If you’re looking to bring a beloved classic to your table, you can’t go wrong with this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, sweet mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan crumble that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this dish brings warm flavors and a delightful texture combination that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each item plays a starring role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the rich crunch of pecans, every ingredient matters.
- Mashed sweet potatoes: About 4 cups made from 3 to 4 large sweet potatoes, these provide the creamy, hearty base.
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup to add gentle sweetness without overpowering the natural earthy tones.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs help bind everything together for a smooth, custardy texture.
- Unsalted butter (melted): 1/3 cup in the mash and 1/4 cup in the topping adds richness and silkiness.
- Milk: 1/2 cup to lighten and balance the density of the potatoes.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon for subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to bring out the natural sweetness and enhance flavors.
- Brown sugar (topping): 1/2 cup supplies molasses notes that caramelize beautifully during baking.
- All-purpose flour: 1/3 cup in the topping provides structure and helps create that perfect crumbly texture.
- Chopped pecans: 1/3 cup gives the topping its signature crunch and nutty richness.
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). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole won’t stick and will brown evenly on the edges.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy consistency. This mixture is the heart of your casserole, rich and comforting.
Step 3: Transfer Mixture to Dish
Pour the sweet potato mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly and smooth the top gently to get it ready for its delicious topping.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined. This topping brings a satisfying sweet and nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky potatoes.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is perfectly golden and the filling is set just right. Your kitchen will fill with a warm, inviting aroma that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Garnishes
While this casserole is fantastic on its own, a light dusting of cinnamon or a few extra toasted pecans on top just before serving adds an elegant touch. For a festive sparkle, try a drizzle of maple syrup over each portion.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or glazed ham for holiday dinners. You can also serve it alongside fresh green beans or a crisp salad to balance its rich, sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You could also layer it in a trifle-style dish with whipped cream for a stunning visual dessert option that surprises your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld together even more after chilling, making leftovers just as delightful.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling the sweet potato mixture in the dish, covering it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freezing for up to two months. Just add the pecan topping fresh when you bake it later to keep the crunch intact.
Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes. Remove foil in the last 5 minutes to refresh the crisp topping. Microwaving is possible but may soften the topping.
FAQs
Can I prepare the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato base up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just add the pecan topping right before baking to keep its delightful crumbly texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and swap regular milk for any plant-based milk of your choice. The results will still be delicious and creamy.
What other nuts can I use instead of pecans?
If pecans aren’t your favorite, walnuts make a fantastic alternative that also offers crunch and a rich flavor in the topping.
Can I add marshmallows to the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe?
Definitely. For a sweeter, gooier topping, add mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking. They’ll melt beautifully and add a classic holiday flair.
How can I make the casserole less sweet?
Simply reduce the sugar amounts by a quarter or omit the brown sugar in the topping. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes still shines, giving you a more subtle, savory-savory dish.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its balance of creamy and crunchy textures paired with that comforting sweet potato flavor makes it a must-try for any occasion. Once you make it, you’ll want to keep it as a staple side dish in your recipe rotation. Cozy up and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a comforting and delicious side dish perfect for holidays and family gatherings. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are combined with a touch of sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla, then topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan brown sugar crumble. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole strikes the ideal balance between sweet and savory.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Sweet Potato Base: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring even flavor throughout.
- Spread in Dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly for uniform baking.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter until crumbly. This will create a crunchy, flavorful topping.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the center is set and firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving to let it set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- For a sweeter variation, add mini marshmallows over the topping during the last 10 minutes of baking for a classic melty finish.
- You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance; refrigerate it without topping, then add the topping right before baking to maintain crispness.
