all my family's favorites, and I've been serving them at our Thanksgiving day feast for as long as I can remember. From casseroles to pies, sweet potatoes can be transformed into so many different dishes, and I promise all of these recipe impress your guests!
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Why I Love These Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Recipes
Sweet potatoes are one of those ingredients that make Thanksgiving feel like Thanksgiving. They’re warm, cozy, sweet, and savory all at once—and they show up on nearly every Southern holiday table for a reason. If you’re putting together your Thanksgiving menu and want dishes that your family will rave about, these are the best sweet potato casseroles and sweet potato sides you can make.
From old-fashioned sweet potato pie to silky sweet potato purée, fluffy biscuits, and indulgent casseroles, this list has every version of sweet potato you could ever want for the holiday. These are the recipes my family requests year after year, and they’re a perfect blend of nostalgic favorites and fun new twists. Whether you want something classic like Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole or something creative like sweet potato cobbler, you’ll find a recipe here that earns a permanent spot at your Thanksgiving table.
Sweet Potato Recipes To Make For Thanksgiving
1. Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie
Is it really Thanksgiving without a classic sweet potato pie? I don't think so, and that's why I always make this old fashioned sweet potato pie.
This recipe is a tribute to my grandmother’s tried-and-true version, with a buttery, flaky crust and a perfectly spiced filling that has a creamy texture everyone loves.
Why It’s a Must-Try: The rich, creamy texture and nostalgic flavors make it a pie I promise your family will be requesting every year!
You can get the recipe for this classic sweet potato pie here.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams
If you’re looking for a quick and easy casserole that still delivers on flavor, my easy sweet potato casserole with canned yams is the answer. The creamy, smooth sweet potato base is topped with a gooey marshmallow and brown sugar streusel topping that'll leave you wanting more.
My favorite part is it's as delicious served as a side dish as it is served for dessert!
Why It’s a Must-Try: This recipe is truly simple to make and it's easy to whip up alongside anything else you need to prepare for the big meal.
Here is my sweet potato casserole recipe.
3. Sweet Potato Puree
This silky-smooth sweet potato puree is the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish. It's perfectly sweet, light, fluffy, and is even better than mashed sweet potatoes. It's also super versatile and can be used as a base to make a ton of other sweet potato recipes.
Why It’s a Must-Try: It’s simple, versatile, and can be used in a variety of different ways.
Check out my easy sweet potato puree recipe.
4. Sweet Potato Biscuits
This recipe makes buttery, flaky biscuits that have the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. These sweet potato biscuits are the perfect bread-like addition to a Thanksgiving table.
They're best served warm with some butter to spread on top. Or try dipping them in gravy (it's my little cousins favorite way to eat the biscuits)!
Why It’s a Must-Try: Usually crescent rolls or regular biscuits are served on Thanksgiving, but these sweet potato ones are so much better, and it's a fun way to change things up!
You can grab my sweet potato biscuits recipe here.
5. Sweet Potato Cobbler
If you're like me and love dessert but want to serve something a little different this Thanksgiving, try my sweet potato cobbler! It has a soft, cinnamon-spiced sweet potato filling, topped with a golden, biscuit-like crust. It's delicious as is, but even better paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why It’s a Must-Try: This cobbler is a great way to add some variation to the dessert table, and my grandma likes this better than any of the pies the rest of my family makes!
Get my sweet potato cobbler recipe here.
6. Sweet Potato Cornbread
This sweet potato cornbread is the best of both worlds: soft, moist, and slightly sweet, with a crumbly texture that pairs well with any Thanksgiving dish. The cornbread is honestly delicious dipped in gravy with a slice of turkey on top. Trust me, your Thanksgiving will never be the same!
Why It’s a Must-Try: You have to make mashed sweet potatoes for the base of this recipe, so you can just double them up and you'll have two delicious sides!
Here is my sweet potato cornbread recipe.
7. Sweet Potato Pudding
My sweet potato pudding is a classic Southern-style dish that deserves a spot on every Thanksgiving table. The combination of creamy mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a rich, velvety texture with a warm spiced flavor. Topped with crunchy pecans, it's perfect!
Serve it warm with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for the perfect comfort food dessert!
Why It’s a Must-Try: This sweet potato pudding is an elevated, sweeter version of mashed sweet potatoes. So you can serve it as a side, or it makes for a great dessert!
Check out my sweet potato pudding.
8. Sweet Potato Pecan Pie
Looking for a new take on a traditional pecan pie? This sweet potato pecan pie is a game-changer! I combined my old fashioned sweet potato pie recipe I mentioned earlier with my moms famous pecan pie recipe to bring the best of both together!
Why It’s a Must-Try: The creamy sweet potato filling adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the rich, nutty pecan topping. It's perfect for anyone who loves both!
Here is my sweet potato pecan pie recipe.
9. Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
If you’ve ever had the iconic sweet potato casserole at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, you know how heavenly it is. I was eating at Ruth Chris with my wife one night and we ordered the casserole and both thought, wow this would be amazing on Thanksgiving.
So we created a copycat recipe, and it might be the best sweet potato casserole ever!
Why It’s a Must-Try: This recipe makes a restaurant-quality side that will elevate even the best Thanksgiving day spread.
Here is my copycat recipe for sweet potato casserole.
10. Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk
Finishing off my list of Thanksgiving sweet potato recipes is my indulgent take on sweet potato pie. This one with sweetened condensed milk has an even creamier texture and sweeter flavor-it's guaranteed to steal the show!
Why It’s a Must-Try: This richer sweet potato pie recipe creates a decadent Thanksgiving dessert that everyone will remember. Trust me, your family will still be talking about this pie on Christmas!
Grab this sweet potato pie recipe here.
Expert Tips for The Best Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Recipes
- Use roasted sweet potatoes for deeper flavor. Regardless of the recipe—pie, casserole, biscuits, or pudding—roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them gives a richer, caramelized flavor. Roasting concentrates the sweetness naturally, which means you can use less sugar.
- Choose the right sweet potato variety. Go for orange-flesh varieties like Garnet or Jewel. They’re naturally sweeter, creamier, and more moist than white or purple sweet potatoes, making them perfect for casseroles and pies.
- Mash while warm for the smoothest texture. Warm sweet potatoes blend more easily and create a creamier purée. This makes a huge difference in recipes like sweet potato pie, Ruth’s Chris casserole, and sweet potato pudding.
- Balance sweetness with salt and spice. Sweet potato dishes shine brightest when the sweetness is balanced. A pinch of salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of cayenne (just a tiny bit) brings the flavor alive.
- Let sweet potato pies and puddings cool completely. This helps the custard set properly so the slices hold their shape. Cutting too early can cause them to fall apart or look wet.
- Don’t skip the topping for casseroles. Whether you prefer marshmallows, pecans, brown sugar streusel, or a mix of both, the texture contrast makes sweet potato casseroles irresistible. Add toppings during the last 10–15 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
- Taste as you go. Sweet potato recipes can vary depending on moisture and natural sweetness. Always taste your filling before baking and adjust sugar, spices, or salt as needed.
- Make casseroles ahead of time. Sweet potato casserole, puree, pie, biscuits, and cornbread can all be prepared a day ahead. Add toppings right before baking.
- Use the right thickener for pies and puddings. Cornstarch or flour helps bind the custard in pies; eggs provide structure. Follow the recipe ratios closely for the best set.
Sweet Potato Thanksgiving Recipe FAQs
Can I make sweet potato casseroles ahead of time?
Yes, sweet potato casseroles—including Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole and sweet potato casserole with canned yams—can be assembled 1–2 days ahead of time. Store covered in the refrigerator and add toppings (marshmallows, pecans, streusel) right before baking so they stay crisp.
Do sweet potato pies need to be refrigerated?
Absolutely. Since sweet potato pie is a custard-based dessert, it needs to be refrigerated after cooling. Store it loosely covered for 3–4 days. Sweet potato pie tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Which sweet potato recipe is best for feeding a crowd?
Sweet potato casseroles—especially ones with pecan topping or canned yams—are the easiest and most crowd-friendly options. They serve 8–12 people and can be reheated without losing texture. Sweet potato puree and sweet potato pudding are also great for large gatherings.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! Canned yams work wonderfully in casseroles and pies since they’re already cooked and soft. Just drain well and adjust sugar if needed — canned yams are often sweetened.
What’s the difference between sweet potato casserole and sweet potato pie?
Sweet potato casserole is typically served as a side dish and can be topped with pecans or marshmallows. It’s less sweet than pie. Sweet potato pie is a dessert with a custard-style filling and a flaky crust, often flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
How do I make sweet potato dishes less sweet?
Use less sugar, skip marshmallows, and increase flavor boosters like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla, or orange zest. Adding a small amount of salt also balances sweetness beautifully.
Can I freeze sweet potato casseroles or pies?
Yes. Sweet potato casseroles freeze exceptionally well before baking. Sweet potato pies can be frozen after baking — wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
What can I serve with sweet potato casseroles?
Sweet potato dishes pair beautifully with roast turkey, ham, cornbread, stuffing, and green vegetable casseroles like my mixed vegetable casserole. They also balance salty or smoky main dishes perfectly.
Why is my sweet potato casserole watery?
This happens when sweet potatoes are overcooked and waterlogged or when too much liquid is added. Baking the potatoes instead of boiling them solves this problem. Also increase thickener (flour or cornstarch) or mash longer.
Can I make sweet potato biscuits or cornbread ahead of time?
Yes — both sweet potato biscuits and sweet potato cornbread can be made a day ahead. Warm them before serving for the best texture.
My Final Thoughts On These Recipes
I think sweet potatoes are an essential part of any Thanksgiving meal, and my 10 Thanksgiving sweet potato recipes offer a variety of flavors and styles to fit any need at your table. Whether you’re a fan of pies, casseroles, or biscuits, these recipes are sure to make your holiday spread even more memorable.
Don’t forget to share this post with your friends! Everyone deserves to know about these sweet potato recipes. Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your delicious feast!
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