If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that practically defines holiday nostalgia, Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is your answer. This dreamy, creamy casserole pairs perfectly spiced sweet potatoes with a buttery, crisp pecan streusel—a symphony of textures and flavors that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it graces your Thanksgiving spread or shines at any cozy dinner, this classic recipe is a heartfelt favorite you’ll want to share with loved ones time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping irresistible is how ordinary ingredients, when combined just right, turn into a dish that’s pure magic. Each item not only adds delicious flavor but also brings the perfect balance of tenderness, crunch, and sweetness to the table.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes (4 cups): Bake, boil, or microwave about 4 large sweet potatoes until tender, then mash for a naturally velvety base.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): A touch of sweetness that highlights the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
- Eggs (2 large): These bind the casserole and give it its lovely, soufflé-like texture.
- Whole Milk (½ cup): Adds creaminess and a subtle richness that blends everything together.
- Unsalted Butter, Melted (4 tablespoons): Rich flavor and smoothness; melt it for easy mixing.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Lends aromatic warmth and that unmistakable cozy note.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and wake up all the flavors.
- Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed): Essential for a deep, caramel-like sweetness in the pecan topping.
- All-Purpose Flour (⅓ cup): Ensures the streusel topping has the ideal crumbly texture.
- Unsalted Butter, Softened (4 tablespoons): For the topping, soft butter creates beautiful little clusters with the flour and sugar.
- Chopped Pecans (1 cup): Toasty, buttery crunch that makes every bite unforgettable.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by firing up your oven to 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect environment for your casserole to bake up golden and inviting. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light greasing—this simple step guarantees easy serving (and saves you from stuck-on pieces later!).
Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Mixture
In a big bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix it all together until the texture is silky smooth and everything is fully combined. This is where the magic starts—the mixture should be creamy and fragrant.
Step 3: Spread and Smooth
Pour the sweet potato base into your prepared baking dish. Gently spread it out with a spatula until you have an even, inviting layer just waiting for that crunchy pecan topping.
Step 4: Mix the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, bring together the brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans. Use your fingers or a fork to blend everything until you have a crumbly, delightfully chunky mixture—the perfect contrast to the creamy layer below.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Evenly sprinkle the pecan topping across the sweet potato layer, letting some big clusters form for extra crunch. Make sure every inch is covered so each scoop gets a taste of that irresistible texture.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The topping should turn a beautiful golden-brown, while the center sets but stays soft and luscious. Let the dish cool slightly so the flavors settle and each slice holds together perfectly.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Garnishes
For an elegant finish, try a sprinkle of extra toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon over your Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping. A few delicate rosemary sprigs or orange zest add vibrant color and a little lift to every plate.
Side Dishes
This casserole sings alongside classic holiday mains—think juicy roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a nutty lentil loaf for vegetarians. Pair with fresh green beans, cranberry sauce, or a crisp salad to balance the sweetness and make your feast complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping in individual ramekins makes each portion extra special. Or, scoop it family-style from a rustic casserole dish and let everyone help themselves. For potlucks, bring it in a slow cooker to keep warm—it’s a showstopper no matter how you serve!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping stays fresh and flavorful for up to four days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The topping may soften a bit, but the flavor only deepens over time.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in both plastic wrap and foil, or pop into a freezer-safe container for up to two months. For extra convenience, freeze it right in your baking dish—just be sure it’s freezer safe!
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in a 350°F oven, uncovered, for about 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly. A quick broil at the end can refresh that crunchy topping.
FAQs
Can I prepare Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping the day before?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate it overnight. Just add the pecan topping right before baking to keep it crisp and fresh.
What’s the best way to mash the sweet potatoes?
For the smoothest filling, peel and cube your sweet potatoes, then boil or bake until very soft. Mash by hand for a rustic texture, or use a mixer for creamy smoothness—either way, you’ll get a delicious result.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter for the dairy ingredients. The casserole will still be rich, creamy, and packed with that classic flavor.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar content?
Definitely. Feel free to cut back the sugar, or swap part or all of it with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a lighter, more natural sweetness without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add marshmallows instead of pecan topping?
While the star here is Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping, you can absolutely add mini marshmallows! Just sprinkle them on in the final 10 minutes of baking so they get gooey and golden.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts comfort, nostalgia, and celebration, you truly can’t go wrong with this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping. It’s a recipe that wins hearts at every table—so grab your favorite casserole dish and share this sweet-and-salty classic with the people you love.
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Sweet Potato Casserole with a crunchy Pecan Topping. A perfect side dish for any occasion!
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Casserole:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Pecan Topping:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the sweet potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined. Pour into the baking dish.
- Make the Pecan Topping: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and pecans until crumbly. Sprinkle over the sweet potato layer.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, reduce the sugar or use maple syrup instead.
- You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and bake it before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
