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If you have a soft spot for comforting, sweet, and nutty dishes, then this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. It perfectly combines the velvety sweetness of tender mashed sweet potatoes with a delightfully crunchy, buttery pecan topping that adds texture and flavor in every bite. This casserole is not only a crowd-pleaser but also brings warmth and charm to any table, making it a must-make for family dinners, holiday feasts, or simply whenever you crave a cozy, satisfying dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe is a breeze thanks to its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a key role in balancing sweetness, spice, and richness to create a harmonious flavor and an irresistible texture.
- Sweet potatoes (3 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes): The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and smooth creaminess when mashed.
- Brown sugar (½ cup packed): Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that enhances the sweet potatoes perfectly.
- Melted butter (⅓ cup + ¼ cup): Brings richness and helps bind the casserole and topping together for a luscious mouthfeel.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A subtle fragrant note that brightens the overall flavor profile of this dish.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds warm spice that complements the sweetness in a comforting way.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Imparts a hint of earthy spice, making the casserole irresistibly cozy.
- Flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the pecan topping so it bakes up perfectly crisp.
- Chopped pecans (1 ¼ cups): The star crunch element, offering buttery goodness and a vibrant texture contrast.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
The first step is setting the stage so everything bakes up beautifully. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and finishes with a lovely golden crust on the edges.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Toss those cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water, just about an inch above the potatoes. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let them cook for about 15 minutes until you can easily pierce them with a fork. This ensures they’ll mash into a creamy base without lumps.
Step 3: Mash and Flavor the Sweet Potatoes
Drain your cooked sweet potatoes well and transfer them to a big mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Mash everything together until smooth and velvety, then spread that luscious sweet potato mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Create and Spread the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans until you get a crumbly but sticky topping. Sprinkle this generously over the mashed sweet potatoes—it’s going to toast up beautifully in the oven and give your casserole that signature crunch and flavor punch.
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When it’s done, it should be hot, bubbling, and your pecan topping perfectly toasted to a golden-brown finish. Let it cool just slightly before serving to enjoy every comforting, sweet, and crunchy bite.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or a few extra toasted pecans on top right before serving. A light drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream can also elevate this dish, especially if you’re serving it as a dessert or sweet side.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with savory mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple herb-roasted chicken. The sweet, nutty richness balances beautifully against hearty, savory flavors while adding color and texture diversity to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe in smaller individual ramekins or cast iron skillets. This makes for an impressive presentation and ensures each portion gets a perfect ratio of creamy sweet potato and crunchy topping. You can also round it out with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on the side for a pop of green.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just cover your casserole tightly to keep it moist and flavorful, and you’ll have ready-to-eat comfort food waiting for you the next day.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes well! Simply assemble your casserole but don’t bake it yet; wrap tightly with foil and a layer of plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen—just add a bit of extra baking time and you’ll have a freshly baked casserole anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the pecan topping is crisp again. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works too—just be aware the topping won’t stay as crunchy. For best texture, oven reheating is the way to go.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes provide the best texture and flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and mash thoroughly. The casserole might be a bit softer, but it will still taste delicious.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The pecan topping will still turn out fantastic with these swaps.
Can I make the pecan topping nut-free?
If you need to avoid nuts, try replacing pecans with rolled oats or crushed pretzels for a different but still crunchy topping. The texture won’t be quite the same, but it’s a great alternative that keeps the topping delicious.
What can I do to make the casserole less sweet?
To tone down the sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly or omit the vanilla extract. Adding a pinch more salt can also help balance the flavors and prevent it from tasting too sugary.
How do I know when the casserole is perfectly baked?
Look for bubbling edges and a nicely browned pecan topping. The topping should be toasted and crisp, and if you insert a knife in the center, it should come out hot. These signs all ensure your casserole is cooked through and ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a holiday tradition or a comforting side for any day, it’s simple, full of heart, and utterly delicious. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite recipes to share with family and friends.
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic, comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or holiday meals. Tender, mashed sweet potatoes are blended with warm spices and brown sugar, then topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan streusel. Baked to golden perfection, it makes a delightful side dish bursting with sweet and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Pecan Topping
- ¼ cup butter (melted)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 ¼ cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, and cover with water about 1 inch above the potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well.
- Mash Sweet Potato Filling: In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. Add the brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Pecan Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the topping is crumbly.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the pecans are toasted and golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For easier peeling, microwave sweet potatoes for 2-3 minutes before peeling.
- Make sure to drain sweet potatoes well to avoid a watery casserole.
- To add extra moisture and richness, consider folding in a beaten egg or a splash of cream to the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Pecans can be substituted with walnuts if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
