If you have a love for cozy, comforting dishes that bring both warmth and a touch of sweetness to your table, the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful blend of creamy mashed sweet potatoes layered with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that’s as welcoming on a holiday table as it is on a quiet weeknight. Each bite tells a story of classic Southern charm and simple ingredients coming together to make something truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a key role—not just for flavor but also for the perfect texture and beautiful color that makes this dish irresistible.
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Provides the naturally sweet and creamy base of the casserole.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the smooth sweet potato mixture.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar): Gives a deep caramel sweetness that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based): Keeps the casserole moist and creamy without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet notes with a warm, fragrant touch.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Brings a subtle spice that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg: Adds a hint of aromatic warmth to elevate the dish.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: For that signature crunchy topping that adds a delightful texture contrast.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): Helps bind the pecan topping into a delightful, crumbly crust.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the topping with caramel notes that complement the nuts.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds buttery richness to the pecan topping and helps it brown beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the nuts’ flavor and balances the sweetness in the topping.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, boil your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in salted water for about 15 to 20 minutes until they’re fork-tender. This ensures a creamy, smooth texture that will make your casserole irresistibly soft.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sweet Potato Base
Once drained and slightly cooled, mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl until perfectly smooth. Next, mix in the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This combination adds layers of flavor and a luscious creaminess that is unmistakably comforting.
Step 3: Layer the Base in the Baking Dish
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This layer will serve as the foundation for the crunchy pecan topping, so smooth it out to create a nice even surface.
Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and that pinch of salt. Mix everything together until you get a crumbly texture, perfect for sprinkling evenly over your sweet potato base. This topping is where the magic crunch happens!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the pecan topping carefully over the sweet potato layer, then bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and you can smell the nutty, buttery aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before digging in. This helps the layers set, making each spoonful a perfect combination of creamy and crunchy that will have your guests asking for seconds.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate your casserole presentation. Try a few whole toasted pecans scattered on top or a light dusting of cinnamon for an inviting finish. A sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme can add a subtle herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the sweet flavors.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe is a star side dish for holiday feasts or special dinners. It pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or even a savory green bean almondine. Creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp autumn salad add nice variety to your meal too.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for an elegant touch or using a cast-iron skillet for a rustic look straight from oven to table. For a brunch twist, top small portions with a dollop of whipped cinnamon cream or a drizzle of maple syrup to bring an extra layer of decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sweet potato casserole keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It can last for 3 to 4 days, making it a great prepared dish for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before baking or after it’s cooked and cooled. Wrap it well in airtight containers or heavy-duty foil, and it will keep up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, so all those flavors have a chance to shine again.
Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If you want to bring back some crunch, consider reheating uncovered or adding a few extra chopped pecans on top before warming.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes are preferred for their texture and flavor, canned sweet potatoes can be a convenient substitute. Just make sure to drain them well and mash thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily swap the butter and milk for plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and almond or oat milk. The flavors remain rich, and the casserole is just as comforting and delicious.
How crunchy is the pecan topping after baking?
The pecan topping achieves a beautifully crunchy and slightly crumbly texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy sweet potatoes. Baking brings out the natural nuttiness and buttery crispness that makes this topping so special.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour in the pecan topping with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. This swap works perfectly without sacrificing the crumble or flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat your casserole gently in the oven at a moderate temperature, ideally covered with foil to lock in moisture. Removing the foil for the last few minutes helps restore the crisp topping without drying the whole dish.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe—it’s one of those timeless dishes that brings instant comfort and joy wherever it lands on your table. Whether you’re making it for a festive gathering or simply craving a cozy homemade treat, this casserole has your back with its creamy sweetness and irresistible crunch. Give it a try soon, and I promise it’ll become a beloved favorite just like it is in my own kitchen!
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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: Gluten Free
Description
A delightful and comforting Sweet Potato Casserole topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. This classic dish combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes seasoned with warm spices and vanilla, baked to perfection under a golden, buttery pecan topping. Perfect as a side for holiday dinners or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 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 and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in salted boiling water and cook for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain well and allow to cool slightly for easier mashing.
- Mash and Mix: In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt, mixing until the mixture is creamy and evenly combined.
- Assemble Sweet Potato Base: Spread the prepared sweet potato mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, creating a smooth layer.
- Prepare Pecan Topping: In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly combined.
- Add Topping to Casserole: Sprinkle the pecan topping uniformly over the sweet potato base, covering it completely.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pecan topping turns golden brown and the casserole is thoroughly heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly after baking to set before serving warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor and a lower glycemic index.
- Milk can be dairy or any plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk to suit dietary preferences.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free flour for the pecan topping.
- For a richer flavor, you can toast the pecans lightly before mixing with the topping ingredients.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
