Sweet Potato Souffle

Sweet Potato Souffle Ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.

• Sweet Potatoes – This sweet potato soufflé recipe uses 2 pounds of sweet potatoes, which is about 4 medium ones, though the number may vary depending on their size.
• Eggs – Eggs help bind the mixture, add richness, and give the soufflé its light and airy texture when baked.
• Butter – Butter adds a rich, buttery flavor and contributes to the creamy texture of the mash.
• Cream – Heavy whipping cream makes the mashed yams extra smooth and luxurious.
• Brown Sugar – Both light and dark brown sugar work, but light brown sugar lets the natural sweetness of the yams shine through.
• Pecans – Toasted pecans bring a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweet potato base, though walnuts can be used as a substitute.
• Baking Powder – Just a small amount helps the soufflé puff up slightly, giving it a lighter texture.
  

Make Ahead Instructions

This sweet potato soufflé with pecans is the perfect make-ahead holiday side dish, ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special meal. You can easily prep it in advance and either refrigerate or freeze, then bake fresh or reheat before serving.

To Make 2–3 Days Ahead (Refrigerator):

• Prepare the mashed potato mixture and spread it into your casserole dish.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Mix the pecan crumble topping separately and store it in a zip-top bag in the fridge.
• When ready to bake, sprinkle the crumble over the top and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

To Make Up to 1 Month Ahead (Freezer):

• Prepare the sweet potato mixture and spread it into a freezer-safe casserole dish.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for several hours before baking. Add the topping just before baking for the best texture.

Tips for Success

• Swap the Nuts: Don’t have pecans? Walnuts make a great substitute and pair just as well with the yam filling.
• Feeding a Crowd? Simply double the recipe and bake it in 9x13-inch dish — perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Watch the Moisture: Make sure all excess liquid is fully cooked off the sweet potatoes before mashing. This helps the filling stay creamy and prevents it from turning runny during baking.

How to make sweet potato souffle (step by step photos)?

You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.

1.Peel and chop sweet potatoes into about ¾-inch chunks.

2. Place a medium to large saucepan over high heat. Add 3 tablespoons butter and let melt.

3. Add the cut sweet potato and saute for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Add ½ cup water and salt, give a good stir. Cover saucepan with a lid and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or potatoes are very tender and begins to break down.

Tip: Ensure to check occasionally and add a splash of water if needed if there's no water left behind before the sweet potatoes are cooked.

5. Make pecan crumble while the sweet potatoes are cooking. Add chopped pecans, brown sugar, and all purpose flour into a small bowl and stir to combine.

6 to 8. Add melted butter and stir well, until evenly combined.

9. Uncover and increase heat to evaporate any remaining traces of liquid. Remove pan from heat and let cool completely.

Pro tip: Ensure there is absolutely no trace of liquid remaining. This step is crucial to guarantee that the filling maintains its desired consistency and doesn't become runny during baking.

10. Add eggs, brown sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, and baking powder into the cooled sweet potatoes.

11. Beat using an electric beater, on high, until very smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.

12. Transfer into a square baking dish, spread evenly, and sprinkle pecan topping on the top. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or the souffle has puffed slightly and the topping is golden brown.

More easy holiday side dishes

•  Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips - The earthy root veggies turn into caramelized, candy-like bites. Ready in 30 minutes, they make an easy yet elegant side dish for both weeknights and holidays like Thanksgiving.
• Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe is ultra-creamy, smooth, and easy to make. It’s the perfect lightened-up side dish for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal.
• Air Fryer Garlic Bread is crispy on the edges, soft in the center and infused with yummy garlic butter that melts into nooks and crannies of the bread.
• Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes are irresistibly rich, buttery, and ultra-creamy—absolutely delicious! These homemade mashed potatoes are a crowd favorite, easy to make, and the perfect addition to any meal.
• No Knead Avocado Dinner Rolls are ultra soft, plush and made with mashed avocado instead of butter! There is no kneading or stand mixer required, and it is shockingly easy to make.