Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday comfort food, Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a must-try. It’s cozy, buttery, and crowned with a crunchy, caramelized pecan layer that turns every spoonful into a treat. This soulful side dish strikes just the right balance between sweet and savory, making it a beloved staple for family gatherings, potlucks, or any special occasion where you want to impress with a touch of Southern warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is how simple ingredients come together for incredible results. Each component has a special job, and you’ll notice the way they blend to create creamy, aromatic layers and golden-crisp toppings everyone loves.
- Sweet potatoes (4 large, peeled and cubed): These are the star—naturally sweet, vibrantly orange, and packed with fiber and nutrients.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture in the casserole base.
- Brown sugar (½ cup for filling, ½ cup for topping): Provides a deep caramel flavor and just enough sweetness, both in the mash and the pecan topping.
- Large eggs (2): They bind everything together, giving your casserole structure and a custard-like finish.
- Milk (½ cup): Makes the mash super creamy and helps blend all the flavors together smoothly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of vanilla brings out that dessert-like aroma and adds warmth.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Infuses cozy, spicy notes that beautifully complement the sweet potatoes.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): A subtle bit of nutmeg adds sophisticated depth and is a classic holiday spice.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a little bit sharpens the sweetness and brings all the flavors forward.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): They are the backbone of our prized topping, adding texture, earthiness, and that perfect crunch.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Helps create those little crunchy clusters in your pecan topping.
- Unsalted butter, melted (¼ cup for topping): Ensures the topping bakes up crispy and delightful, soaking those pecans with buttery goodness.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Step 1: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into cubes, then place them in a large pot of water. Bring the water to a gentle boil and cook the sweet potatoes until fork-tender—usually around 15 to 20 minutes. Once they’re soft, drain thoroughly and transfer them back to the pot for mashing. A potato masher works well here; you’re aiming for a creamy consistency with as few lumps as possible.
Step 2: Mix Up the Filling
While the sweet potatoes are still hot, stir in the softened butter until it melts and coats every bit. Follow up by adding brown sugar, lightly beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined and silky smooth, building the creamy base that defines a memorable Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping.
Step 3: Layer in the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using butter or nonstick spray, then spread your sweet potato mixture evenly across the bottom. Take a spatula and smooth out the top—you want the filling to bake up evenly so every scoop is pure perfection.
Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar reserved for the topping, and melted butter. Use a fork or your hands to mix until everything’s coated and crumbly. This mixture will form the “lid” of your Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping, delivering those toasty, fragrant notes as it bakes.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan topping generously and evenly over the sweet potato layer. Bake the casserole uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes so the filling sets a bit—then serve and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Garnishes
While your Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping already looks downright irresistible, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, some extra toasted pecans, or even a handful of freshly chopped parsley can add a little visual pop and flavor contrast as you bring it to the table.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a versatile companion for all the classics—think juicy roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, or roast chicken. It also pairs lovely with green beans, sautéed Brussels sprouts, or fresh cranberry sauce, making every plate a festive feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking your Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping in individual ramekins for single servings. You can also mold the sweet potato base into quenelles using two spoons and top each with a crunchy pecan cluster for an elevated presentation that wows at any holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra casserole, just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making leftovers a real treat.
Freezing
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is freezer-friendly! To freeze, simply assemble (but don’t bake) the casserole and tightly wrap it. It can hang out in your freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the chilled casserole (covered with foil to prevent over-browning) into a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Individual portions can be microwaved, but the oven method keeps the topping crisp and irresistible.
FAQs
Can I make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake it fresh before serving so the pecan topping stays crisp and golden.
What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes for this recipe?
A simple potato masher gets the job done for rustic texture, but for ultra-smooth results, you can use a hand mixer or food processor. Just avoid overmixing, which can make the mash gummy.
Is it possible to replace pecans in the topping?
Yes! While pecans bring classic Southern flair, walnuts or even a mix of nuts and seeds can work wonderfully. Choose your favorite for a personalized Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping.
How do I make this recipe lighter or less sweet?
For a lighter version, swap some of the butter with coconut oil and cut back on the brown sugar, adjusting to taste. You’ll still get flavor without sacrificing the signature creamy and crunchy contrast.
Can I make this dish gluten free?
Absolutely—just use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the topping. The casserole turns out just as moist and crowd-pleasing as the original.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping enough—it’s nourishing comfort food that brings joy to any occasion. There’s nothing like those toasty pecans and creamy sweet potatoes to make the holidays (or any gathering) feel extra special, so give it a try and share it with loved ones!
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Sweet Potato Casserole with a crunchy pecan topping. Creamy sweet potatoes are blended with warm spices and a hint of vanilla, then crowned with a sweet and nutty layer for a perfect holiday side dish.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Boil sweet potato cubes until tender, then drain and mash. Mix in butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Layer and Top: Spread sweet potato mixture in a baking dish. Combine pecans, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter for topping. Sprinkle over sweet potatoes.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
- For a lighter version, replace some butter with coconut oil or reduce sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
