Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a warm, comforting side dish that brings sweetness and crunch to your holiday table. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are topped with a buttery, caramelized pecan layer that’s perfectly golden and crisp. It’s an irresistible classic that embodies the flavor and heart of the holidays, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
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4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into chunks
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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Pinch of salt
For the Pecan Topping:
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1 cup chopped pecans
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/3 cup all-purpose flour
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1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
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Place sweet potato chunks in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Use a potato masher or hand mixer for a creamier texture.
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Add melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
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Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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In a separate bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly.
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Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
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Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
This Sweet Potato Casserole can be made ahead of time—simply assemble it up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. The dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For extra flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the topping. To make it nut-free, substitute the pecans with a mix of oats, brown sugar, and butter for a similar crunch. This comforting classic is a crowd favorite that brings warmth, nostalgia, and a perfect balance of sweetness to any meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes