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Sweet Potato Casserole

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

This Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate blend of creamy, cozy sweetness and buttery crunch. Mashed sweet potatoes form a silky base topped with a golden, nutty pecan crumble — a beloved holiday favorite that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special dinner, this casserole is the kind of side dish that feels like dessert and tastes like home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Holiday, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 310
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sweet Potato Base
  • 4 cups sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup milk whole or evaporated for richer flavor
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp salt
For the Pecan Topping
  • 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
  • 0.33 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans toasted for extra flavor (optional)

Method
 

  1. Step 1 – Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Step 2 – Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Place cubed sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 10–15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
  3. Step 3 – Mash and Mix the Base: Mash the hot sweet potatoes until smooth. Stir in eggs, sugar, milk, butter, vanilla, and salt until creamy. Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  4. Step 4 – Prepare the Topping: In a bowl, mix brown sugar and flour. Cut in butter until crumbly, then stir in chopped pecans. Avoid overmixing for best texture.
  5. Step 5 – Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle topping evenly over the sweet potato base. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and slightly crisp. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.
Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with a mixture of oats and brown sugar.
Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Marshmallow Option: Top with mini marshmallows in the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey finish.