Creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a buttery brown sugar pecan crumble make this casserole a holiday classic. The sweet potato filling is smooth and warmly spiced, while the golden pecan topping adds just the right amount of crunch for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water and boil until completely fork-tender. Drain thoroughly.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly butter a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
- Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash until smooth.
- Add the butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Mix until creamy and evenly combined.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Combine the pecans, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt. Stir in the melted butter until coarse crumbs form.
- Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until heated through and the pecan topping is golden and crisp.
- Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving warm.
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🔄 Variations
🍊 Orange-Spiced: Add fresh orange zest to the sweet potato filling for a bright holiday flavor.
🥥 Coconut Pecan: Add sweetened shredded coconut to the pecan topping.
☁️ Marshmallow Pecan: Add mini marshmallows during the final few minutes of baking for a more traditional sweet holiday topping.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
🦃 Serve alongside roasted turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving.
🍖 Pair with glazed ham and green vegetables for Christmas dinner.
🥬 Balance the sweet casserole with savory sides such as creamed spinach or Brussels sprouts.
🧊 Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, uncovering toward the end to restore some crispness to the pecan topping.
💡 Pro Tips
Drain the cooked sweet potatoes very well before mashing so the filling stays rich rather than watery.
For an especially smooth filling, use a potato masher or hand mixer, but avoid excessive mixing after adding the eggs.
The casserole can be assembled ahead of time. Keep the filling and pecan topping separate until you’re ready to bake so the topping stays crisp.
❓ FAQs
Can I make Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the sweet potato filling and refrigerate it in the baking dish. Store the topping separately, then add it immediately before baking.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes. Drain them thoroughly and adjust the added sugar if they’re packed in syrup.
Can I leave out the pecans?
Yes. Replace them with an oat crumble or use the marshmallow variation for a nut-free topping.
Why is my sweet potato casserole watery?
The potatoes may not have been drained sufficiently, or the filling may contain too much liquid.
Can I freeze Sweet Potato Casserole?
Yes. For best results, freeze the sweet potato filling without the pecan topping and add a fresh topping before baking.