Name: Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4 cups sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed); 0.5 cup milk (whole milk recommended); 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp butter (melted); 0.5 tsp vanilla extract; 0.5 tsp salt; 1 cup pecans (chopped); 0.5 cup brown sugar (packed); 0.25 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp butter (softened, for topping)

					
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Let’s talk comfort food. The kind that wraps you in a warm hug and makes you want to curl up on the couch with some good books. What is this Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole Recipe? I swear, every time I make it, I’m transported back to Thanksgiving at my grandma’s house, even if I don’t know what to make. It’s the middle of July. I can’t wait to What’s a good potato pie with nutty topping? What is your favorite Thanksgiving casserole? Isn’t it easy to make a cake? If you’re looking for that perfect dish that balances sweet and savory with a delightful crunch, then this is it. What is your answer?

What is a sweet potato pecan casserole recipe?

Think of it as the sweet potato’s cooler, more sophisticated cousin. It’s essentially a creamy, spiced sweet potato base topped with brown sugar, and pecans. Sweet potatoes are mashed until smooth and mixed with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. What are dreams made of? It bakes into a golden, crispy layer that perfectly complements the soft, sweet filling. It’s not overly sweet, which I really appreciate, and that nutty crunch just elevates the whole thing. Is it a classic?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

I could go on and on about this Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole Recipe for days. What I love most is how easy it is to throw together. Don’t let the “casserole” label intimidate you. Is it less fussy than making a cake?

The Flavor:The combination of sweet, earthy sweet potatoes, the warm spices, and the crunchy, buttery pecans. What is the best topping? What is a symphony of textures and flavors that dance on your tongue? It’s not too sweet which is perfect for me.
Simplicity:Is this a dump and stir recipe? A little bit of mixing, layering, and then boom – into the oven! I’m a beginner in the kitchen. I know it’s easy to do. How do I make it with one hand while holding a baby (not recommended, but it’s *that* easy!).

Cost-Sweet potatoes are super budget friendly, especially when they’re in season. What are some of the other ingredients you have in your pantry? I love that I can make something so delicious without breaking the bank.
Versatility:What is a casserole for Thanksgiving? I’ve served it as a side dish at potlucks, brought it to holiday gatherings and even enjoyed it for dinner. What is a comforting dessert to have on chilly evenings? Is it good with roasted chicken, ham, even vegetarian entrees? Can you adapt it to your dietary needs – I’ve tested it with almond milk, and it actually made me happy. Is it even creamier?

What are some of the easiest side dishes to make? What is your favorite sweet potato pecan casserole recipe? Is it like a hug in the dish, and who doesn’t need more of those?

How do I make a sweet potato pecan casserole?

Quick Overview

How do I make a sweet potato pecan casserole? How do I make a creamy sweet potato base? What’s the best way to prepare a pecan-studded topping? How do you layer it all in a baking dish, bake until golden and bubbly, and that’s it! What is the beauty of this recipe? Is it possible to whip up a smoothie without sweating?

Ingredients Notes:

What is the sweet potato base?

Sweet Potatoes: About 3 pounds, peeled and cubed. I prefer using garnet yams. They give the casserole that vibrant orange hue and extra sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a creamy texture. Use unsalted so you can control the overall saltiness.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. Can you use light or dark brown sugar?
Milk or Cream: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth consistency. I often use whole milk, but cream makes it extra decadent. I have tried almond milk and it works great!
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor and adds warmth. Don’t skip this!
Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a warm, comforting flavor profile.

For the Pecan Topping:

Pecans: Chopped pecan provides a nutty crunch that complements the sweet potato base. I like to toast them lightly before adding them to the topping for enhanced flavor.
Flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients together and create a crumbly texture. All-purpose flour works best, but you can also use gluten-free all purpose flour.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized topping.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crispy texture. Make sure it’s cold!
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I always line the bottom with parchment paper too, just to be extra safe! Set the dish aside while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to boil. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Is it possible to pierce a fork easily? Drain the sweet potatoes well and return them to the pot.

Step 3: Mash and Mix

Add butter, brown sugar, milk (or cream), eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to a large bowl. Mix well. How do you drain sweet potatoes in a pot? Use a hand mixer or potato masher to mash the sweet potatoes and combine all the ingredients until smooth. Set aside. Is it smooth and creamy? Make sure there are no lumps!

Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Set aside. Use a fork or your fingers to mix the ingredients together until they form an ice-cream. It should resemble coarse sand. If the butter is too warm, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

How do you spread the sweet potato mixture in a baking dish? Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Gently press the topping into the sweet potato mixture to help it adhere.

Step 6: Bake

What do you bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes? When the potato mixture is bubbly, it is not To prevent the topping from burning, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil during the cooking process. Is it necessary to bake for 15 minutes? I usually check it at 25 minutes just to be safe!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool before serving. How do you slice a sweet potato? Serve warm and enjoy!

What is the best way to serve it?

What should I serve it with?

Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?

For Thanksgiving dinner: What are some goodWhat is a classic Thanksgiving side dish? What is the best way to add a touch of sweetness and warmth to Thanksgiving?

For Holiday Gatherings:What are some good recipes for casseroles? What are some of the best crowd pleaser recipes?

As a Dessert: This casserole can also be served as a comforting dessert on a chilly evening. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. My kids absolutely love it this way.

With Roasted Chicken or Ham: The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of roasted chicken or ham. It’s a delicious and satisfying combination.

I also love serving it with a simple green salad to balance out the richness. It really is the perfect side dish!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole Recipe

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole Recipe even better. Here are my top tips:

Sweet Potato Prep: For the smoothest sweet potato mixture, make sure to cook the sweet potatoes until they are very tender. You can also use a food processor or immersion blender to ensure there are no lumps. I find that using garnet yams gives the best flavor and color, but any type of sweet potato will work.

Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the sweet potato mixture. Overmixing can result in a gummy texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Trust me, less is more in this case!

Pecan Topping Perfection: To enhance the flavor of the pecan topping, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the mixture. You can do this by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they are fragrant. Watch them carefully, as they can burn easily!

Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have pecans on hand, you can substitute them with other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour in the topping to make this casserole gluten-free. I’ve even used crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist!

Baking Tips: To prevent the topping from burning, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Also, keep an eye on the casserole and adjust the baking time as needed. Ovens can vary, so it’s always best to check for doneness.

Make Ahead Magic: You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and pecan topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the casserole and bake as directed. This is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: This Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

I always find that adding a pat of butter on top before reheating helps to retain moisture and keep the topping crispy. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the pecan topping with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. The ratio remains the same, and you shouldn’t notice a significant difference in taste or texture. I’ve made it this way countless times for my gluten-free friends!

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

Yes, I recommend peeling the sweet potatoes for the best texture. The skins can be a bit tough and may not break down completely during cooking, resulting in a less smooth casserole. Plus, peeling them gives the casserole a more uniform color and appearance.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

That’s a fun idea! To make this as muffins, simply prepare the sweet potato mixture and pecan topping as directed. Then, line a muffin tin with paper liners and fill each liner about 3/4 full with the sweet potato mixture. Sprinkle the pecan topping over the top of each muffin. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This would be perfect for portion control, too!

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in both the sweet potato mixture and the pecan topping. You can also substitute some of the brown sugar with a natural sweetener, such as maple syrup or honey. Start by reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup and taste as you go.

What can I use instead of the pecan topping?

If you’re not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, you can substitute the pecan topping with a streusel topping made from flour, butter, and brown sugar. You can also use crushed graham crackers or gingersnap cookies for a different flavor and texture. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try using toasted coconut flakes!

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole Recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a memory, a tradition, and a whole lot of deliciousness packed into one baking dish. The warmth of the spices, the sweetness of the sweet potatoes, and the crunch of the pecan topping create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and versatile enough to be enjoyed at any occasion. If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my Sweet Potato Pie or my Pecan Pie Bars! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking!

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Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole Recipe

What is a sweet potato pecan casserole recipe?

Why you’ll love this recipe?