Sweet potato casserole with a streusel pecan topping. This delicious side dish is a must-have for Thanksgiving dinner and also perfect for Christmas dinner (or any meal, really)!

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping in White Baking Dish

Sweet potato casserole is a beloved Thanksgiving dish, but it’s also delicious all year round. This version takes it to a whole new level with a brown sugar pecan crumble topping. Traditionally, it’s a side dish, but this variation can easily pass as a dessert.

Ingredients

This yummy side dish requires only a handful of ingredients. Here is what you’ll need for both the sweet potato mix and streusel topping.

Layer 1: Sweet Potato Filling

For the sweet potato layer, you likely have almost everything you need in the fridge or pantry. The canned yams may be the one exception.

Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients

1 large can sweet potatoes – yams in light syrup, drained; the large cans are around 29 ounces.

1/4 cup sugar – granulated white sugar.

1/2 cup milk – we use 2% milk.

1/2 cup butter – melted butter or margarine will work.

2 eggs – whole eggs, both whites and egg yolks.

1 tsp vanilla – pure vanilla extract.

➡ Where does vanilla come from? – learn more here.

Layer 2: Pecan Streusel Topping

The streusel topping is what takes this casserole to the next level. The best part—it only takes 4 simple ingredients.

Sweet Potato Casserole Topping Ingredients

1/3 cup flour – all-purpose flour.

3/4 cup brown sugar – light brown sugar, packed.

1/2 cup pecans – chopped pecans, you can buy chopped at the store or do your own chopping.

1/3 cup butter – melted butter or margarine will work.

Baked Sweet Potato Casserole in White Baking Dish with Scoop Gone

Supplies

  • 8 x 8-inch casserole pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Stand mixer or electric mixer with a medium mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl and spoon

Mixer: we love how a stand mixer (or hand mixer) makes the job of mixing the sweet potato layer much easier. But a potato masher or fork will work to mash the sweet potatoes as well.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

Follow these simple steps to make this tasty side dish.

Step 1 | Preheat oven to 350°F

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2 | grease baking dish

Next, prepare an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with baking spray.

Step 3 | sweet potato layer: drain sweet potatoes

Now, let’s make the sweet potato filling. Begin by draining the canned sweet potatoes and adding them to a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Step 4 | sweet potato layer: mash sweet potatoes

Mash the sweet potatoes using a stand mixer or an electric mixer. (You could also use a potato masher or fork.)

Mixing Sweet Potatoes in Stand Mixer

Step 5 | sweet potato layer: add remaining ingredients

Then add sugar, milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed sweet potatoes.

Adding Sugar, Milk, Butter, and Vanilla to Sweet Potato Mixture

Step 6 | Sweet potato layer: mix well

Blend this sweet potato mixture together until smooth.

Sweet Potato Filling Mixture

Step 7 | sweet potato layer: pour into pan

Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Pouring Sweet Potato Mixture Into White Baking Dish

Step 8 | Pecan Streusel Topping: mix flour and sugar

In a small bowl, mix together the flour and brown sugar.

Adding Brown Sugar, Pecans, and Flour to Mixing Bowl

Step 9 | Pecan Streusel Topping: add pecans

Next, add the chopped pecans and stir together.

Blending Pecan Brown Sugar Topping Mixture

Step 10 | Pecan Streusel Topping: add melted butter

Pour the melted butter over the flour, sugar, and pecan mixture. Mix well.

Blending Pecan Brown Sugar Topping Mixture with Butter

Step 11 | Pecan Streusel Topping: sprinkle over sweet potato layer

Then, sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato mixture. It should cover the entire surface of the sweet potato mixture.

Sprinkling Topping on Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 12 | Bake for 40 minutes

Bake the sweet potato casserole for about 40 minutes at 350°F. Or until the casserole no longer jiggles in the middle and the streusel has caramelized.

Finished Sweet Potato Casserole Before Baking

Step 13 | Remove from oven and serve

Remove from the oven and serve. This dish is so delicious when warm.

We serve this sweet potato dish every Thanksgiving and often on Christmas Eve. We hope you enjoy!

Serving Sweet Potato Casserole with Wooden Spoon

More About This Side Dish Recipe

  • Both the sweet potato filling and pecan topping whip up really fast; most of the time required is bake time.
  • It’s a must for our Thanksgiving dinner spread, and we also make it for Christmas Eve.
  • The recipe makes about 10 to 12 servings, and it’s easy to double if needed.
  • A dessert disguised as a side dish, the streusel makes this casserole sweet and delicious.
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

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This delicious sweet potato casserole is topped with a yummy brown sugar pecan crumble. The perfect side dish for Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner (or any meal)!

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 10 to 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

Sweet Potato Filling

  • 1 large can of sweet potatoes (29 ounces, yams in light syrup)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pecan Streusel Topping

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/3 cup melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Prepare an 8 x 8-inch casserole dish with baking spray.
  3. Drain the canned sweet potatoes.
  4. In a medium bowl, mash the sweet potatoes with a stand or electric mixer, or potato masher.
  5. Then add sugar, milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed sweet potatoes.
  6. Pour in the prepared baking dish.
  7. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, pecans, and melted butter.
  8. Sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato mixture.
  9. Bake for about 40 minutes.
  10. Enjoy warm right out of the oven.

Notes

  • You can easily double this recipe, be sure to add cook time and watch carefully.
  • Nutritional information is our best estimate.
  • Author: Kelsey Restemayer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 22.7 g
  • Sodium: 55.1 mg
  • Fat: 20.3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35.1 g
  • Protein: 3.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 78.1 mg
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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to commonly asked questions about making sweet potato casserole.

How to store sweet potato casserole leftovers

If you find yourself with a dish of leftover sweet potato casserole, there are a few options for storing it. Here are our recommendations.

  1. Fridge: the best way to keep sweet potato casserole fresh is to put it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days.
  2. Freezer: alternatively, you can freeze sweet potato casserole for up to 3 to 4 months. Be sure to use a freezer-safe container and thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How long can sweet potato casserole sit out?

In general, sweet potato casserole can be left out at room temperature for up to two hours. After that, it should be refrigerated or thrown away. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your sweet potato casserole without worrying about food poisoning.

Can I use fresh sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh produce instead of canned. Just note that this recipe uses canned sweet potatoes that are actually yams in light syrup. So the best substitute is freshly cooked yams.

Final Thoughts

Who doesn’t love a good sweet potato casserole around the holidays? This dish is always a crowd-pleaser, and for good reason. The combination of sweet potatoes, pecans, and brown sugar crumble is simply divine. If you’re looking for a show-stopping side dish to make for your next holiday gathering, this is the perfect option.

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