Welcome to a culinary journey that celebrates the warmth and joy of the holiday season! At the heart of many festive tables lies a dish that embodies comfort, tradition, and pure deliciousness: Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping. This recipe delivers a harmonious blend of creamy, spiced sweet potatoes crowned with a golden, crunchy, buttery pecan streusel. It’s a classic, heartwarming staple that consistently earns its cherished place, inviting everyone to gather and savor every spoonful.
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There’s something truly magical about sweet potato casserole. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a centerpiece that evokes memories of family gatherings, laughter, and abundant feasts. This particular rendition elevates the humble sweet potato to new heights, transforming it into a luxurious, velvety filling, perfectly spiced to awaken your taste buds. The star of the show, however, might just be the glorious pecan streusel topping. Imagine a rich, crumbly layer of toasted pecans, flour, and brown sugar, baked to a beautiful golden crispness that provides a delightful textural contrast to the smooth sweet potato base. It’s this irresistible crunch that makes everyone reach for seconds, or even thirds.
While this recipe might seem impressive, its beauty lies in its simplicity. You don’t need complicated techniques or a culinary degree to achieve spectacular results. The steps are straightforward, making it an ideal choice whether you’re orchestrating an elaborate holiday spread for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or simply craving a cozy, comforting dish for a Sunday dinner. This casserole looks sophisticated on any table, yet requires minimal fuss, allowing you more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones.
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any special occasion. Its hearty nature makes it an excellent accompaniment to savory roasts, such as a succulent turkey, a glazed ham, or a perfectly seasoned prime rib. At the same time, its inherent sweetness and lightness balance out other rich holiday side dishes, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Be warned: this dish has a tendency to vanish quickly from the serving platter, so consider making an extra batch if you’re hosting a large gathering or simply can’t resist indulging yourself!
Why This Recipe Is a Holiday Must-Have
This sweet potato casserole isn’t just a side; it’s a celebration in a dish. Its popularity stems from several key factors that make it indispensable for your holiday menu:
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is beautifully enhanced by brown sugar and vanilla, then expertly balanced with a hint of salt. This creates a complex flavor profile that isn’t overly saccharine.
- Irresistible Texture Contrast: The velvety smooth, creamy sweet potato base provides a comforting foundation, while the crisp, buttery pecan streusel topping offers a delightful crunch with every bite. This interplay of textures is what makes the casserole truly memorable.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple to execute. With clear instructions and readily available ingredients, even novice cooks can achieve a show-stopping dish.
- Versatile Pairing: It complements a wide array of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian options, making it a flexible addition to any holiday feast.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare components of this casserole in advance, significantly reducing stress on busy holiday cooking days.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Perfection
Crafting the perfect sweet potato casserole starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create both the creamy filling and the delightful streusel topping.
For the Velvety Filling:
- Sweet Potatoes: Aim for about 2 pounds of sweet potatoes. Varieties like Jewel or Garnet are excellent choices due to their moist texture and vibrant orange flesh, which yield a naturally sweet and creamy mash. Peel and dice them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. A little more or less than 2 pounds is perfectly fine; this recipe is forgiving.
- Unsalted Butter: Half a stick of melted unsalted butter adds luxurious richness and a wonderful flavor to the filling. Using unsalted butter gives you complete control over the total salt content in your dish. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it, but remember to omit or significantly reduce the additional salt called for in the filling.
- Milk: A half-cup of milk helps achieve that ideal creamy consistency. For an even more decadent and rich casserole, consider swapping the milk for heavy cream.
- Brown Sugar: A quarter-cup of packed brown sugar sweetens the filling and adds a warm, caramel-like undertone. Both light or dark brown sugar will work beautifully. Dark brown sugar will impart a slightly deeper molasses flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the overall sweetness and adds an aromatic complexity that really makes the flavors pop. Good quality pure vanilla extract is recommended, but artificial vanilla extract will also work well in a pinch.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon of kosher salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and bringing out the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes and other ingredients. I prefer kosher salt for its pure flavor and larger crystals, which are easier to measure accurately.
- Eggs: Two large eggs act as a binder, helping the casserole set and achieve a smooth, custardy texture once baked. Extra-large eggs are also suitable; this recipe isn’t overly fussy about exact egg size.
For the Irresistible Streusel Topping:
- All-Purpose Flour: Half a cup of all-purpose flour provides the structural base for the crumbly topping, ensuring it bakes up crisp and golden.
- Brown Sugar: Another half-cup of packed brown sugar contributes to the topping’s sweetness and helps it caramelize beautifully in the oven. For an even richer flavor, reach for dark brown sugar.
- Unsalted Butter: Yes, more butter! A full half-stick (or 1/4 cup) of melted unsalted butter is essential for creating that signature buttery crispness in the streusel. This recipe features a generous amount of butter, and it truly is worth every bit for the texture and taste it delivers.
- Salt: A quarter-teaspoon of kosher salt in the topping enhances the nutty flavor of the pecans and provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness, preventing the topping from being one-dimensional.
- Pecans: Three-quarters of a cup of chopped pecans are the star of the streusel topping. For an elevated flavor and extra crunch, I highly recommend lightly toasting the pecans before incorporating them into the mixture. This simple step brings out their inherent nuttiness, adding another layer of depth to the casserole.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready to create a holiday masterpiece! Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious sweet potato casserole. (For exact measurements and printable instructions, refer to the recipe card below.)
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes to the boiling water. Cook them until they are incredibly fork-tender, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your potato cubes. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly in a colander and allow them to cool slightly. For the creamiest, silkiest, and most lump-free texture, I highly recommend using a potato ricer to mash them until smooth. A potato masher will also work, but a ricer truly makes a difference.
- Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, generously grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter. A ceramic casserole dish is not only excellent for ensuring even baking, but its elegant appearance also makes it perfect for serving directly on your holiday table.
- Craft the Creamy Filling: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the melted butter, milk (or cream for extra richness), brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and the two large eggs. Whisk all the ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and well-incorporated. A balloon whisk is particularly helpful here, as it allows you to evenly integrate the eggs without the risk of overmixing the sweet potato puree. Once thoroughly combined, spread this luscious sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
- Assemble the Pecan Streusel Topping: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir these ingredients together with a silicone spatula or your fingertips until the mixture forms a coarse, crumbly texture. Gently fold in the chopped pecans. Remember, lightly toasting the pecans beforehand will intensify their flavor and add an extra layer of crunch.
- Top and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the prepared pecan streusel topping over the smooth sweet potato mixture in the baking dish. Ensure it covers the entire surface to guarantee a crispy topping in every bite. Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the sweet potato filling is set in the center (it should not be jiggly when gently shaken), and the streusel topping has turned a beautiful golden brown and is wonderfully crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the casserole to set further and makes for cleaner serving. Serve it warm, and prepare for rave reviews!
Chef Jenn’s Essential Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
To ensure your sweet potato casserole reaches its full potential, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Roast for Deeper Flavor: While boiling is quick and effective, baking your sweet potatoes ahead of time instead of boiling them can yield a significantly stronger, more concentrated sweet potato flavor. Roasting caramelizes their natural sugars, adding depth that boiling simply can’t achieve. Simply pierce sweet potatoes with a fork, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes until very tender, then scoop out the flesh.
- Toast Those Pecans: Don’t skip the step of lightly toasting the pecans before mixing them into the topping! This simple trick dramatically enhances their crunch, brings out their natural nutty aroma, and adds another layer of sophisticated flavor to your streusel. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly, or spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Double the Crunch: If you’re a fan of an extra-crunchy topping – and who isn’t? – feel free to double the streusel recipe. A thicker layer of buttery, nutty crumble makes this casserole even more irresistible.
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: Once you’ve added the eggs, mix the sweet potato filling only until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten in the sweet potatoes, leading to a gummier, less smooth texture.
- Achieve the Perfect Mash: As mentioned, a potato ricer is your best friend for an incredibly smooth and lump-free sweet potato base. If you don’t have one, use a sturdy potato masher and work until no large lumps remain.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Sweet potatoes vary in natural sugar content. Taste your mashed sweet potato filling before adding the full amount of brown sugar, and adjust to your preference. You might find you need slightly more or less depending on the inherent sweetness of your potatoes.
- Prevent Over-Browning: If your streusel topping starts to brown too quickly before the casserole is fully set, lightly tent the dish with aluminum foil. This will protect the topping while the interior finishes cooking.
Recommended Pairings for Your Holiday Feast
Make It a Meal: Complementary Dishes
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses and other side dishes, making it the star of any holiday meal. Here are some suggestions to build a complete and unforgettable feast:
- Classic Holiday Mains:
- Roasted Turkey: The sweet and savory notes of the casserole are a perfect counterpoint to the rich flavors of a traditional holiday turkey.
- Baked Ham: The brown sugar and spices in the casserole beautifully complement the salty, sweet glaze of a baked ham.
- Herb-Roasted Chicken: For a slightly less formal but equally delicious meal, a succulent herb-roasted chicken is an excellent choice.
- Prime Rib: For a truly luxurious holiday dinner, pair this casserole with a perfectly cooked prime rib.
- Essential Side Dishes:
- Green Bean Casserole: The creamy texture and savory flavors of a classic green bean casserole provide a lovely contrast.
- Homemade Stuffing or Dressing: A flavorful bread-based stuffing adds another comforting layer to the meal.
- Cranberry Sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, the tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the other dishes beautifully.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For those who love potatoes in all forms, a side of creamy garlic mashed potatoes offers a savory alternative.
- Fresh Salad: A light, vibrant salad with a vinaigrette dressing can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the richer dishes.
By combining this sweet potato casserole with these complementary dishes, you can create a complete, festive Thanksgiving or Christmas spread that will impress your guests and satisfy every palate.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing for a holiday meal can be hectic, but this sweet potato casserole offers excellent flexibility for make-ahead planning and efficient storage of leftovers.
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover sweet potato casserole should be stored in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from drying out.
- Reheating: To reheat, transfer the desired portion to an oven-safe dish. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until thoroughly warmed through, typically 15-25 minutes for individual servings, or longer for a larger portion. Covering loosely with foil for the first part of reheating can prevent the topping from over-browning, then remove for the last few minutes to re-crisp the streusel. While microwave reheating is possible, the oven method is preferred as it helps the pecan streusel regain its crisp texture.
- Freezing for Later: This casserole freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or enjoying long after the holidays.
- To Freeze Baked Casserole: Allow the casserole to cool completely after baking. Wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. You can freeze it directly in the baking dish if it’s freezer-safe, or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To Freeze Unbaked Casserole: Prepare the sweet potato filling and spread it into your buttered baking dish. Prepare the streusel topping separately and store it in an airtight bag or container. Wrap the casserole dish tightly (as above) and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then sprinkle the streusel on top and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from a chilled state.
- Thawing Frozen Casserole: For best results, thaw frozen casserole (baked or unbaked) overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat as directed above.
- Make-Ahead Components: To save time on the day of serving, you can:
- Peel and cube your sweet potatoes up to a day in advance and store them in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator (drain well before cooking).
- Prepare the mashed sweet potato filling (without the eggs) up to 2 days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. On baking day, gently warm the filling slightly, then whisk in the eggs before assembling.
- Prepare the pecan streusel topping up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
With these storage and make-ahead tips, you can enjoy this delightful Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping with minimal fuss, whether it’s for your main holiday event or a comforting treat weeks later.
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping
Equipment
- potato ricer
- 2-quart baking dish
- balloon whisk
- Silicone spatula
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 3 to 4 large sweet potatoes about 1 3/4 pounds, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter melted, plus more for greasing the baking dish
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup pecans chopped
Instructions
- Boil the cubed sweet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, 10-15 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and eggs until smooth. Spread evenly into the prepared dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Stir until crumbly, then fold in pecans.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the center is mostly set.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Bake the sweet potatoes ahead of time instead of boiling if you want a stronger sweet potato flavor.
- Lightly toast the pecans before mixing them into the topping for more crunch and nuttiness.
- Double the topping if you like your casserole extra crunchy.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.