Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a warm, comforting, crowd-pleasing classic perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy family gathering. This recipe combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a buttery, crunchy pecan streusel topping that adds the perfect balance of texture and sweetness. It’s simple to make, easy to prep ahead, and always the first dish to disappear from the table.
In this SEO-optimized guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, expert tips, storage advice, and a printable recipe card everything you need for a holiday side everyone will rave about.
Table of Contents
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of creamy and crunchy
- Not overly sweet just right
- Can be prepped ahead for stress-free holidays
- A guaranteed family-favorite crowd pleaser
🥘 Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup milk (or heavy cream for richness)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp melted butter
🔪 How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Boil the cubed sweet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well.
2. Mash the Base
In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes, then mix in butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Make the Pecan Topping
Mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter in a small bowl until crumbly.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping across the surface.
5. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Holiday ham
- Mashed potatoes
- Cranberry sauce
- Green bean casserole
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance; refrigerate covered. Bake just before serving.
- Leftovers: Store in the fridge up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole (without topping) for up to 2 months. Add the topping before baking.
💡 Expert Tips
- Use heavy cream for the creamiest texture.
- Add a splash of maple syrup for deeper flavor.
- Toast the pecans for extra crunch and aroma.
- If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce brown sugar by 2 tablespoons.
📌 Printable Recipe Card
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
(See full ingredient list above.)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil and mash sweet potatoes.
- Add butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, and spices.
- Spread into a baking dish.
- Mix pecan topping and sprinkle over top.
- Bake 30–35 minutes until golden and crisp.
Enjoy warm!
🌼 100-Word Story Version (Sara’s Story)
Hi, I’m Sara a passionate home cook who loves creating simple, heartwarming recipes for everyday food lovers. This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is one of my favorite holiday dishes to share. It’s creamy, cozy, and lightly sweetened, with a crunchy pecan topping that makes every bite irresistible. I first discovered this recipe during a Thanksgiving potluck years ago, and it quickly became a must-make for every celebration. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or enjoying a small family dinner, this casserole brings warmth, comfort, and festive flavor to the table every time.