Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans Recipe

A Comforting, Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish

If you’re looking for the perfect balance between sweet and savory, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans is just what you need. This recipe takes tender, buttery mashed sweet potatoes and tops them with a crisp, pecan-studded streusel for a dish that’s perfect for the holidays or any cozy meal at home. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply a hearty Sunday dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Who Will Love This Recipe?

This dish is perfect for:

  • Holiday Hosts: A fantastic addition to a Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.
  • Sweet Potato Lovers: If you love sweet potatoes, this dish takes them to the next level.
  • Families Looking for a Comforting Side Dish: Kids and adults alike will love the balance of textures and flavors.
  • Beginner Cooks: Easy-to-follow instructions make this a great recipe for anyone.

Why This Recipe is Amazing

  • Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is complemented by brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, while the pecan streusel adds a buttery crunch.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to all cooks.
  • Versatile: You can make it ahead of time, tweak the ingredients, or add fun variations like marshmallows.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sweet Potato Base:

  • 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3-4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cooked)
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup half and half
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Pecan Streusel Topping:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large pot (for boiling the sweet potatoes)
  • Mixing bowls (one for the sweet potatoes, one for the topping)
  • Hand or potato masher (to mash the sweet potatoes)
  • Whisk (for blending ingredients smoothly)
  • Fork or pastry cutter (to mix the streusel topping)
  • 9×13-inch baking dish (for baking the casserole)
  • Oven (preheated to 350°F)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

  1. Fill a large pot with water and place it on medium-high heat.
  2. Add peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, then bring to a boil.
  3. Cook for 20-30 minutes, or until very soft.
  4. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  3. Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
  4. Stir in brown sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, half and half, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Mix until fully combined.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Streusel Topping

  1. In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and cold butter.
  2. Use a fork or your fingers to create a crumbly mixture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

  1. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle the pecan streusel evenly on top.
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potato base is set and the topping is golden brown.
  4. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations

  • Make it Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
  • Add Marshmallows: For a sweeter version, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the pecan topping before baking.
  • Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or omit the topping for a simpler dish.
  • Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of half and half and a dairy-free butter alternative.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Food & Drink Pairings

Pair this sweet potato casserole with:

  • Savory mains: Roasted turkey, baked ham, or herb-crusted chicken.
  • Side dishes: Green bean casserole, cornbread, or cranberry sauce.
  • Drinks: A glass of warm apple cider, a rich red wine, or a classic eggnog.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Yes! Drain and mash them well before using. You may need to reduce the sugar since canned sweet potatoes are often pre-sweetened.

2. How do I prevent the streusel from burning? If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil halfway through baking.

3. Can I make this casserole without eggs? Yes! Substitute 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg.

4. Can I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar? Absolutely! Use ¼ cup maple syrup in the sweet potato mixture and reduce butter slightly to maintain the right consistency.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans is a tried-and-true holiday favorite that combines warm spices, creamy sweet potatoes, and a crunchy, buttery topping. Whether you’re making it for a festive occasion or a cozy family dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Love this recipe? Share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!

Leave a Comment