If you’re searching for a comforting side that truly steals the show during any meal, look no further than this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe. It’s that perfect harmony of creamy, spiced sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this dish brings warmth, texture, and a touch of sweetness that complements a variety of main courses beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of wholesome, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create this unforgettable dish. Each component plays its own essential role, from the vibrant orange sweetness of the potatoes to the rich crunch of the pecan topping, making this casserole truly special.
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: The creamy base that brings natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and smooth texture to the sweet potato mash.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar): Sweetens the casserole with a touch of caramel-like flavor.
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based): Keeps the mixture moist and lovely, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Introduces cozy spice that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg: Offers a hint of nutty spice that elevates the dish.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all flavors.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: The star of the topping, giving crunch and a buttery, nutty richness.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): Helps create a crumbly, irresistible topping texture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the pecan topping with a deep, molasses-like flavor.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Binds the topping ingredients and adds luxurious buttery notes.
- Pinch of salt: Brings out the sweetness and rounds out the flavors in the topping.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your casserole bakes evenly and comes out cleanly, ready to impress.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Boil your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in salted water for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until fork-tender. This steaming-soft texture is essential for creating the creamy base of the casserole.
Step 3: Mash and Flavor the Sweet Potatoes
Once drained and slightly cooled, mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Add melted butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything until smooth and luscious—a flavor-packed mixture that is the heart of this dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Sweet Potato Layer
Spread your creamy sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. This sets the stage for the crunchy topping that will make this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe unforgettable.
Step 5: Make the Pecan Topping
In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until crumbly. This buttery, sweet, and nutty crumble is what gives this casserole its signature texture contrast.
Step 6: Add the Pecan Topping
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base, making sure every bite will have that irresistible crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is warmed through. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be nothing short of heavenly.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to scoop out perfect servings.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra toasted pecans or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley can brighten the presentation and add a hint of freshness to the sweet, spiced casserole.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even a simple green salad to balance the richness and add a fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch or alongside seasonal fruit compote for a festive flair. You could even turn it into a breakfast treat by topping it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until warmed through. For a crispier topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
While fresh sweet potatoes provide the best texture and flavor, you can use cooked canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just make sure they are mashed well and drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute and use plant-based milk. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
How do I make the pecan topping extra crunchy?
Use toasted pecans for added depth of flavor and crunch. Also, avoid adding too much moisture to the topping; it should be crumbly, not wet, before baking.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Adjust baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute if I don’t have pecans?
Walnuts or almonds make great alternatives that also provide a nice crunch and complement the sweet potato flavors well.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe is truly a winner in my book and one I love sharing with friends and family. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and your heart with comfort. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and enjoy every bite of this deliciously sweet, warmly spiced, and perfectly crunchy casserole.
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a classic, comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals or any cozy dinner. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are flavored with warm spices and vanilla, topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel. Baked to golden perfection, it balances sweet and nutty flavors with a delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Base
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Pecan Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Boil the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender, then drain and let them cool slightly.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth, then mix in melted butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until creamy and well combined.
- Assemble Base: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for an even layer.
- Prepare Pecan Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix until the mixture forms crumbly clusters.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato base to create a crunchy topping layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to settle and for easier slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar for a different flavor profile and lower glycemic index.
- Use almond milk or any preferred plant-based milk to make this dish dairy-free.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour in the pecan topping.
- Make ahead by preparing the sweet potato mixture and topping, then refrigerate before baking.
- Adjust spices to taste, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
- Ensure sweet potatoes are well-drained before mashing to avoid a watery casserole.
