Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Topping

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bake something irresistibly cozy, nostalgic, and perfect for your holiday table? 🍠✨ Then you’ll adore this Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Topping! It’s a timeless Southern-inspired side dish that tastes like dessert — velvety sweet potatoes blended with butter, sugar, and vanilla, all baked under a golden-brown pecan crumble that adds the perfect crunch. 😍

This comforting dish has been a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings for generations, symbolizing warmth, tradition, and togetherness. Each spoonful gives you a balance of creamy and crunchy textures — the sweet, buttery mash beneath the crisp, nutty topping feels indulgent yet familiar. Unlike the marshmallow-topped version, this pecan topping adds a caramelized, toasty flavor that’s downright irresistible.

Whether you’re hosting a family feast or simply want to make your Sunday dinner special, this sweet potato casserole brings that “wow” factor every time. It’s simple to prepare, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s preheat that oven and create some holiday magic! 🎄🍂


Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

  • 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs), peeled and cubed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup milk or cream
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

For the Crunchy Pecan Topping:

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 1 cup chopped pecans 🥜

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
    Peel and cube sweet potatoes, then place them in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender — about 15 minutes — then drain and mash until smooth.
  2. Make the Sweet Potato Base:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Beat until creamy and well-blended.
  3. Assemble the Casserole:
    Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  4. Prepare the Pecan Topping:
    In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Stir until crumbly and evenly coated.
  5. Add the Topping:
    Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
  6. Bake to Perfection:
    Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp. The edges should be bubbling slightly.
  7. Serve Warm:
    Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Each spoonful delivers creamy sweetness and a satisfying pecan crunch — absolute holiday perfection! 😋

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 8
Calories per serving: ~340 kcal

Per Serving (approx.):

  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Sugars: 25g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Rich in vitamin A and natural sweetness from the potatoes, this casserole is the perfect mix of indulgence and nutrition. The pecans give a buttery crunch that turns every bite into comfort on a plate. 🍂


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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️

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