Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

Sweet potato casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s often seen on holiday tables, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas. With its rich, sweet flavor and velvety texture, it’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it an irresistible side dish for any festive meal.

The base of sweet potato casserole starts with mashed sweet potatoes, which are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients. The potatoes are cooked until tender, then mashed and mixed with butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance their natural flavor. A little cream or milk is added to make the mixture creamy and smooth, giving the casserole a luscious texture.

What makes sweet potato casserole truly special, however, is its topping. A classic version often includes a crunchy, sweet topping made from a combination of brown sugar, butter, and either chopped pecans or marshmallows. The crunchy pecans add a lovely nutty flavor and texture, while the marshmallows, when baked, become golden and gooey, adding sweetness and a bit of chewiness.

The casserole is baked until bubbly and golden on top, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a delightful contrast between the creamy sweet potato filling and the crispy, sugary topping. This dish is a great way to showcase the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes while adding depth with the warm spices and the rich, buttery finish.

These casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, ham, or pork, as well as other classic holiday side dishes like stuffing, green beans, or mashed potatoes. It also works well as a hearty side for family dinners or casual gatherings.

For drinks, a glass of sparkling cider, a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or a slightly sweet dessert wine can balance the richness of the casserole.

Sweet potato casserole is a timeless and beloved dish that brings warmth and sweetness to any meal, offering both comfort and indulgence in every bite.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

3.69 from 119 votes

A classic sweet potato casserole featuring creamy sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel.

Servings 1 people

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 3 cups sweet potatoes cooked and mashed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar packed (for streusel)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans (for streusel)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (for streusel)

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
• Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
• In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter to make the streusel topping.
• Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
• Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 3gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 9800IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.2mg

Calories: 290kcal

Meal Type: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Casserole, dessert, sweet potato

Cooking Method: Baked

Diet: Keto

Time: >45 Min

Level: Easy

Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!