Indulge in the Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Irresistible Pecan Topping
Prepare to elevate your holiday table with what we confidently declare is the best sweet potato casserole with pecan topping you’ll ever taste! This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a truly extraordinary side dish that straddles the line between savory and dessert. The star of the show is undoubtedly the crunchy, buttery pecan streusel topping, which adds an exquisite texture and just the right amount of caramelized sweetness to perfectly complement the velvety, creamy sweet potato base. It’s a culinary masterpiece that promises to delight everyone at your festive gatherings.
Why This Pecan Streusel Sweet Potato Casserole is a Must-Have
Just like other beloved comfort foods such as Jiffy cornbread casserole, slow cooker glazed carrots, party potatoes, and stovetop cinnamon apples, this sweet potato casserole holds a special place on our Fall and Winter menus. It’s an essential part of our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner traditions, bringing warmth, nostalgia, and incredible flavor to the table.
When we say this is the *best* sweet potato casserole recipe, we truly mean it. What sets it apart and makes it utterly irresistible? The answer lies in its magnificent pecan streusel topping! Forget the marshmallows for a moment – this streusel delivers a sophisticated crunch and a rich, buttery sweetness that perfectly balances the creamy, spiced sweet potato filling. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).
This classic Southern side dish is incredibly rich and indulgent, so much so that it could almost pass for dessert! However, we suggest reserving your pies for later and enjoying this sweet potato delight as a truly remarkable accompaniment to your main course. It pairs beautifully with holiday staples like our savory pecan glazed ham and the effortlessly prepared air fryer spiral ham. The sweet and savory notes complement each other flawlessly, creating a memorable meal.
For those craving an amazing Fall dessert that highlights pecans, be sure to try our decadent Pecan Pie Cheesecake or the authentic Southern Pecan Pralines. So yummy, and a perfect way to round out your holiday feast!
Essential Ingredients for Your Pecan Streusel Sweet Potato Casserole
Crafting this delicious sweet potato casserole requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients to achieve that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
For the Creamy Sweet Potato Filling:
- Sweet Potatoes: About 6 medium-sized (approx. 4 lbs) for that rich, earthy base. Opt for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for achieving an incredibly smooth and luxurious consistency.
- Unsalted Butter: We prefer unsalted so you can control the overall saltiness of the dish. It adds richness and a beautiful mouthfeel.
- Eggs: Act as a binder, helping the casserole set and creating a wonderfully fluffy texture when baked.
- Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that perfectly enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Salt: A crucial ingredient to balance the sweetness and bring out all the other flavors.
- Nutmeg & Cinnamon: These classic warming spices are indispensable, infusing the sweet potatoes with an aromatic, comforting holiday essence.
For the Irresistible Pecan Streusel Topping:
- Melted Butter: The base for our streusel, creating that delightful crispness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the streusel ingredients and achieve that desirable crumbly texture.
- Brown Sugar: For a sweet, slightly caramelized flavor in the topping.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Repeating these spices in the topping ties the flavors together beautifully.
- Chopped Pecans: The star of the streusel, providing a fantastic crunch and nutty flavor. Ensure they are coarsely chopped for maximum impact.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole
You’re in luck, because creating this incredibly tasty casserole is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding culinary experience.
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: First, peel your sweet potatoes thoroughly and chop them into uniform, large chunks. This ensures they cook evenly. Place these chopped potatoes into a large pot.
2. Cook Until Tender: Fill the pot with enough water to completely cover the sweet potato chunks. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when easily pierced with a fork. It’s crucial they are soft enough to mash smoothly. Once cooked, carefully drain all the water and return the tender sweet potatoes to the pot.
3. Create the Creamy Filling: To the cooked sweet potatoes in the pot, add the eggs, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and nutmeg. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until it is wonderfully smooth, fluffy, and all ingredients are thoroughly combined. If you don’t have a hand mixer, a sturdy potato masher will work, though the texture might be slightly less airy.
4. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously coat a 9” x 13” casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
5. Assemble the Casserole Base: Carefully transfer the mashed sweet potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula to gently spread it out evenly and smooth the top.
6. Prepare the Pecan Streusel: In a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Stir these ingredients together until they form a crumbly mixture. Then, fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are well-distributed throughout the streusel.
7. Add the Topping: Generously sprinkle the prepared pecan streusel topping evenly over the entire surface of the sweet potato mixture in the casserole dish. Make sure to cover it completely for that perfect crunchy crust.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the pecan topping is beautifully golden brown and the sweet potato filling is bubbling around the edges. The aroma alone will be intoxicating!
9. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes for easier serving. Then, dig in and savor every delicious bite!
We are incredibly excited for you to try this ultimate sweet potato casserole recipe with its spectacular pecan topping. We promise you will not be disappointed! For another convenient option, consider checking out our crock pot sweet potato casserole, perfect for freeing up oven space during busy holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips for Success
How can you store leftovers?
In the highly unlikely event that you find yourself with any extra, leftovers of this delicious casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best taste and texture, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven until heated through.
Can you freeze sweet potato casserole?
Yes, absolutely! Sweet potato casserole is wonderfully freezer-friendly. To freeze, transfer the baked and cooled casserole to an airtight, freezer-safe baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven (covered with foil to prevent drying) or in the microwave until it is thoroughly warmed.
Can you make sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
Making this casserole ahead of time is a fantastic strategy for holiday meal prep! You can fully assemble the casserole (both the sweet potato base and the pecan streusel topping) in your baking dish, cover it tightly, and place it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. When it’s time to bake, simply uncover and proceed with the baking instructions. Just remember to add approximately 10-15 minutes to the total baking time since you’ll be baking it directly from a chilled state.
What type of sweet potatoes are best for casserole?
For a classic sweet potato casserole, varieties like Jewel or Beauregard are excellent choices. They have a naturally sweet flavor, moist flesh, and cook down to a beautifully creamy consistency when mashed. You can also use Hannah or Japanese sweet potatoes if you prefer a slightly less sweet filling, adjusting the added brown sugar to taste.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Be sure to drain them very well and rinse them to remove excess syrup. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
Is this considered a side dish or a dessert?
Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is traditionally served as a holiday side dish, particularly in Southern cuisine. However, its delightful sweetness and rich flavors often blur the lines, making it feel very much like a dessert. It’s truly a versatile dish that offers the best of both worlds!
More Easy Side Dish Recipes for Your Table
Looking for more delicious and easy-to-make side dishes to complete your meal? Explore these other fantastic recipes:
- Pan-seared Asparagus
- Creamed corn
- Turkey and Stuffing Balls
- Broccoli Casserole
- Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flakes (Hashbrown Casserole)
- Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Filling:
- 6 medium-sized sweet potatoes approximately 4lb
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Pecan Streusel Topping:
- 4 Tablespoons butter melted
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
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Peel sweet potatoes and cut into large chunks.
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Place chopped potatoes in a large pot. Fill with water until the potatoes are covered. Bring the pot to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and return potatoes to the pot.
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Add the eggs, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and nutmeg. Beat with a hand mixer until well combined and fluffy.
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Preheat oven to 350F. Coat a 9” x 13” casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
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Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the dish.
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In a small bowl, mix to combine melted butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
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Bake for 45 minutes, or until topping is golden brown.
Nutrition
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