Sweet potato casserole with pecans is a classic comfort dish that shines at holiday dinners—especially Thanksgiving—but it’s just as perfect for Sunday family meals, potlucks, or anytime you crave something cozy and satisfying. It brings together creamy, sweet mashed sweet potatoes and a crunchy, buttery pecan topping for a warm and indulgent experience.
This dish is more than just a side—it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and tradition. Whether you serve it as a sweet-savory side dish or as a dessert-like treat, this casserole always delivers.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Perfect Holiday Side – Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter gatherings.
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Velvety and Crunchy Contrast – Creamy sweet potatoes paired with a nutty, crisp topping.
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Make-Ahead Friendly – Easy to prep in advance and bake before serving.
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Crowd Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike for its comforting flavor.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:
For the Sweet Potato Filling:
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4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
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½ cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
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½ cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional for a spiced version)
For the Pecan Topping:
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup brown sugar
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⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup chopped pecans
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Pinch of salt
Optional: Mini marshmallows for an extra topping layer
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour
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Servings: 8–10 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Cook and Mash Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Boil them in a large pot of water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain, then mash until smooth. You should have about 4 cups of mashed sweet potato.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Spread Into Baking Dish
Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 5: Make the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, melted butter, chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Choosing the Best Sweet Potatoes
Fresh vs. Canned
Fresh sweet potatoes offer superior flavor and texture. Canned can be used in a pinch, but make sure they’re drained and not packed in syrup.
Types of Sweet Potatoes
Look for orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Jewel. These are naturally sweeter and creamier.
Pecans: Raw, Roasted, or Toasted?
Use raw pecans when mixing with sugar and butter—they’ll toast while baking. For extra crunch and flavor, you can lightly toast the pecans in a skillet before adding them to the topping mixture.
Optional Add-Ins for the Filling
Want to add a twist? These mix-ins complement sweet potatoes beautifully:
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Crushed pineapple (for brightness and acidity)
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Maple syrup (swap for part of the brown sugar)
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Orange zest (adds freshness)
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Nutmeg or allspice (for a spicier aroma)
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Cream cheese (adds extra richness)
Marshmallow vs. Pecan Topping Debate
This dish often sparks debate: marshmallows or pecans?
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Pecan Topping: Crunchy, nutty, and less sweet—adds contrast and texture.
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Marshmallow Topping: Sweet, gooey, and nostalgic—perfect for dessert lovers.
Best of Both? Add marshmallows for the final 10 minutes of baking on top of the pecans for a layered effect!
How to Make It Ahead
You can easily prepare this dish ahead of time:
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Unbaked Version: Assemble the casserole (without the pecan topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add the topping right before baking.
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Fully Baked Version: Bake, cool, then refrigerate. Reheat at 350°F for 20–25 minutes covered with foil.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
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Cool completely before storing.
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Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
Reheating:
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Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F until warm (15–20 minutes).
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Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Can You Freeze Sweet Potato Casserole?
Yes! Here’s how:
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Unbaked Freezing: Prepare the filling, freeze it in the baking dish (without the topping). When ready to serve, thaw overnight, add the topping, and bake fresh.
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Baked Freezing: Let it cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen, covered with foil, at 350°F until warmed through.
What to Serve It With
Sweet potato casserole complements many dishes. Try it with:
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Roast turkey or chicken
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Honey glazed ham
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Stuffing or dressing
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Cranberry sauce
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Green bean casserole
It can also be served as a standalone vegetarian dish thanks to its hearty nature.
Nutritional Overview
Per serving (based on 10 servings):
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Calories: ~320
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Fat: 16g
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Protein: 4g
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Sugar: 20g
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Fiber: 4g Values vary based on specific brands and toppings used.
Variations to Try
Gluten-Free
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for the topping.
Vegan
Use plant-based butter, replace eggs with flax eggs, and use almond or oat milk.
Savory Version
Reduce sugar, omit cinnamon, and add sautéed onions or garlic to the sweet potato mixture for a savory spin.
FAQs
Can I use canned yams?
Yes, but drain and mash well. Avoid those packed in syrup.
How far ahead can I make this dish?
Up to 2 days in advance if stored in the fridge. Just add topping before baking.
Is this a side dish or dessert?
Traditionally a side dish, but sweet enough to serve as dessert—especially with marshmallows!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger casserole dish or two smaller ones. Adjust bake time accordingly.
Can I leave out the nuts?
Absolutely. Try an oat crumble topping or use marshmallows instead.
Conclusion
Sweet potato casserole with pecans is the kind of dish that brings comfort, nostalgia, and a bit of indulgence to the table. With its buttery, crunchy topping and velvety sweet base, it bridges the gap between savory side and dessert—and it never fails to disappear quickly.
Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or whipping it up for a weeknight dinner, this is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Don’t be surprised if your guests come back for seconds—or ask for the recipe!