Introduction
Looking for the perfect holiday side dish? This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a Thanksgiving and Christmas favorite! Creamy, buttery sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy, caramelized pecan topping—every bite is pure comfort.
🔹 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔ Rich & Creamy – Buttery mashed sweet potatoes with hints of cinnamon.
✔ Crispy Pecan Topping – Perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple steps, minimal prep, and baked to perfection.
✔ Perfect for Holidays – A must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
Want more holiday side dishes? Check out our Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole
✔ Rich & Creamy – Buttery mashed sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon.
✔ Crunchy Pecan Topping – A caramelized brown sugar crunch on every bite.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and baked to perfection.
✔ Perfect for Holidays – A must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
Looking for another Thanksgiving side dish? Try these Classic Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
For the Sweet Potato Filling:
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes (about 4-5 medium)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
🔹 Looking for a nut-free version? Try our Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
1️⃣ Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and chop sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
2️⃣ Mash the Sweet Potatoes
In a mixing bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cream, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
🔹 Want extra creamy potatoes? Check out our guide on perfect mashed sweet potatoes.
3️⃣ Spread in a Baking Dish
Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth the top.
4️⃣ Make the Pecan Topping
In a bowl, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined.
5️⃣ Add the Topping
Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes.
6️⃣ Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm!
🔹 Pair this dish with Homemade Cranberry Sauce for a complete meal.
Baking Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
✔ Use fresh sweet potatoes – Canned sweet potatoes are too watery.
✔ Don’t skip the eggs – They help bind the casserole for a creamy texture.
✔ Toast the pecans first – For an extra layer of nutty flavor.
✔ Make it ahead – Assemble the casserole a day in advance and bake when ready.
Creative Variations for Sweet Potato Casserole
Marshmallow Lover’s Version – Add mini marshmallows on top for extra sweetness.
Crunchy Granola Topping – Substitute pecans with crushed granola for a healthier twist.
Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk instead of cream and dairy-free butter.
Spiced Up – Add 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired flavor boost.
How to Store & Reheat Sweet Potato Casserole
✔ In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✔ In the Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
✔ To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until heated through.
Conclusion: The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Ever!
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a must-have for the holidays! Creamy, sweet, and crunchy, it’s a dish the whole family will love.
Would you try this recipe? Leave a comment and let me know!
📌 Love this recipe? Follow me for more delicious holiday recipes! 🎉
🔹 More Holiday Side Dishes:
✔ Classic Green Bean Casserole
✔ Best Ever Mashed Potatoes
✔ Ultimate Thanksgiving Side Dishes
📌 Follow Us for More Recipes & Cooking Tips!
Facebook: Follow UmiRecipes on Facebook – Stay updated with our latest recipes, holiday meal ideas, and kitchen hacks!
📍 Pinterest: Discover More Recipe Inspiration – Explore and save delicious recipes for your next family gathering!
Would you like me to add additional outbound links to trusted food blogs, cooking tips, or nutrition guides for further value? 🚀
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the pecan topping just before baking.
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh is best, but if using canned sweet potatoes, drain and mash well to remove excess liquid.
3. How do I make this casserole nut-free?
Swap the pecans for crushed graham crackers, oats, or granola for a nut-free topping.
4. Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Use coconut milk, dairy-free butter, and flax eggs for a vegan-friendly version.
5. Why is my topping soggy?
A soggy topping usually means:
✔ The butter ratio was too high (use just enough to coat the pecans).
✔ The casserole was covered while baking (bake uncovered).
✔ It wasn’t baked long enough (bake until golden brown and crispy).