This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is the ultimate holiday side dish that blends creamy, sweet mashed potatoes with a buttery, crunchy pecan crumble. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy family dinner. The combination of smooth, spiced sweet potatoes and the crisp nutty topping makes this casserole both comforting and irresistible.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for:
-
Home cooks looking for an easy yet impressive holiday dish.
-
Sweet potato lovers who enjoy a balance of sweetness and crunch.
-
Families who want a classic side dish that pairs well with turkey, ham, or chicken.
-
Anyone searching for a make-ahead holiday recipe that can save time in the kitchen.
Why it’s Great
-
Simple ingredients you likely already have.
-
Perfect balance of textures – creamy base with a crunchy topping.
-
Crowd-pleaser – even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
-
Versatile – can be made ahead and reheated, saving time on busy holidays.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
-
4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (cooked)
-
1 cup brown sugar
-
⅓ cup softened butter
-
⅓ cup half and half
-
1 egg
-
1 ½ teaspoons salt
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Pecan Topping:
-
1 ⅓ cups pecan pieces
-
1 cup brown sugar
-
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
-
½ cup melted butter
Kitchen Equipment Needed
-
Large mixing bowls
-
Hand mixer or whisk
-
9×13-inch casserole dish
-
Measuring cups & spoons
-
Oven
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
-
Prepare the Base: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, softened butter, half and half, egg, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth and well blended. Transfer mixture into the prepared dish.
-
Make the Topping: In another bowl, stir together pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until crumbly.
-
Assemble: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.
-
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot throughout.
-
Cool & Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Storage
-
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Freezer: You can freeze the casserole (before baking) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh.
-
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sweet potato base and topping separately, refrigerate them, then assemble and bake before serving.
Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Absolutely. Just drain well and mash before mixing.
Q: What can I substitute for pecans?
Walnuts or almonds work great, or you can leave the topping nut-free and use crushed graham crackers or oats.
Q: Can I make it less sweet?
Yes – reduce the brown sugar in the filling and topping by half for a less sweet version.
Conclusion
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a must-have holiday side dish that adds warmth, sweetness, and crunch to your table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy family dinner, this casserole will steal the spotlight.
