Dreamy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping Recipe

Sweet potatoes burst with comfort and warmth, especially when paired with a delectable pecan streusel topping that adds irresistible crunch to this easy sweet potato casserole recipe.

Creamy, smooth mashed sweet potatoes create a perfect base for the nutty, caramelized streusel layer.

The combination of brown sugar, butter, and pecans creates a golden, crispy surface that elevates this classic side dish.

Baked until bubbling and fragrant, this casserole brings a touch of Southern charm to any meal.

Families and dinner guests will swoon over the delightful contrast between the silky sweet potato base and the crunchy pecan topping.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish and watch as everyone asks for seconds.

Why Sweet Potato Casserole Pops

• This sweet potato casserole rocks your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• A guaranteed hit at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals that gets everyone excited about side dishes.
• Beginner cooks can nail this recipe with basic kitchen techniques, creating a sophisticated dish that looks professionally prepared.
• Layers of maple, brown sugar, and nutty pecans transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a decadent, memorable experience that elevates any meal.
• Prep components in advance, letting you reduce stress during busy cooking times and ensuring a delicious side dish is always ready.

Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Sweet Potatoes: A hearty and nutritious root vegetable that serves as the primary base for this comforting casserole.

Pecans: A rich, crunchy nut that provides a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor to the dish.

• Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that add depth and caramel-like richness to the sweet potato casserole.

• Flour, Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Essential dry ingredients that help bind the casserole and provide warm, aromatic spices.
• Heavy Cream, Butter: Creamy dairy components that contribute richness and smooth texture to the dish.

Tools for Sweet Potato Casserole

• Stock Pot: Large, deep pot for boiling sweet potatoes with enough space to cover them in water.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for peeling and chopping sweet potatoes safely.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise potato preparation.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: Rectangular dish for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Colander: Tool for draining boiled potatoes quickly and efficiently.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Used for preparing the pecan streusel topping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for measuring ingredients accurately.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix ingredients and spread potatoes evenly.

Steps for Perfect Sweet Potato Bake

Step 1: Boil Sweet Potatoes

Grab your large stock pot and peel those sweet potatoes.

Chop them into even chunks.

Fill the pot with cold water and sprinkle in salt.

Make sure the water covers the potatoes by about an inch.

Crank up the heat to medium and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Reduce to a gentle simmer and cover the pot.

Let the potatoes cook until they’re fork-tender but not falling apart, which takes around 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grab your 9×13 baking dish and give it a good coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prepare Potato Base

Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and transfer them to the greased baking dish.

• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Salt

Drizzle maple syrup and heavy cream evenly across the potatoes.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Streusel Topping

• Chopped pecans
• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Drop in cold butter cubes and work them into the mixture using your fingers until it looks like coarse, crumbly sand.

Step 5: Top the Casserole

Scatter the pecan streusel evenly over the sweet potato mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 55-60 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the center is bubbling and the streusel has turned a beautiful golden brown.

Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole

• Drain Potatoes Perfectly: Ensure potatoes are thoroughly drained to prevent watery casserole and maintain a rich, creamy texture.
• Cook sweet potatoes just until tender, avoiding overcooking that breaks down their structure and creates an unappetizing consistency.
• Work butter into the streusel mixture using cold hands or a pastry cutter to create a crumbly, crisp topping that bakes beautifully.
• Taste the sweet potato mixture before adding streusel to adjust seasoning, ensuring a perfectly balanced sweet and savory profile.
• Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and make serving easier without falling apart.

Sweet Potato Bake Twists

• Vegan Sweet Potato Comfort: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and swap butter for coconut oil in streusel. Use maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetness, ensuring plant-based ingredients maintain creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Harvest Blend: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend in both potato mixture and streusel. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Nut-Free Family Version: Replace pecans with rolled oats or sunflower seeds in streusel topping. Add extra cinnamon and nutmeg to compensate for lost nutty flavor, creating a crunchy alternative safe for nut-allergic individuals.

Serving Sweet Potato Casserole

• Festive Feast Companion: Pair this sweet potato casserole with roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a classic holiday meal that brings warmth to the table.
• Brunch Breakfast Delight: Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a decadent weekend breakfast that turns an ordinary morning into a special occasion.
• Potluck Party Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings where its rich, sweet flavors will have everyone asking for the recipe and coming back for seconds.
• Elegant Side Dish Twist: Elevate your dinner menu by presenting this casserole as a sophisticated side that bridges comfort food with gourmet presentation.

Sweet Potato Casserole Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the casserole cools completely before covering.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake uncovered at 350F for 20-25 minutes until heated through, adding a fresh layer of pecans if desired.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming, watching carefully to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Are sweet potatoes nutritious?

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They support eye health, boost immunity, and provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

• Can I use different nuts for the streusel?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes for pecans. Each nut will bring a unique flavor and crunch to the casserole.

• How do I know when the sweet potato casserole is fully cooked?

Look for bubbling liquid in the center and a golden-brown streusel topping. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork and the top should have a crispy, caramelized appearance.

Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet potato casserole celebrates Southern comfort with creamy mashed potatoes and a crunchy pecan streusel. Warm spices and buttery topping make this side dish irresistible for holiday gatherings you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 pounds (2.27 kilograms) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) chopped toasted pecans
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) maple syrup

Sugar and Flour Components:

• 1/3 cup (67 grams) light brown sugar (for potatoes)
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) light brown sugar (for pecan streusel)
• 3 1/2 tablespoons (26 grams) all-purpose flour (for potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons (15 grams) all-purpose flour (for pecan streusel)

Spices and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for potatoes)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for pecan streusel)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

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Instructions

1. Submerge peeled and quartered sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water, ensuring they are completely covered. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender but not falling apart.
2. Heat the oven to 350°F. Thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Drain the cooked potatoes and transfer them to the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute brown sugar, flour, and salt across the potato surface. Drizzle maple syrup and heavy cream uniformly over the potatoes, creating a rich, glossy layer.
4. Create the streusel topping by combining chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl. Cut cold butter into small cubes and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly texture.
5. Generously scatter the pecan streusel across the entire potato surface, ensuring an even, thick coverage.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. The dish is ready when the center bubbles and the streusel turns a deep golden brown, creating a crispy, caramelized topping.

Notes

• Avoid Overcooking Boil sweet potatoes just until tender to prevent turning them into mush, which can make the casserole watery and lose its delightful texture.
• Salt Water Wisely Adding salt to boiling water helps season the potatoes from within, creating a more flavorful base for the entire dish.
• Butter Technique Work the butter into the streusel mix using cold cubes and your fingertips, creating a crumbly texture that ensures a crispy, delectable topping.
• Dietary Modifications Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free flour to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg