Save This comforting Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel brings a touch of nostalgia to any holiday or family table. Creamy sweet potatoes blend with cozy spices and a hint of vanilla under a crunchy golden brown pecan topping. Whether it is Thanksgiving or a chilly Sunday dinner this side dish feels like a warm hug and always draws a crowd.
My family now expects this casserole every holiday since the first time I surprised them with it for Thanksgiving. The contrast of creamy layers and sweet crunchy topping gets rave reviews every single time.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: offer a naturally sweet earthy base so look for ones free of bruises with firm skin and deep orange flesh
- Unsalted butter: provides rich flavor as well as binds the casserole base and streusel so use high quality butter for best taste
- Whole milk: helps create extra creamy sweet potatoes and rounds out flavors
- Light brown sugar: adds sweetness and a caramel note while keeping everything moist
- Large eggs: ensure the casserole sets up soft and lush so use fresh eggs
- Vanilla extract: brings a subtle warmth and enhances the sweet potatoes
- Ground cinnamon: infuses each bite with that familiar holiday aroma
- Salt: balances sweetness and lifts flavors
- All-purpose flour: gives body to the streusel topping and adds a tender crumb
- Pecans: deliver crunch and buttery flavor so pick fresh pecans for extra nutty aroma
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make for easy serving
- Cook and Drain the Sweet Potatoes:
- Place peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water then bring to a boil reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until fork tender finally drain very well to make sure no excess water stays behind
- Make the Sweet Potato Base:
- Mash the drained sweet potatoes in a big bowl until completely smooth then add melted butter whole milk brown sugar eggs vanilla cinnamon and salt mix well until creamy and cohesive with no lumps
- Spread the Mixture:
- Transfer sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish smoothing out the top with a spatula for an even layer
- Make the Pecan Streusel:
- In a separate bowl stir together flour light brown sugar cinnamon and salt then pour in melted butter and mix with a fork until everything looks sandy and crumbly finally fold in chopped pecans for extra crunch
- Top the Casserole:
- Evenly sprinkle the pecan streusel across the sweet potato layer gently patting it down so it stays in place during baking
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top becomes golden and crisp and you see some bubbling around the edges
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before digging in so the structure firms up slightly and it is easier to serve
Save My favorite part is always the topping especially when the chopped pecans toast up during baking and I remember how my grandmother used to tuck in extra pecans just for me when I was little
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to four days and reheat portions in the oven or microwave for best results. You can also cover and freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Ingredient Substitutions
Omit pecans for a nut-free version and substitute rolled oats or sunflower seeds in the streusel. For a lighter casserole use half unsweetened applesauce in place of butter or swap whole milk for a non-dairy option like oat milk. Try adding a touch of fresh orange zest or a pinch of nutmeg to the sweet potato base for a festive spin
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is right at home alongside classic holiday mains like roast turkey glazed ham or baked tofu for a vegetarian feast. Dress it up with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent bite or bring as a potluck dish that wows a crowd
Cultural and Historical Context
Sweet potato casserole has deep roots in Southern home cooking where it symbolizes comfort and celebration especially during Thanksgiving. The pecan streusel twist is a nod to the love for candied nuts and oven-baked traditions in American holiday cuisine
Seasonal Adaptations
Choose local sweet potatoes at peak autumn freshness for the deepest flavor Swap streusel pecans for walnuts if you like a different nutty finish A little nutmeg or orange zest brightens up wintertime servings
Success Stories
When I made this casserole for my neighborhood’s annual Friendsgiving one year even people who claimed not to like sweet potatoes asked for seconds. The scent of cinnamon and toasted pecans always draws folks back for more
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze for later assemble the casserole up through the streusel step but do not bake then wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. Bake directly from frozen adding fifteen extra minutes to the bake time or until hot and golden
Save This sweet potato casserole is a perennial favorite that always delivers holiday cheer and delightful flavor. Serve warm to let the fragrant pecans and cinnamon fill every bite.
Cooking Questions
- → Can this dish be made in advance?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate the dish ahead. Bake for an extra 5–10 minutes if starting from cold.
- → How can I make it nut-free?
Omit the pecans in the streusel and use rolled oats or sunflower seeds for crunch instead.
- → What adds extra flavor to the casserole?
A pinch of nutmeg or orange zest can enhance the sweet potato mixture with warm, aromatic notes.
- → Is there a way to lighten the dish?
You can substitute half the butter in the sweet potato base with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter result.
- → What equipment is needed?
You will need a large saucepan, potato masher, mixing bowls, a 9x13-inch baking dish, whisk, and measuring cups and spoons.
- → Does this side suit vegetarian diets?
Yes, it suits vegetarian diets, as it contains eggs and dairy but no meat or fish ingredients.