Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel

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This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel is the definition of comfort food for families. Creamy, buttery mashed sweet potatoes are baked beneath a golden, nutty streusel topping that adds the perfect crunch and sweetness. Each bite melts in your mouth — the warm, spiced filling paired with the crisp, caramelized pecans makes this dish an unforgettable side for any holiday or family dinner.

It’s a budget-friendly meal idea that doubles as both a side dish and a dessert, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. The natural sweetness of the potatoes blends perfectly with vanilla and butter, while the pecan topping creates a texture contrast that keeps everyone going back for seconds. Whether you’re planning healthy weeknight meals or looking for an easy Thanksgiving side, this recipe is guaranteed to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples and fresh sweet potatoes.
• Perfect for Holidays: A must-have side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
• Budget-Friendly: Feeds a crowd using inexpensive, wholesome ingredients.
• Family-Approved: Loved by both kids and adults for its creamy texture and crunchy topping.
• Versatile: Great as a dinner side, brunch dish, or even a dessert.
• Easy to Prepare Ahead: Ideal for meal prep recipes and busy cooking schedules.

Ingredient Breakdown

Sweet Potatoes (3 cups, mashed): The heart of the dish — naturally sweet, full of vitamins, and rich in flavor. They give this casserole its signature creamy texture and bright color.
Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and enhances their caramel flavor.
Eggs (2): Help bind the mixture and create a light, custard-like consistency when baked.
Milk (½ cup): Adds creaminess and smoothness to the mashed sweet potato filling.
Butter (½ cup total, divided): Adds rich flavor to both the filling and the topping — a key element in all comforting casseroles.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Deepens the flavor and adds warmth, turning this dish into a dessert-like side.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Chopped Pecans (1 cup): Bring crunch and nutty flavor to the topping, complementing the creamy base.
Brown Sugar (½ cup): Gives the streusel topping a rich, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
Flour (¼ cup): Helps bind the topping and create a crisp, crumbly texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect ResultsPro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: For the best flavor, boil or bake fresh potatoes instead of using canned.
• Mash Smoothly: Mash while warm for a lump-free texture; a hand mixer can make this even creamier.
• Don’t Overmix: Combine just until smooth — overmixing can make the filling dense.
• Chill the Butter for the Streusel: Cold butter creates a crumbly texture that bakes into the perfect crisp topping.
• Watch the Bake Time: Bake just until golden brown — about 30 minutes — to keep the topping crunchy but not overdone.
  These easy baking tips ensure that every spoonful delivers the ideal balance of creamy and crunchy.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute almond flour or oat flour for all-purpose flour in the topping.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar for a more natural sweetness.
• Nut-Free Swap: Replace pecans with rolled oats or sunflower seeds for a crunchy topping.
• Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and swap eggs for flax eggs.
• Add Spices: Enhance the flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cloves for a cozy holiday touch.
  These healthy recipe alternatives make this casserole easy to customize for any dietary need.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel

1. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potato Base: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
4. Make the Streusel Topping: In another bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Stir until it forms a crumbly mixture.
5. Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the pecan streusel evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
6. Bake: Bake for about 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
7. Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a side or dessert.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet potato casserole pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes and occasions:

• Holiday Meals: Serve alongside roast turkey, ham, or chicken for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Weeknight Dinners: Pair with grilled pork chops or baked chicken for an easy dinner recipe.
• Brunch Idea: Add to a weekend brunch spread for a sweet and savory option.
• Dessert Twist: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
  For a stunning presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup before serving.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
• Freeze for Later: Freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Tip: Divide leftovers into portions for quick, healthy lunch prep throughout the week.
  These meal prep ideas and freezer meal hacks make it easy to enjoy this classic dish anytime without stress.

Cultural or Historical Notes

Sweet potato casseroles have deep roots in Southern American comfort food traditions, where sweet potatoes were a staple crop and pecans grew abundantly. Over time, home cooks began topping mashed sweet potatoes with sugary crusts — first with marshmallows in the early 1900s, and later with the now-classic pecan streusel. Today, this dish remains a symbol of traditional holiday recipes — warm, welcoming, and nostalgic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake right before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

Can I substitute canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes, but drain them well and reduce the added sugar slightly since they’re already sweetened.

How can I make this dish healthier?
Try reducing sugar by half and using almond milk instead of regular milk. You can also use less butter in the streusel for a lighter version.

Can I add marshmallows on top?
Absolutely! Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a classic twist.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.

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