If you have a soft spot for comforting, crowd-pleasing sides, you are going to fall head over heels for this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe. This dish takes creamy, naturally sweet mashed sweet potatoes and tops them with a delightful crunchy pecan crumble that bakes to golden perfection. It’s a classic American favorite that brings warmth, richness, and a perfect balance of flavors and textures to your table. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or any cozy family gathering, this casserole is sure to become a must-have tradition you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple kitchen staples can lead to something truly extraordinary with this recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the ideal harmony of sweetness, moisture, and crunch that makes this casserole so memorable.
- Sweet potatoes (4 cups mashed): The creamy, naturally sweet foundation that’s both nutritious and delicious.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to enhance the flavor of the sweet potatoes.
- Large eggs (2): Acts as a binder to give the casserole a smooth, rich texture.
- Unsalted butter (1/3 cup melted, plus 1/3 cup softened for topping): Provides a luscious richness and helps create that perfect crumbly topping.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the sweet potato base moist and silky.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm and inviting aroma that elevates every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup packed for topping): Contributes deep caramel notes to the crunchy pecan topping.
- All-purpose flour (1/3 cup for topping): Creates the structure needed to bind the topping ingredients together.
- Chopped pecans (3/4 cup): Brings a satisfying nutty crunch that perfectly contrasts the creamy sweet potatoes.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This is essential to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and has those crisp edges we all love.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sweet Potato Base
In a large bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, well-blended mixture. This step is where all the flavors begin to marry, creating that luscious filling everyone will adore.
Step 3: Transfer the Mixture to the Baking Dish
Pour the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the surface, making sure the layer is nice and even so it’ll bake uniformly.
Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and flour. Cut in the softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Then gently fold in the chopped pecans. This topping will bake into a golden, crunchy layer that perfectly complements the creamy potato base.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crumbly pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the dish. Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly filling and a golden, crisp topping that sets this dish apart.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, give your casserole a few minutes to cool slightly. This rest time helps it set perfectly and makes serving easier and less messy. Then enjoy every spoonful of this cozy, flavorful delight!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few whole toasted pecans on top adds an elegant touch. For a festive look, you can also sprinkle some mini marshmallows during the last five minutes of baking to create that classic, melty finish.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or baked ham, making it a star side dish at a holiday feast. For a lighter contrast, serve with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, portion the casserole into individual ramekins or mini skillets. Layer the casserole in a clear glass dish so guests can see the tempting layers. You can even top small servings with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting casserole even after the main event.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the topping is crisp once again.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
While fresh sweet potatoes deliver the best texture and flavor, you can use canned mashed sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just make sure they are plain and unsweetened to control the dish’s overall sweetness.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
You can veganize this casserole by substituting eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, using plant-based milk, and replacing butter with vegan butter or margarine. Some experimentation might be needed to get the topping just right.
Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture?
Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg can add lovely warmth and depth to the casserole, giving it an extra cozy, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the season.
What if I don’t have pecans? Can I use another nut?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds both make great substitutes in the topping. Choose toasted nuts for an even richer flavor, but pecans remain the classic choice for that traditional Southern touch.
How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
Using cold, softened butter and cutting it thoroughly into the dry ingredients helps the topping get that crumbly texture. Also, don’t skip the nuts—they’re key to the irresistible crunch!
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re new to cooking casseroles or a seasoned pro, this dish is sure to impress and become a cherished classic in your recipe box. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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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 features creamy mashed sweet potatoes baked with a rich, buttery pecan topping. Perfect as a comforting side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving, it combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a crunchy, caramelized crumble.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4–5 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Sweet Potato Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Transfer Mixture: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly to form the casserole base.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and flour. Cut in the softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed.
- Add Topping to Casserole: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set and make it easier to portion.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight; bring it to room temperature before baking for best results.
- For added sweetness, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the topping during the last 5 minutes of baking to melt and brown.
