Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is the ultimate holiday dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and a delightful crunch to your dining table. pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies Imagine creamy sweet potatoes mingling with buttery pecans, creating an aroma that wafts through your home like a warm hug on a chilly evening. For more inspiration, check out this twice-baked sweet potatoes recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
- What can I substitute for pecans?
- How do I know when my casserole is done?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every Thanksgiving at my grandmother’s house, this sweet potato casserole took center stage. It was the dish everyone fought over, claiming they were just helping to serve. Spoiler alert: they weren’t! With its rich flavor and cozy texture, it perfectly complements any festive gathering or cozy family dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for novice cooks
- The harmony of flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser at any occasion
- Its vibrant colors create an eye-catching centerpiece for your holiday table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a dessert or side dish!
I remember one Thanksgiving when my cousin tried to sneakily take the last scoop while I was distracted by my turkey carving skills. Let’s just say there was a minor wrestling match over that last spoonful!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin; they should feel heavy for their size to ensure sweetness. For more inspiration, check out this mashed sweet potatoes and pears recipe.
Brown Sugar: This adds caramel-like sweetness; use dark brown sugar for more depth of flavor.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; it enhances creaminess.
Milk: Whole milk works best for richness; you can substitute with almond milk if desired.
Pecans: Opt for fresh, raw pecans; toast them lightly for extra crunch and flavor.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth; fresh-ground versions pack more punch than pre-ground.
Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates the dish’s overall flavor profile; use pure extract for the best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). oven roasted cauliflower Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks, making sure they are roughly equal in size for even cooking.
Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Place the chopped sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook them until fork-tender—about 15-20 minutes—then drain well and let cool slightly.
Mash and Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Mix in brown sugar, butter, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and creamy. creamy garlic sweet potato mash.
Prepare the Pecan Topping: In another bowl, combine chopped pecans with melted butter and additional brown sugar. Stir until well coated—this will give you that irresistible crunchy topping.
Bake to Perfection: Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish evenly. Sprinkle the pecan topping generously on top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy!: Once baked perfectly golden on top, let it cool slightly before serving. baked churro bites Prepare yourself for compliments as you dig into this delightful sweet potato casserole with pecan topping!
Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish at family gatherings or cozy nights in—you might find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds). This recipe is not just food; it’s a slice of tradition served warm!
You Must Know
- Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is a crowd-pleaser, combining sweetness and crunch
- This dish not only delights the taste buds but also fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that makes everyone feel at home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by roasting sweet potatoes until tender, then blend them with spices and cream. Prepare the pecan topping while the potatoes cool for a seamless cooking experience.

Add Your Touch
For a unique twist, consider adding maple syrup or cinnamon to the sweet potato mixture. You can also substitute pecans with walnuts for an alternative crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed throughout to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect sweet potato texture, avoid overcooking them; they should be tender but not mushy
- Incorporate a pinch of salt in the sweet potato mix to enhance flavor
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans beforehand for added depth
Memories of my first family gathering come flooding back; the laughter around the table was almost as delightful as this casserole itself!
FAQ
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Using canned sweet potatoes is fine, but fresh ones offer better flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for pecans?
Walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes if you prefer different nuts or have allergies.
How do I know when my casserole is done?
The casserole should be bubbly and slightly golden on top when it’s perfectly cooked.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is a cherished holiday classic that combines the creamy sweetness of sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan layer. This dish not only warms your heart but also fills your home with delightful aromas, making it the perfect centerpiece for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (dark preferred)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or almond milk)
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (15-20 minutes). Drain and cool slightly.
- Mash the sweet potatoes in a bowl and mix in brown sugar, melted butter, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine chopped pecans with melted butter and brown sugar until well coated.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle with the pecan topping.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg






