Name: Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings

Classic Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Topping

Sweet potato casserole is a beloved holiday side that balances creamy, spiced sweet potatoes with crunchy brown sugar pecans on top. This recipe offers easy steps to prepare the perfect casserole that can be made ahead and baked just before serving. The comforting flavors and textures transform simple sweet potatoes into a festive centerpiece everyone will savor at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or weekend dinners.

Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 40 Minutes Total Time: 1 Hour Serves: 8

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with brown sugar pecan streusel baked until golden.

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs), peeled and cubed
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup evaporated milk (or half and half)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Pecan Topping:

1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to boil and simmer 15 minutes until tender. Drain well.
In a large bowl, mash sweet potatoes until smooth.
Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well until creamy and combined.
Transfer sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
To make topping, mix pecans, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl.
Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle topping evenly over sweet potatoes.
Bake 35-40 minutes until topping is golden brown and casserole is bubbly.
Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Tip: Use a potato masher or electric mixer for smooth filling. For more crunch, add extra pecans on top just before baking.

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Choosing Sweet Potatoes

Look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin. Orange-flesh varieties are classic for sweeter casseroles. Avoid overly large ones which may be watery.

Perfect Texture

Drain sweet potatoes well to avoid watery filling. Mash until creamy but not gluey for smooth mouthfeel. Mixing eggs and evaporated milk creates custard-like richness.

Pecan Topping Technique

Cold butter cut into dry ingredients creates crumbly topping. Use good quality pecans for best flavor and texture. Optional: toast pecans lightly before mixing for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sweet potato casserole as a side with Thanksgiving turkey, ham, or roast chicken. Garnish with fresh rosemary for elegant touch. Leftovers reheat well covered in oven or microwave.

Variations to Try

Add mini marshmallows on top during last 5 minutes of baking for classic version.
Mix in 1 cup dried cranberries or chopped apples for fruity contrast.
Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for dairy-free option.
Add a teaspoon nutmeg or ginger to filling for spiced depth.