Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans brings a sense of home to any holiday table. In my Asheville kitchen, I’ve roasted sweet potatoes until their caramel aroma fills the air, then topped them with buttery, toasted pecans for a perfect balance of soft and crisp. Each spoonful offers creamy sweetness, a hint of cinnamon, and the nutty crunch that makes this casserole unforgettable. This recipe blends smooth mashed sweet potatoes with a golden brown sugar pecan topping, pairing beautifully with hearty mains and bright seasonal sides. If you enjoy the comfort of Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes and the indulgence of Classic Pecan Pie, this dish gives you the best of both worlds in one bite.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
Ingredients
Method
- 1. Preheat oven to 425℉ (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash sweet potatoes and poke holes with a fork. Roast for 45–60 minutes until soft.
- 2. Reduce oven to 350℉ (177°C). Remove skins and mash sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Add softened butter, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and milk. Taste and adjust as needed.
- 3. Whisk in eggs until fully blended. Spread into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 4. In a small bowl, combine pecans, flour, brown sugar, cooled melted butter, and cinnamon. Stir until crumbly.
- 5. Sprinkle topping evenly over sweet potato mixture.
- 6. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown, watching in the last 5 minutes to prevent pecans from burning.
- 7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting yet elegant, perfect for both casual meals and holiday feasts
- Sweet and savory balance from creamy potatoes and crunchy pecans
- Can be prepared ahead and baked fresh for convenience
- Topping stays crisp even after reheating
- Warm spices, maple syrup, and vanilla add rich seasonal flavor
- A crowd-pleasing side dish alongside favorites like Homemade Cranberry Sauce or Apple Crisp with Oats
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Mixture
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- ¼ cup milk of choice
- 2 eggs, room temperature if possible
For Brown Sugar Pecan Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Gathering high-quality ingredients is key. Freshly cracked pecans give the topping a fragrant crunch, while pure maple syrup deepens the sweet potato flavor. Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the smoothest mash. Just as in Creamy Pumpkin Pie or Cornbread Stuffing Recipe, the better your ingredients, the better the result.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
- Roast the sweet potatoes
Preheat the oven to 425℉ (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Wash the sweet potatoes and poke holes with a fork. Place on the baking sheet and roast for 45 to 60 minutes until the skin puffs and a fork slides in easily. Time varies based on potato size and oven heat. - Prepare the filling
Reduce oven heat to 350℉ (177°C). Remove skins from roasted potatoes and place in a large bowl. Mash by hand for a chunky texture or use a hand mixer for a creamier consistency. Add softened butter, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and milk. Taste and adjust with more syrup or salt if needed. Whisk in eggs until fully blended. Spread the filling evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. - Make the pecan topping
In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans, flour, cooled melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Evenly sprinkle over the sweet potato base. - Bake the casserole
Place in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, watching closely in the last 5 minutes to prevent pecans from burning. The topping should be golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans is best served warm. It complements roasted turkey, glazed ham, or vegetarian mains. A tangy side like cranberry sauce balances its sweetness, while a fresh green salad adds brightness. For a festive brunch, pair it with biscuits and spiced tea.
How to Perfect This Recipe
Bake the sweet potatoes instead of boiling to intensify their natural sweetness. Use freshly cracked pecans for maximum aroma and texture. Allow the melted butter for the topping to cool before mixing so the sugar forms a proper crumble. These small details make the difference between a good casserole and a great one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid adding hot butter directly to the sugar in the topping as it will dissolve the sugar and create a greasy layer instead of a crumble. Do not overbake the pecans since they can turn bitter if burnt. Resist the urge to oversweeten the filling before tasting, as roasting naturally enhances the potatoes’ flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325℉ oven until heated through. This method helps keep the topping crisp. The casserole can also be made ahead, with the topping stored separately, and assembled before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to boil or bake sweet potatoes for casserole
Baking is preferred as it caramelizes the natural sugars, creating a richer flavor.
What nuts go in sweet potato casserole
Pecans are classic for their buttery crunch, though walnuts or almonds can be used.
Why do you have to soak sweet potatoes before baking
Soaking removes excess starch, helping the potatoes cook evenly and enhancing their natural sweetness.
What enhances the flavor of sweet potatoes
Warm spices like cinnamon, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a hint of citrus zest elevate the flavor.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans is a timeless holiday recipe that blends creamy sweetness with a satisfying crunch. It is a dish that invites people to linger at the table, share stories, and make memories. With simple ingredients, careful preparation, and a touch of seasonal spice, you can create a centerpiece that tastes like comfort and celebration in every bite.
