If you’re craving a comforting dish that’s both sweet and nutty, you simply must try this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of creamy mashed sweet potatoes infused with warm spices, topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan crumble that takes every bite to another level. This dish brings a cozy, festive vibe to any table, perfect for family dinners, holidays, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a luscious side that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward making this soul-satisfying casserole. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible aroma you’ll fall in love with as it bakes.
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes: Peeled and cubed, these are the creamy base that give the dish its natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly balances the earthiness of the potatoes.
- â…“ cup melted butter: Infuses richness and keeps the sweet potatoes silky smooth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors with a subtle floral hint.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Warms up the dish with aromatic spice.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and keeps the sweetness from being one-dimensional.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a gentle nutty spice that complements the cinnamon.
- ¼ cup butter (melted): Essential for the topping, providing a luscious, golden finish.
- â…“ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the pecan topping for that perfect crunchy-sweet contrast.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients together without weighing them down.
- 1 ¼ cups chopped pecans: Creates that crave-worthy crunchy texture, toasted deliciously in the oven.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, which allows it to reach the perfect temperature by the time your casserole is ready. Grease a 9×13 baking dish to ensure your sweet potato casserole won’t stick, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Place the peeled and cut sweet potatoes in a large pot, covering them with water by about one inch. Boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes or until they are tender enough to easily pierce with a fork. This step softens the potatoes just right for mashing without them falling apart.
Step 3: Mash and Flavor
Transfer the drained sweet potatoes into a large bowl and mash them up until smooth. Stir in the brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. These ingredients combine to give you that classic, warmly spiced sweet potato flavor that makes this recipe a standout.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans until everything is evenly combined. This mixture will form the crunchy, buttery layer on top, providing the textural balance and nutty flavors that complement the creamy base.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the mashed sweet potato mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Then sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over it. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the pecans have toasted to a golden perfection. This final step pulls all the flavors together and creates that irresistible golden crust you’ll adore.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and flavor, consider adding a few garnishes like a sprinkle of cinnamon on top or a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme can add a surprising herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the dish’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or ham for a holiday feast but is just as good alongside everyday grilled chicken or pork chops. For vegetable ideas, think green beans almondine or a crisp garden salad to lighten up the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe in individual ramekins for elegant single servings or layer it with marshmallows for an extra decadent take at your next gathering. You can also swap in walnuts or pecan halves for a different crunch or add a swirl of cream cheese for tangy creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sweet potato casserole can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make it well in advance, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the pecan topping crispy while ensuring the sweet potatoes stay creamy and scrumptious.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh sweet potatoes are ideal because they offer better texture and flavor, but in a pinch, you can use canned. Just be sure to drain and mash them well, adjusting sugar and spices to taste since canned options are often packed in syrup.
Is this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe gluten-free?
The recipe includes flour in the topping, so it’s not gluten-free as written. You can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing texture.
Can I prepare the pecan topping ahead of time?
Absolutely! The pecan topping can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before assembly. Just bring it back to room temperature to make it easier to sprinkle evenly over the sweet potatoes.
What can I use if I don’t have pecans?
Walnuts are a fantastic substitute that provide a similar crunch and buttery flavor. You could also try almonds or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free twist.
How can I make the casserole less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of brown sugar in both the sweet potatoes and the topping. You might also skip the vanilla for a more neutral flavor. Adding a pinch more salt can balance the sweetness without losing the cozy comforting vibe.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe has a special place in my heart, and I hope it finds one in your home too. It’s a dish that brings people together, filled with rich flavors and textures that feel like a celebration on a plate. Whether it’s a holiday staple or a year-round indulgence, give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are flavored with warm spices and brown sugar, topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel. Baked to perfection, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a luscious texture.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Filling
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- â…“ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Pecan Topping
- ¼ cup butter (melted)
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 ¼ cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain thoroughly.
- Mash and Season: Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Add the ½ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Mash the mixture until smooth and creamy. Spread this filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Pecan Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, â…“ cup brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. Mix well until the topping is combined and crumbly.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the pecans are toasted and golden. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra creamy texture, you can add a splash of milk or cream when mashing the sweet potatoes.
- Toast the pecans separately ahead of time for an even deeper nutty flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked before serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, bake covered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
