The aroma of warm spices mingling with the sweet scent of caramelized sugar wafts through the air, promising a delightful experience. Sweet Potato Casserole with Buttery Pecan Topping isn’t just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a chilly evening, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. savory sweet potato snacks.
Every spoonful evokes memories of family holidays where laughter filled the room, and this casserole made its grand entrance. You can almost hear the clinking of forks and joyful conversations as people savor the creamy sweetness topped with crunchy pecans, making it an ideal choice for any festive occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Sweet Potato Casserole with Buttery Pecan Topping is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy cooks
- The flavor profile blends sweet and nutty elements that will please everyone
- Its visual appeal, with vibrant orange and golden brown hues, adds charm to any table setting
- Versatile enough for Thanksgiving or a weeknight dinner, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe
I remember one Thanksgiving when my cousin devoured an entire dish without sharing. We still tease him about it!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, vibrant oranges for the best flavor and nutrients in your casserole. For more inspiration, check out this crispy potato pancakes recipe.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning in your dish.
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Brown Sugar: Opt for light brown sugar to enhance the sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors.
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Pecans: Look for fresh pecans; they add both crunch and rich flavor to the topping.
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Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon brings warmth and depth to your sweet potato mixture.
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Eggs: These will help bind everything together and create a lovely texture.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile beautifully; skip imitation if you can.
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Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; you can substitute with almond or oat milk if desired.
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Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness perfectly!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube about 3-4 medium sweet potatoes until they’re bite-sized pieces that cook evenly.
Boil Until Tender: Place the cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for around 15 minutes or until fork-tender; no one likes hard potatoes!
Mash and Mix It Up: Drain your sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, milk, salt, and eggs. Mash everything together until it’s smooth like velvet.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon your delicious mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Make sure every corner gets its fair share of that creamy delight!
Create the Crunchy Topping: In a separate bowl, mix chopped pecans with melted butter and additional brown sugar. Sprinkle this buttery goodness generously over your mashed sweet potatoes.
Bake It Beautifully!: Place your casserole in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly. Keep an eye on those pecans; they should turn golden brown without burning!
Now that you’ve made this Sweet Potato Casserole with Buttery Pecan Topping, share it with family or save it all to enjoy yourself! layered potato gratin dish. buttery breakfast biscuits vegetarian layered dish.
You Must Know
- Sweet potato casserole with buttery pecan topping is a delightful dish
- The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a comforting experience perfect for any gathering
- This recipe also allows for easy adjustments based on personal preferences and available ingredients
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them while preheating your oven. This way, your casserole will be creamy and delicious. For more inspiration, check out this delicious ground beef casserole recipe.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap brown sugar for maple syrup or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth. Your unique twist can make this dish even more special!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to five days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When mashing sweet potatoes, ensure they are fully cooked for a smooth texture
- For extra flavor, toast pecans before adding them as a topping
- Always taste your mixture before baking to adjust sweetness or spices as needed
Sharing this recipe with friends during Thanksgiving was unforgettable; their smiles said it all as they dug into my sweet potato casserole!

FAQ
Can I prepare sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
What if I don’t like nuts?
You can easily omit the pecan topping or substitute with crushed graham crackers.
How do I make this dish vegan?
Replace butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Buttery Pecan Topping
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Sweet Potato Casserole with Buttery Pecan Topping is a heartwarming dish that combines creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this casserole captures the essence of comfort food with its delightful blend of flavors and textures. Each bite takes you back to cherished family moments, making it a must-have on your table.
Ingredients
- 3–4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Boil the cubed sweet potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes until tender. Drain.
- In the pot, mash sweet potatoes and mix in butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, milk, salt, and eggs until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans with melted butter and additional brown sugar. Sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 140g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg



