If you’re looking for a classic holiday side dish that’s rich, comforting, and loved by the whole family, this Brown Sugar Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect choice. Sweet, creamy mashed sweet potatoes combine with buttery brown sugar and warm cinnamon, topped with crunchy pecans and optional mini marshmallows. Every bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it an easy dinner recipe that pairs beautifully with holiday mains like turkey, ham, or roast chicken.

This casserole isn’t just for Thanksgiving or Christmas—it’s a cozy side for family comfort food meals any time of year. The aroma of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and toasted pecans filling your kitchen is irresistible. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, uses budget-friendly ingredients, and delivers a festive presentation without requiring advanced cooking skills.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

Quick and Easy Prep: Combine mashed sweet potatoes with a few pantry staples for a simple, stress-free dish. Perfect for easy holiday recipes.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Sweet, buttery, and nutty, with a hint of cinnamon, this casserole is family-approved and loved by all ages.
Festive and Beautiful: The golden pecans and optional marshmallow topping create a visually appealing dish for holiday dinner tables.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance for stress-free holiday meal prep.
Customizable Toppings: Swap marshmallows for extra pecans or add a streusel topping to suit your taste.
Healthy Alternatives Available: Use coconut milk or maple syrup for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor, ideal for healthy side dishes.

Ingredient Breakdown

Sweet Potatoes (4 cups, mashed) – Naturally sweet and creamy, they are the star of this casserole. They also provide fiber and essential nutrients, making it a healthy holiday side dish.
Brown Sugar (1 cup) – Adds rich caramel flavor and sweetness that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes, essential for classic comfort food recipes.
Milk (1/2 cup) – Provides creaminess and helps create a smooth, velvety texture. Substitute with almond or oat milk for dairy-free variations.
Butter (1/4 cup, melted) – Adds richness and enhances flavor while keeping the casserole moist. Key for holiday comfort cooking.
Eggs (2) – Bind the ingredients together, giving the casserole a light, fluffy texture.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.
Cinnamon (1/2 tsp) – Warm spice that balances the sweet flavors and adds a festive aroma.
Pecans (1 cup, chopped) – Provide a crunchy topping and nutty flavor, essential for traditional sweet potato casseroles.
Mini Marshmallows (1/2 cup, optional) – Adds a gooey, festive finish perfect for holiday dessert-inspired sides.

Brown Sugar Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

Pro Tips

Pre-Cook Sweet Potatoes: Boil or bake them until very tender for a smooth, creamy mash. This ensures a perfect texture for holiday comfort food.
Toast Pecans: Lightly toast pecans before adding them on top for extra crunch and deeper flavor, ideal for easy dinner party recipes.
Mix Carefully: Don’t overmix after adding eggs, to prevent the casserole from becoming dense.
Marshmallow Topping: Add marshmallows in the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent them from burning.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for convenience.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

Maple Syrup or Honey – Replace brown sugar with natural sweeteners for a healthier, gluten-free twist.
Coconut Milk – Swap regular milk for coconut milk to add subtle tropical flavor and creaminess.
Vegan Version – Use plant-based butter and milk, and skip marshmallows for a vegan-friendly casserole.
Spiced Variation – Add nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for a more aromatic holiday side dish.
Crunchy Topping Alternative – Swap marshmallows for a brown sugar and oat streusel topping for a nutty, textured finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Brown Sugar Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or baked chicken for a complete holiday meal. Pair with green vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh cranberry relish for balance. This casserole also doubles as a dessert side when topped with marshmallows, making it perfect for holiday entertaining or easy dinner party recipes.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Assemble the casserole but don’t bake, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake when ready.
Reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
Prep Ahead: Mash the sweet potatoes and mix ingredients a day ahead to save time during busy holiday cooking.

Cultural or Historical Notes

Sweet potatoes have long been a staple of Southern American cuisine and holiday traditions. This casserole, with its buttery, brown sugar, and pecan topping, reflects the rich flavors of traditional Southern comfort food while adding a touch of festive flair. It’s a dish that connects generations, often appearing at Thanksgiving and Christmas tables across the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mixture a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve. Perfect for stress-free holiday meal prep.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Can I make this recipe healthier?
Yes, swap brown sugar for maple syrup or honey, use coconut milk, and omit marshmallows for a lighter version.

Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely. Use plant-based butter and milk, skip eggs and marshmallows, and this dish is fully vegan-friendly.

Are there alternative toppings?
Yes! Replace marshmallows with a brown sugar-oat streusel, or add more toasted pecans for extra crunch.