Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday side that’s equal parts nostalgic and decadent, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is your golden ticket. Think silky, subtly spiced sweet potatoes crowned with a crackly layer of buttery pecan crunch—each bite is the perfect harmony of creamy and crisp, sweet and nutty. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a cozy family dinner, or just a treat-yourself Wednesday, this crowd-pleaser brings warmth and happiness to the table in every steaming scoop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create magic—just the essentials, each packing its own punch of flavor. From earthy sweet potatoes to that irresistible pecan topping, every ingredient in this casserole plays a starring role for unmatched taste and texture.
- Sweet potatoes: Choose large, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for gorgeous color and natural sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to enhance the sweet potatoes without overpowering them.
- Eggs: They bind the mixture, for a creamy, luscious texture that slices beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (for casserole and topping): Melted butter brings rich flavor and that signature silkiness, plus a golden finish in the topping.
- Whole milk: Makes the filling extra creamy without being heavy.
- Vanilla extract: A splash lifts all the flavors for a lovely, aromatic depth.
- Salt: Just a little, to balance the sweetness and make every flavor pop.
- All-purpose flour (for topping): Helps create that iconic crumbly pecan topping everyone loves.
- Pecans: Toasty, crunchy, and nutty—they’re the irresistible crown of this casserole.
- Light brown sugar: Lends warmth and a caramel note to the topping, making every bite taste like dessert.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This little step ensures that your casserole won’t stick, and your crunchy topping will emerge flawlessly golden.
Step 2: Boil and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Place your peeled, cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot, covering them with cold water. Bring it all to a gentle boil and let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the cubes are fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain the potatoes well and mash them until smooth—you’re aiming for heavenly, lump-free goodness.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Now to the fun part. In your mashed sweet potatoes, stir in the granulated sugar, lightly beaten eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. This blend transforms the basic mash into the custardy, flavorful heart of your Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping.
Step 4: Spread the Filling
Once everything’s mixed and silky, spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula for a perfect, level base that will hold the topping beautifully.
Step 5: Make the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, combine flour, melted butter, chopped pecans, and light brown sugar. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and fragrant. This is your crunchy, nutty layer that’ll bake up into a gorgeous golden crust.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base. Slide the casserole into your preheated oven, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is crisp, golden brown, and simply irresistible. Let it rest for 10 minutes—difficult, we know, but worth it for the neatest slices!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Garnishes
Pop some extra toasted pecan halves or a light dusting of cinnamon over the top just before serving. For a touch of green, a few sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley add a pretty contrast and a hint of freshness without stealing the show from the casserole’s main flavors.
Side Dishes
This vibrant casserole is the best friend to savory classics like roast turkey, glazed ham, or crispy roast chicken. Pair it with simple green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a bright cranberry salad to round out a holiday menu, giving each plate a balance of rich and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping in individual ramekins for a stunning, personal touch at each place setting. Or make mini versions in muffin tins for a potluck or buffet where finger food is king. If you love a classic, don’t be shy about adding a handful of mini marshmallows on top before the last ten minutes of baking for a fireside feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The casserole stays moist and flavorful, so you can enjoy a little holiday magic all week long.
Freezing
To freeze, let the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping cool completely. Wrap it tightly with both plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep its delightful texture and flavor for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Remove the cover for the last 5 minutes if you’d like to revive some crunch in the pecan topping. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps the topping crisp.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole right up to the baking step, cover, and store in the fridge overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time straight from the fridge and enjoy stress-free holiday prep.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes or yams work in a pinch. Drain them well and mash as directed—fresh has the best flavor and texture, but canned delivers real convenience in a time crunch.
What can I substitute for pecans?
Walnuts make a fantastic swap for the classic pecan topping, providing a different kind of nutty crunch. If nuts are off the table, try rolled oats mixed with butter and brown sugar for an irresistible streusel crust.
Can I reduce the sugar for a lighter option?
Definitely! You can lower the granulated or brown sugar, or replace some sweetness with pure maple syrup for a more natural touch. It’s easy to customize to your preferred level of sweetness.
How do I add marshmallows for a traditional finish?
Simply scatter mini marshmallows on top of the casserole during the final ten minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them—they toast quickly! This twist transforms Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping into a nostalgic favorite for all ages.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping really is the heart (and soul!) of any comfort food-loving table. With its dreamy layers, rich aroma, and irresistible crunch, it’s guaranteed to win over friends, family, and even sweet potato skeptics. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a year-round favorite in your kitchen!
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this classic Sweet Potato Casserole with a crunchy pecan topping that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Creamy sweet potatoes with a hint of vanilla and a rich buttery finish topped with a sweet and nutty crunch will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender, then drain and mash until smooth.
- Prepare Mixture: Combine sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt with sweet potatoes. Spread mixture in baking dish.
- Make Topping: Mix flour, melted butter, pecans, and brown sugar until crumbly. Sprinkle over sweet potatoes.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until topping is golden and crisp. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- For a lighter version, reduce sugar or substitute with maple syrup.
- Add marshmallows for a classic twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
