Description
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that perfectly blends creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping. This comforting casserole delivers warm spices, rich flavor, and the ideal balance of textures—making it a holiday favorite everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and chopped
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes until very tender. Drain well.
3. Transfer the hot sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash until smooth.
4. Add granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until creamy and well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Add the cold butter pieces to the pecan mixture and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until coarse crumbs form.
7. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish.
8. Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping evenly over the sweet potatoes.
9. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp and the filling is hot.
10. Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
To make ahead, prepare both the sweet potato base and streusel topping separately and refrigerate. Assemble just before baking. You can also bake the full dish a day ahead and reheat it gently before serving. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives. This dish pairs perfectly with roast turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg