Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that truly elevates any holiday table or family dinner, look no further than Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping. This classic comfort food is a symphony of creamy, buttery sweet potatoes blended with just the right touch of vanilla and spices, all crowned with a crunchy, caramelized pecan topping that brings both texture and a rich, nutty flavor. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making it an irresistible side that’s often the star of the meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to creating a dish that’s both flavorful and homey. Each component plays an essential role, from the sweetness of the potatoes and brown sugar to the crispness of the pecans and the buttery richness that ties everything together beautifully.
- Sweet Potatoes (45 ounces canned, drained and rinsed): The heart of the dish, providing a smooth and naturally sweet base that’s creamy and comforting.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds subtle sweetness to enhance the fresh flavor of the sweet potatoes without overwhelming them.
- Eggs (2 large, beaten): Helps bind the casserole, creating a luscious, custard-like texture once baked.
- Butter (1 stick, room temperature): Infuses the dish with richness and a velvety mouthfeel, making every bite decadent.
- Half and Half Cream (1/3 cup): Adds creaminess to keep the sweet potatoes moist and silky throughout.
- Vanilla Extract (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle flavor enhancer that lifts all the other ingredients with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Key for the topping, its molasses notes bring depth and a perfect caramelized crunch.
- Flour (1/2 cup): Combines with brown sugar and cinnamon to create the crispy, cohesive topping.
- Chopped Pecans (1 cup): Adds a toasty, nutty contrast, giving the casserole that signature crunchy finish.
- Butter (1/3 cup, melted): Drizzled over the topping to ensure a golden, buttery crisp.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Sprinkles in subtle warmth and spice to highlight the natural sweetness of the potatoes and pecans.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Sweet Potato Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350° Fahrenheit, giving it time to reach the perfect baking temperature. While it warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to whip together the drained sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, beaten eggs, softened butter, half and half, and vanilla extract. This mixture should be creamy and smooth, an irresistible base for your casserole. Then, simply spoon it evenly into an ungreased 8×8-inch baking dish, making sure it’s level for even cooking.
Step 2: Create the Pecan Topping
In a smaller bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon using a fork. This will form the crumbly, flavorful topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sweet potatoes. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the sweet potato base, ensuring every bite will have that wonderful topping. Next, scatter the chopped pecans across the sugar mixture and gently press everything into the sweet potato layer. To finish, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the pecans and sugar – this is what guarantees your topping will turn golden and crispy.
Step 3: Bake until Bubbly and Golden
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges and center to make sure they’re bubbling and that the topping has reached a perfect golden brown. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes – this short cooling period allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Garnishes
While the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is delicious on its own, adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of additional toasted pecans can elevate its presentation and flavor even more. For a touch of freshness, consider a light dusting of powdered cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley to contrast with the warm, sweet notes of the casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with hearty mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple roast chicken. The sweetness and crunch balance beautifully against savory, smoky, or herbaceous flavors. Complement your meal with steamed green beans, sautéed Brussels sprouts, or a crisp autumn salad to provide textural and flavor contrasts that complete the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a festive gathering, consider serving the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You could also layer it in a trifle dish for a stunning, rustic look that shows off the vibrant orange sweet potatoes and nutty topping. For a more casual family meal, scoop generous spoonfuls onto your plate next to the main course and allow everyone to customize their portions with additional toppings like marshmallows or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping keeps exceptionally well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply cover it tightly to maintain moisture and prevent the pecan topping from losing its delightful crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. To freeze raw, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover well with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly and store in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture and flavor preservation.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 325° Fahrenheit until heated through, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to avoid drying out the sweet potatoes, but remove the foil during the last few minutes to refresh the pecan topping’s crunch. Microwave reheating is faster but may soften the topping, so oven reheating is preferred for texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh sweet potatoes work wonderfully in this casserole. Just boil or bake them until tender, then mash thoroughly before following the recipe. Using fresh potatoes will add a more natural sweetness and can be a great option if you prefer to avoid canned ingredients.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour in the topping for a gluten-free flour blend. This simple substitution retains the crispy texture and flavor without compromising dietary needs.
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Definitely! Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives that provide a similar crunch and slightly different nutty flavors. Just be mindful of any nut allergies when serving to guests.
How sweet is this casserole? Can I reduce the sugar?
This casserole strikes a pleasant balance of sweetness, but you can reduce the granulated and brown sugars slightly if you prefer a less sweet version. Just keep in mind that the sugars contribute not only sweetness but also texture and caramelization in the topping.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
With some adjustments, yes! Use plant-based butter alternatives and a non-dairy cream/substitute for half and half. Replace eggs with ground flaxseed mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer. The pecan topping can remain as is, yielding a delicious vegan-friendly side dish.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is truly one of those dishes that brings people together, evoking feelings of warmth, celebration, and home. Its creamy sweetness contrasted with the toasty crunch makes it a perennial favorite for good reason. If you’ve never made this classic treat yourself, I encourage you to give it a try – it might just become your new go-to for holiday menus or weeknight comfort food dinners.
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a classic holiday side dish featuring creamy sweet potatoes blended with butter, eggs, and half and half, topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan and brown sugar crumble. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors that complement any festive meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 45 ounces canned sweet potatoes in syrup, drained and rinsed well
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup), room temperature
- 1/3 cup half and half cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pecan Topping
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Sweet Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip together the drained and rinsed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, beaten eggs, room temperature butter, half and half cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then spoon this mixture evenly into an ungreased 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon using a fork until mixed thoroughly. Sprinkle this brown sugar mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer, then top with chopped pecans. Gently press the pecan topping down into the sweet potatoes to help it adhere. Finally, drizzle the melted butter over the pecans and topping to add richness and help crisping.
- Bake: Place the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges and center are bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
- Draining and rinsing canned sweet potatoes removes excess syrup for better texture and flavor balance.
- You can substitute fresh cooked sweet potatoes if available, about 3 cups mashed, for a less sweet version.
- The pecan topping can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Use unsalted butter to control sodium levels more precisely.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and increase the topping flour and brown sugar slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: sweet potato casserole, pecan topping, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving recipe, creamy sweet potatoes, baked sweet potatoes
