If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that perfectly balances sweet and nutty flavors, the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Brown Sugar Recipe is an absolute gem. This casserole brings together creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping infused with rich brown sugar, creating a symphony of texture and flavor that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or a family dinner, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role to elevate the dish. From the naturally sweet and creamy sweet potatoes to the toasty crunch of pecans, each component adds a unique layer that builds a harmonious flavor profile and a delightful texture contrast.
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes: The creamy base that brings natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the richness.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder to ensure the casserole holds together perfectly.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Infuses a rich, buttery flavor into the sweet potato mixture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the mixture smooth and creamy without weighing it down.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the natural sweetness with a warm, fragrant note.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Creates a deep, caramel-like sweetness for the topping.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the crunchy topping for the perfect texture.
- 1/3 cup melted butter (for topping): Adds richness and helps the topping crisp up beautifully.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Provides a satisfying crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor contrast.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Brown Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the casserole gently and letting the topping get that irresistible golden brown without drying out the sweet potatoes.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, creamy mixture that will set the foundation for your casserole’s delightful flavor and texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour in the sweet potato mixture, spreading it out evenly. This ensures your casserole cooks uniformly and looks appealing when served.
Step 4: Create the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans until combined well. This crumbly mixture is what gives the casserole its trademark crunchy, sweet top layer.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base. Be generous and make sure to cover the surface, as this jewel of the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Brown Sugar Recipe is what adds fantastic texture and sweetness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling slightly around the edges, signaling the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy is locked in.
Step 7: Let It Cool Slightly
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. This short resting time lets it set just enough, making it easier to serve while still warm and luscious.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Brown Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of warmth and elegance, sprinkle some additional toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon right before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a small pat of butter on top can also enhance the creamy richness and add visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with classic roasted turkey or glazed ham, making it a favorite at holiday tables. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the sweetness with some crisp, earthy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins topped with pecan halves for a charming presentation. You can also layer this casserole with marshmallows for a sweeter twist or mix in some orange zest to add a bright, citrusy dimension to the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it just as delicious — if not more — the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, so the texture stays creamy and the topping retains some crunch.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover loosely with foil to avoid burning the topping, then uncover in the last few minutes to restore its crispness.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Yes! Canned sweet potatoes can be a good time-saving option. Just be sure to fully mash and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could affect the casserole’s consistency.
What if I’m allergic to nuts?
If pecans are off-limits, try substituting with toasted oats or crushed pretzels for a different type of crunch that still adds texture and interest without the nuts.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a vegan butter alternative and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer to keep the texture intact.
Is it possible to make the casserole gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with a gluten-free flour blend, and double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe and delicious dish.
How sweet is this casserole? Can I adjust the sugar?
This recipe strikes a balanced sweetness that complements savory meals, but you can reduce the granulated and brown sugars slightly if you prefer a less sweet side dish. Just keep in mind the sugars also contribute to the texture and browning.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Brown Sugar Recipe is a treasure worth keeping in your culinary repertoire. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, evokes warm memories, and tastes just as good on busy weeknights as it does at festive celebrations. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and watch it disappear with smiles all around.
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Brown Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Delicious Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting classic perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family meals. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are blended with sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and vanilla, then topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole offers a delightful balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a soft, smooth base and crisp topping.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Sweet Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Fill Baking Dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Make Topping: In a separate bowl, stir together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans until the mixture is evenly combined and crumbly.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the prepared topping mixture over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish to create a crunchy nutty crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors set and prevent burns.
Notes
- For a creamier casserole, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate; bake before serving to save time.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as part of a festive holiday spread.
