If you’ve ever craved a cozy, comforting side that feels like a warm hug from your oven, then this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe is about to become your new favorite. The creamy, naturally sweet mashed sweet potatoes blend flawlessly with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, while the buttery, crunchy pecan topping adds that perfect texture and nutty flavor that simply can’t be beat. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday feast or just want a luscious side dish to brighten up your dinner table, this casserole is pure magic from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple with wholesome, kitchen-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the sweet potatoes provide a velvety base, the sugars balance natural sweetness, the spices add warmth, and the pecan topping delivers irresistible crunch and richness.
- 4 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes: Use about 4–5 medium sweet potatoes for a creamy, sweet foundation.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the mixture and give it a nice, fluffy texture when baked.
- ½ cup whole milk: Keeps the casserole moist and smooth.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Imparts richness and buttery goodness to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a beautiful, fragrant note that softens the sweet potato flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, comforting spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the flavors and bring out the best in every ingredient.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: For the topping, adding depth and caramel-like sweetness.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the pecan topping and helps it crisp up beautifully.
- ½ cup chopped pecans: The star crunch of the topping—roasted nuts elevate every bite.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Binds the topping ingredients and adds luxurious flavor.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your casserole won’t stick, and cleaning up afterward becomes a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Filling
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, whole milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, creamy mixture with no lumps. This luscious filling is what makes the casserole so delightfully rich and flavorful.
Step 3: Assemble the Base Layer
Pour the sweet potato mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly—this will help the topping layer sit nicely without sliding off.
Step 4: Create the Pecan Topping
In a separate mixing bowl, stir together the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and softened butter. Use your fingers or a fork to combine until the mixture becomes crumbly but still holds together when squeezed. This crumbly topping is going to add that irresistible texture and nutty flavor.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato layer. Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling looks set around the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow your casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This brief resting time lets the flavors meld and ensures each scoop holds together perfectly.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra flair never hurts! Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of cinnamon on top before serving if you want a visual boost. For a crowd-pleaser seasoning twist, a few mini marshmallows added during the last 10 minutes of baking can offer a gooey, slightly toasted finish that’s a nostalgic hit.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Think roasted turkey, glazed ham, or grilled chicken, especially for holiday meals. Fresh green beans, crisp salads, or even creamy mashed potatoes are great companions to balance the sweet richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, try spooning the casserole into individual ramekins for personalized servings. Or, serve it family-style with a rustic wooden spoon to invite cozy sharing. Adding a drizzle of honey over the topping just before serving can also elevate both appearance and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and chances are you will), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and maintain their delicious texture and flavor.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well too! Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. This method helps keep the pecan topping crisp rather than soggy. Alternatively, microwave reheating works in a pinch but may soften the topping texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe?
While fresh cooked sweet potatoes provide the best natural flavor and texture, canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid and mash thoroughly before mixing with other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! All the ingredients used in this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe are vegetarian-friendly, making it a fantastic option for meat-free meals.
Can I make the topping nut-free?
If you have a nut allergy, you can simply omit the pecans or substitute them with pumpkin seeds or crushed graham crackers to maintain that desirable crunch.
How far in advance can I prepare the casserole?
You can assemble the entire casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before baking so it cooks evenly and maintains its perfect texture.
Can I add marshmallows to this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe?
Definitely! Mini marshmallows make a wonderful addition for those who love a sweet, gooey topping. Add them during the last 10 minutes of baking so they get golden and melty without burning.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe is truly a showstopper on any table. It draws people in with its gorgeous aroma, satisfies with its creamy texture and nutty crunch, and warms hearts with every bite. Give it a try for your next gathering or a comforting weeknight treat—you’ll quickly discover why it’s a timeless favorite that deserves a spot in your recipe collection.
Print
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Sweet Potato Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish perfect for holiday dinners and special occasions. Mashed sweet potatoes are blended with sugar, eggs, milk, and warm spices, then topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan and brown sugar crumble. Baked until golden and set, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture to complement any festive meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 4 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 4–5 medium)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix sweet potato base: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, whole milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble in baking dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface evenly with a spatula or spoon.
- Prepare topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and softened butter. Use your fingers or a fork to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving to let it set further.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking; be sure to bring it to room temperature prior to baking for even cooking.
- For a sweeter topping variation, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Use medium-sized sweet potatoes for best mash texture and flavor.
