Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

I love preparing my favorite Sweet Potato And Pecan Casserole. Mashed sweet potatoes blend with melted butter, eggs, and milk to form a rich base. Granulated and brown sugars add a subtle sweetness while crunchy pecans deliver a satisfying contrast. This holiday side dish is simple yet incredibly satisfying and absolutely indulgent.

I love making my Sweet Potato Casserole every year for Thanksgiving because it never fails to impress. This dish is so easy to make and is absolutely the star on our table.

I start off with 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes mixed with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then I add just a pinch of salt to bring everything together.

The best part is the brown sugar and pecan topping made by mixing 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, and a cup of chopped pecans. I usually prepare it in advance which makes it a perfect make-ahead holiday side dish.

Trust me, this recipe just screams comfort with a hint of elegance that makes it so special. Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because first, the mashed sweet potatoes give it a super comforting and natural sweetness that just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Second, the brown sugar and pecan topping adds a delicious crunchy texture that pairs so well with the smooth layers underneath, it really satisfies my cravings for something sweet and savory at the same time. Third, I appreciate how easy it is to whip up—even when I’m in a rush, I can mix the ingredients and have a tasty dish that never fails to impress everyone at the table. And lastly, it reminds me of cozy family gatherings, making it not just a side dish but a piece of holiday tradition that makes every meal feel special.

Ingredients

• Mashed Sweet Potatoes: They bring fiber, vitamins and natural sweetness.

  Also helps to keep it moist and healthy.

• Granulated Sugar: Provided simple carbohydrates making the dish delightfully sweet.

  Not the healthiest but awesome flavor.

• Eggs: Add protein and help bind the mixture.

  Gives richness in taste and texture.

• Unsalted Butter: Offers creaminess and smooth texture while enhancing flavor with its rich taste.
• Pecans: Provide crunchiness, healthy fats and a hint of nutty flavor.

  Adds texture and interest.

• Brown Sugar: Offers rich, caramel inflections, perfect for a crunchy sweet topping.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a light texture that binds brown sugar and butter seamlessly.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 to 5 medium sweet potatoes)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (for the topping)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for the topping)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for the topping)
• 1 cup chopped pecans

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, mix your 4 cups of mashed sweet potatoes with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon salt until everything is well blended.

3. Pour the sweet potato mixture into your prepared baking dish spreading it out evenly.

4. In another bowl, stir together 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and 1 cup chopped pecans until it forms a crumbly topping.

5. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.

6. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the topping turns a nice golden brown.

7. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before servingEnjoy this classic favorite that’s perfect for your holiday table!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven set to 350°F
2. 9×13 inch baking dish (plus something like a butter brush or paper towels to grease it)
3. A large mixing bowl for the sweet potato mixture
4. A medium bowl for mixing the crumbly topping
5. Measuring cups and spoons to keep track of all the ingredients
6. A whisk or fork to lightly beat the eggs
7. A spatula or spoon to stir the mixtures and spread them evenly
8. A cooling rack or clean surface to let the casserole cool before serving

FAQ

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes, you can use pumpkin puree from a 15oz can which gives a fun, fall vibe.
• If you dont have granulated sugar, try using honey or maple syrup. Just keep in mind you might want to cut down on any extra liquid.
• When you run out of milk, almond milk or even coconut milk works really well for a slightly different flavor.
• You can replace unsalted butter with the same amount of coconut oil, which adds an extra hint of tropical taste.
• If pecans arent your thing, walnuts or chopped almonds are good alternatives that still bring a nice crunch.

Pro Tips

1. Try roasting your sweet potatoes with a little bit of olive oil and cinnamon before mashing them so you get a deeper flavour and a smoother mash without any lumpy bits.
2. Make sure your butter and milk are warmed up before mixing. This helps everything blend together nicer and gives off a richer taste.
3. When mixing your ingredients, don’t overbeat the batter. Overmixing can cause the texture to become too dense which kinda ruins the light feel of the dish.
4. After baking, let the casserole cool a few minutes before serving. This resting time gives it a chance to settle making it easier to cut and enhancing the overall flavor.